How can I allow my toddler to meet a dog?

[Ammy]

Only introduce your toddler to dogs you personally know.

I have two dogs. One is a happy 20lb boy, who easily gets excited and jumps on new people to say hello and lick their face. He's fine with younger kids, but needs to be constantly watched so he doesn't knock them down or accidentally scratch.

My other dog is a 55lb girl who is a bit skittish and is honestly afraid of hyper children. If the child is calm and just sitting, she is OK. But if the kid is running around and screeching, she runs to hide behind me. And if the kid runs at her, she growls. That's as far as it's gone, I know how she is so if I see the potential for that happening I get her away, I do not want her to bite someone.

So, being a dog owner with two dogs who are overall great, I ask you to NOT take your toddler to a dog park. That is two of my pet peeves combined, people bringing young children into the dog park, and people with no dogs coming to the dog park.

Also, going to the shelter isn't a good idea. Shelters are often non-profit and time you spend giving your toddler time to pet a dog is taking away from time the shelter can be working to find those dogs homes.

Only thing I would recommend is talking to a friend or relative who has a child-friendly dog. Do not let your kid near any strange dogs. Speaking on behalf of anyone who has a dog who is afraid of children, I would be horrified if my dog ever bit a kid. That kid would be scared of dogs, which I think is awful because dogs are incredible. Plus I'd likely have to muzzle my dog in the future, or put her down.