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I've had a dog for about six years, a chubby little German shepherd/Australian cattle dog/ Heinz 57 mutt. Today, my dog bit my one year old daughter on the face. My daughter was not provoking the dog, just sitting next to her and petting her. Needless to say, I kinda turned into DAD HULK and the path between the couch and the back yard was filled with fists, kicks, and the fury of a thousand suns. There are some nice teeth marks on the side of my kids face, and the only reason she wasn't bleeding is the fact that my dog is too fat and can no longer reach her sides with ease. I'm thinking of having the animal destroyed, but my wife doesn't want to. I'd like some opinions and some logical for and against.
P.S. My dog is treated very well, and I monitor my kids to make sure they aren't pulling fur, poking eyes, picking noses, or pestering the dog too bad.
It's just so out of character for her. She's been around my kids for the past two years (my oldest is two), and she's always gotten along with other children before that. I don't want to rehome her because I don't want her biting someone else, and this is the second time she's bitten a child recently. The first time the kid was pulling her hair while she was asleep and startled her awake, but if it happens again, I think I'll no choice but to put her down. She's normally a sweet dog, but ever since we moved (over a year ago) she's been a little off. It's only very recently that she's been getting more aggressive. I do think I may have been a little hasty in suggesting she be put down, but I was raised that a dog should never bite a person, and a dog that bites a child has committed an unforgivable act. I realize that dogs nip when they play, and can nip when they are upset, but this was not normal. I'll try and keep them separated for the time being.
Hi, i think you maybe need to get the dog checked out at the vets to see if theres a reason. you may have to muzzle the dog whilst around your children, it could be its just turning into a grumpy git. But to be on the safe side keep them apart or use a muzzle. my son was bit quite badly bitten with my ex mum in laws dog took a chunk out of his forehead, no reason, i was sat on the chair, my son who was 5 lying on the settee and the dog a cross german shepard lying on the floor near the settee, he just snapped for no reason. My son had 6 stitches and a scar. They didnt like it but i insisted the dog was put in another room when we went round with the kids. The dog went on to bite a little girl on the face who was visiting some months later, they then kept it away from any child. be careful
I agree, I don't think that having the dog put down is the best way to go, if you fear the same will happen again then re home the dog to a family that don't have children.
But I also agree that maybe you should get the dog checked at the vets in case there is something wrong.
Darren
wow, what a tough one. I would imagine that your first instinct is to protect your child.
It sounds like your dog isn't dealing well with the house move. It sounds like you moved about the same time your daughter was born - am I correct ?
Have you considered speaking to an animal behaviour expert ? There should be a few in your local area and they usually are not very expensive. They may be able to help - some times the solution may be some slight changes to the environment or your routine, but if they are able to help keep a much loved family pet with the family then that may be worth a small cost outlay. Failing that - consider rehoming her, there are charities that can help you - rehoming her with new owners where she will be loved and looked after. You can make sure she isn't homed with children.
Is this of any help?
Gooner
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