dog bit grandson

I think it puts a whole new light on the owner's relationship with the dog. I wouldn't want to keep a dog that had bitten my grandson in the face. Some owners search for other solutions but how many tragedies have happened where we blame the owners and not the dog??

It's not a responsibility I would want.

There are other alternatives to be considered, having the dog put down isn't the only solution.

I agree with Mishap and Ana. This will happen again sure as eggs is eggs.

This is a warning that must be heeded.

I guess rehoming might work. But i'd get rid of the dog if I were you.

put

My grandfather had his dog put down when the dog only snapped at the friends of my two year old father. It was the right thing to do.

The child's safety is paramount. Have the dog out down and then maybe the child will be allowed to continue visiting.

I agree with Mishap. Absolutely. There's no room for sentiment where a child's wellbeing is, or may be, at risk.

It's a dog. Just.

My comment wasn't meant to be funny.

Jinglbellsfrocks, why do you feel the need to make such an unnecessary unhelpful comment? I know we're all entitled to our views, and to express those views, but there really is no need to be quite so nasty when someone is obviously upset (or, for that matter, at any other time).

Actually, we had a fairly boisterous dog when my older two DC were small, we had him before the children. He started to growl at DD1, she was about 2 and a half and used to corner him behind the sofa; we had to have him re-homed and found a family with much older teenagers, and he readjusted and was very happy. You really can't risk not seeing your DGS.

Yes, good idea, a large cage and/or a muzzle. Not sure how old your grandson is, but my DGD is 2 and she is quite rough with the cat, they just don't understand at that age, but DIL keeps persisting in telling her to be gentle.

Can you organise an outdoor run for the dog?

It is sad for everyone, but the bottom line is that no dog should be near small children, especially this one. Even loved family pets and breeds that are usually good-natured can have off days (just as we can) and the results are too dreadful to think about. I understand how difficult it is but the dog has to go, or the GC have to stay away. There is no way a child's safety or facial integrity can be sacrificed to an attachment to a pet.

I missed jingles post and also agree it was very insensitive and a nasty thing to say to someone who is obviously having a hard time.
To you seasider I send my best wishes and hope for a good outcome for you.

If I were in that situation, I would ensure a combination of a gated area where the dog can relax without the interference of a small child to provoke him and a muzzle when in the presence of the small child. The dog was not being vicious but responding in a natural doggish way to the child being rough with him. I would also continue to teach the child not to be rough with the dog as well as not to put his face near him.

I really feel for you, an awful situation to have happened for all parties involved. We have six dogs and two young children living together, luckily all get on but whenever any of their friends come into the house all the dogs are locked up in my part of the house. When the elder GC was two she was bitten on the face by one of our rescues. Since this was the second time although it broke our hearts she had to be put down.

Since you only have the one dog what about getting a large dog crate and keeping the dog in that when visitors come. Put her bedding, toys etc in to make it comfortable. She is still with you as part of the family but totally protected from little prods and fingers. Just a thought, we have done this often in the past.

I hope as a family you resolve this and you are able to keep your lovely little pet.

I really and truly feel for you. How old is your grandson? What a shame his dad was not keeping a good eye ont he situation and didn't stop this from escalating. How bad was the bite- just a quick warning nip- or a proper and serious bite? Are they back from hospital?

The dog needs proper assessment from a good trainer- and serious training from now on- and of course must never be left with children unless YOU are there- put a child gate on the lounge door so if you have to be in another room the dog comes with you.

But whatever steps you take- your DS and his ex will possibly use this as an excuse to stop visits- and if this happens you will have to make that really HUGE decision- whether to re-home the dog where no children are present and with an experienced and trained dog-owner, or have the dog euthanazed (and still face DS's ex refusing to have the children visit....).
It's a dreadful situation. Tell us how you get on and send news of your grand-son- is he OK???

I am sorry jingle, but as a dog lover who has been in the same situation in the past- I truly feel your comment was just dreadful.

DD1 has just had to have her older dog put down (old age and illness); she was a staffie cross with some pit bull (they don't live in this country). She was a wonderful dog and excellent with people she knew and very protective of DGS, as with all the family. BUT DD1 never let her alone with DGS just in case. You have to decide what to do, but don't let them be in the same room, you will have to shut her away when he visits. Perhaps she has a sore somewhere that the little one caught? Our little dog used to growl to warn DC off, but never bit them.

My 13 month old grandson once got hold of each of our border collie x, rescue dogs ears. He gently pulled them apart, as my daughter and I both instantly called, let go X, as we walked from opposite ends of the room towards the dog and child. The little boy instantly let go, and the dog put her head back on her feet and lay quietly. It happened in a second. That little boy is now 20 and just brilliant with dogs. The border collie lived to a contented old age, and was always wonderful with children. I accept, we were very lucky. The dog came to our family when we had a 2 and 3 year old so we knew she was good with children. But, if she'd snapped, no=one could have blamed her. The children learned very quickly not to ever get in a dogs face, and we remained highly vigilant with our own dogs, and foster dogs.

seasider what a dilemma. You've had lots of advice, but the decision is yours and or your children's to make. I hope it wasn't a bad injury, how frightening for the child.

Jingle that comment was not funny, was insenstive and totally uncalled for.

I agree with LizG I think that the dog was provoked. I do hope that the little fellow is okay and will not be afraid of dogs.

Poor you seasider your little dog must have been greatly provoked because Shih Tzu have lovely natures. I agree you should give your dog a second chance either closing him in the bedroom which must remain out of bounds or in kennels if the visit is longer.

As soon as possible I would organise training sessions on a one to one basis for you and the dog. You would be seen to be doing something positive and they do work. I do hope your grandson is not too sore. This might just teach him a lesson that he should do what he is told.

Fingers crossed that this will be sorted out quickly and that the mum is more sympathetic than you expect.

Jings I agree your comment was insensitive in the extreme. Sometimes your sense of humour really lets you down.

In a case like this my first reaction would be to have the dog put down, but I can't help but feel there's more to what's happened here and hope that, if that does happen, it's been thought through very carefully [which I'm sure it will be]. I suppose the main concern is that, if a dog does this once it's more likely to do it again even if it did bite because of being provoked. Feel desperately sorry for eveyone concerned.

jingle - I can't imagine a much worse scenario than one of my dogs biting any child. My dogs are part of the family. It's clear from Seasider's post that her dog has previously shown no signs of this kind of behaviour. I sympathise with the position she is now in and I found your comment both insensitive and hurtful.

I am so sorry about this and it is unusual for Shih Tzu dogs to do this unless they have really been teased and are usually very good natured. I have two so I know, but my DD has one and my DGS really winds the dog up some times and she does give a warning growl as if to ask us to remove him. I know you didn't say how old the child is but could this have happened and personally if it was me, with this breed I would not have it put down. Children have to be protected I know but they also need to be taught from a young age how to treat animals and to be kind to them, which is what we are doing with our DGS, he has started to go and kiss mine, he has never had chance to wind my two up because we never let him get the chance. Of course my DD has to do other things so cant always watch every minute.