How can I allow my toddler to meet a dog?

[Verulam 2]

I'm not sure whether this is a great idea at all to be honest. With the greatest respect, little children under 2, really don't understand that a dog isn't another toy. I was at the vet's with my Basset on Saturday and there was a toddler in there, with their cat. She was transfixed by my Basset, who being stitched up with two incisions, and back at the vet's office after being in on Wednesday last for the surgery, was not exactly in a good frame of mind to be responsive to a 'small'. Thankfully her mum appreciated this and told her daughter that the doggie is at the Doctors and doesn't feel very well, so leave him alone. I'd suggest, like Jen VT says, there are many owners who'd prefer not to have a very young child bother their dog. Even the most stable of dogs may not welcome this attention.

I'd just explain for now that this is the case - let her watch dogs, but not touch. Right now, she doesn't need to interact with dogs first-hand. And certainly the idea of doing this in a Shelter or in the Park makes me cringe. One bad experience and she could be put off dogs for life. Wait - there's plenty of time and maybe when she's over 5, you will feel like getting her a dog of her own?

Add - In the past, I've taken a puppy of mine into a local Junior School so the class could see, but not necessarily touch one, and understand what a puppy is all about. It was cute to have them all sitting around listening and taking in all I was telling them.