Even with an older dog, I get lots of requests from the neighborhood kids to pet him. It's actually a great educational opportunity. First, I praise the kids for asking first (not all dogs are friendly). Second, I show them how to approach the dog and to pet him on his back, not on top of the head. For many dogs, this is a dominance issue; they will let their owners do it but don't like strangers doing it. And then, of course, there's the issue of stroking gently, not going "whack, whack." If the few minutes' delay in our walk should keep even one child from being bitten by a dog in the future, it will have been worth while!

Consider that 6 years is half (or more) of a dog's life span.

Hysson and I spent over 3 years in obedience training classes. It wasn't cheap, but it was worth it. I learned more than the dog did! Of course, we still review the lessons daily during our walks and around the house.