Thanks so much for all of the advice and suggestions.
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I think it's good for kids to know certain things about strange dogs: don't run up to them, don't surprise them, don't stare them down; do offer your balled up fist for them to smell. It's also good for kids to know that dogs have "base," meaning when they are on their beds, porches, etc., don't mess with them.
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Bluedaisy, Thanks. My dd is fully aware of all of these rules about dogs and approaching/not approaching them. The fact is, she is an intense and "eccentric" kid; she would never, with wild abandon, quickly approach anyone or anything, ever!
Spay, I know for sure that more education/discussion about dog behavior would be beneficial for her, because knowledge is power/necessary for her. However, much of this is less about a fear, which would not really get out of control, but more about her coping with the fact that these were unexpected events for her, out of the ordinary of her plan, and that does not go over well, kinda like the "red curtain" movie theater fiasco. Most of all I realize, after much further consideration, and knowing her like I do, that she really needs time to process these events rather than additional animal exposure for now.
I should have realized from my first sentence that this was much about me, though I did not let on my evolving feelings to her and never showed fear. I think I have quite a bit of dog knowledge, years of obedience with my father, several dogs I trained as an adult, two of whom were rescued from extremely abusive and unsafe homes (my beloved Dane and another Dane that we fostered for Gentle giant.) I was completely and utterly shocked at the awful awful event 'down the road' in Texas. It is a tragedy of unimaginable proportions.
Boxerlady, I just wanted to be really clear that my post was in no way an indictment of pit bulls. I merely stated the facts. My dear friend has rescued them for years; I know the awful things that insensitive humans have done to them.
Thanks again.