I think some kids are just afraid of big dogs. Your retriever is probably as gentle as my lab.
Yes, I guess that’s it. I’m sure there’s a reason, maybe they have been bitten or menaced by a big dog. I was always drawn to animals as a kid. But I find a lot of people who draw AWAY from my dog (I keep her leashed off my property and I don’t let her approach strangers unless they show an interest). It just surprises me how many people shrink away from her.