I was walking my two shih-tzus in the park this morning and I could hear someone calling a dog loudly in another part of the park. As we walked round to this side of the park, it looked like a cross with a spaniel and something else. I think it was a young dog. It came bounding over to mine and started nipping at both of them. I quickly tried to get them on their lead and called over to the chap to ask him to do the same. (He was playing football with his children). He sent the little boy over, who was about 7yrs old to get the dog. It was having none of it and thought it was a game. The man came over and called the dog. When it didn't take any notice he called it again and said "Do you want to have your head kicked". He didn't touch the dog and the children carried on playing with the dog running around. I walked away feeling awfull as I think his bark was worse that his bite so to speak but what example was he giving to those children. I am sure the dog only wanted to play but because mine are quite small they get frightened if a dog is too bouncy around them. Neadless to say it ruined my walk it upset me to hear someone speak like that. I looked back a few times and the dog was playing quite happily.

Lets hope that it was just a figure of speech and not actions!!   As you said  he's not setting his children a good example.   Try not to let it upset you.

I often say to my dalmatian that I'll give her another black eye if she doesn't behave.
It's only a figure of speech.
Hopefully it was for him also.

Meg has really pointy ears so i sometimes say "I'll chop your ears off/ i'll string you up by your ears if you don't behave" but i wouldn't ever do it.

My Gran used to tell me she'd put me in the dogs' home with my ears tied back - spent years as a child picturing the scene and wondering how they did it!
Tracy

I say to my kids,and the dogs when they start I will bash your heads together if you carry on. And I will throttle you. A figure of speach which I hope is the same as what that man was saying.
(BTW, my kids KNOW I wouldnt do either!!!!!!!!!)
Lea :)

I tell Abby that she is going to the dogs home if she doesnt behave not that I ever would.
Mary