What can I do with my pet dog who bit a child?

[anitalaing]

I am very upset as have a small terrier dog who was in our back garden last night, when my 10 yr old son had his two friends there playing and running, my dog just ran and grabbed one of the boys legs and has cut it quite badly. i cleaned the wound and took the boy home and offered to take him to hospital. the parent of the boy was very understanding as she had been in my position in the past and had her dog destroyed! She hasnt demanded anything of me but i feel its wrong to keep a dog who is a danger to any of the children who play with my son, i cant destroy him as I love him too much but want to rehome him where he is away from children and perhaps muzzled when out, not sure what my options are?

[sandyRoe]

A muzzle for when he's out, or when there are children in you garden?

[Bobbisox]

the little lad should have a tetanus jab anita, but that is a dilemma your'e in, I agree...training maybe the answer

[woofgang]

Its extremely hard to rehome a dog who has bitten a child. Can you get advice from a local dog rescue organisation?

[woofgang]

Not to rub it in to you...you have enough to worry about, but for others who read this thread, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS have your dog under full control around running children and adults, especially if there is noise as well.

[wolf63]

I think that it could be a 'one off' incident and was just a result of the dog getting excited when playing. However how do you feel about the dog now? If your attitude towards it has changed, if you no longer trust it then I feel that is a major problem - he will pick up on your emotions.

All dogs have the potential to be problem dogs - training of both the dog and the humans in its life is the best way to avoid problems.

Good luck

[yelenots]

Did you see it happen? Was your dog being nasty ie growling and showing his teeth? Are you sure your dog wasnt just playing coz they were getting him over excited with all the running about?

[tamborine]

Other parents will avoid allowing their children to play at your home. Advertise dog on Gumtree for re-homing.

[wolf63]

Could it have been in 'self defence'? Some kids push dogs too far and the dogs get the blame.

Only *you* know your dog.

[carmalee]

this is the very reason many rehoming centres won't let a terrier go with young children. Their high pitched voices and tendency to charge around are practically guaranteed to excite a terrier's hunting instinct and therefore cause it to bite - terriers also bite hard and quick to dispatch their prey. Two options, rehome the dog to one where there are no children or keep it locked up when the kid's are playing. It's very difficult (and unfair) to try and train a dog not to follow its instincts - that's why Border Collies are such a problem when not in a working invironment. Having said that it may not have been the dog's fault - the fact remains fairly or unfairly it will get the blame though and you can't afford to have a repeat incident.

[sara3]

I don't think it matters "why" the dog bit the child. it did.. and that's enough.

ask your vet, Anita.. but if you want to keep him you must get a muzzle to avoid this happening again.

[woofgang]

or keep him away from the children...

[karenmac60]

My dog nipped my daughter's hand a few years ago - she grabbed at him while he was eating - but I was very wary of him afterwards. I felt sick even looking at him and my daughter was heartbroken at the thought that I might send him away. I had a long talk with her about not going near him in certain situations and I watched him like a hawk for ages after, but it was a one off - he is never an aggressive dog normally and has never been anything other that a loving playful dog with her. Keep the dog muzzled when the children are playing and be very watchful.

[tamborine]

You haven't responded, I wish you would. At least remove the dog elsewhere (for its safety) till this quietens down.