How to handle situation with family friend's dog that has nipped/bitten various kids 3 times

[Anonymous]

Dogs can and do suffer trauma. And sometimes that can explain behavior. But an explanation doesn't mean that you have to invite interactions.

You are right to teach your kids to ask before petting strange dogs. And a dog who isn't safe, your kids shouldn't be around. Kids and old people are most at risk around dangerous dogs, because they are physically weakest and most vulnerable.

I wouldn't let a kid over to that house while the dog is still there.

It's not for you to report the dog to animal services.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The dog needs to go. This is serious and will only get worse. The dog has bitten 3 different children? Including their own? And they still have the dog? I'm sorry but that just doesn't make any sense.
I would call Animal services and report the dog as well as the bite history. I would certainly never send my kids over there, nor would i let that dog into my home.
Absolutely negligent on the owners part, I can't tell if this is a troll post. Like....how? Why? What?!

This isn't your business. It bit their child and while that isn't great it isn't your business. I wouldn't go over to their house. You can only control yourself and calling animal control is a bit much

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The dog needs to go. This is serious and will only get worse. The dog has bitten 3 different children? Including their own? And they still have the dog? I'm sorry but that just doesn't make any sense.
I would call Animal services and report the dog as well as the bite history. I would certainly never send my kids over there, nor would i let that dog into my home.
Absolutely negligent on the owners part, I can't tell if this is a troll post. Like....how? Why? What?!

OP here--not a troll--we didn't learn that this was the THIRD incident until we saw the family yesterday after the most recent and third bite happened on Saturday night. The parent we saw also said that every time it has happened it has involved a child approaching the dog from behind and surprising it. This incident involved their own child crawling behind the dog underneath a table.

I wasn't sure if there's more we should do to raise to the family. Our kids love spending time at their house, but, I'm definitely nervous now given what we know. And I was pretty shocked when the parent justified the aggression by saying that the stray had been "raped" just did not sit well with me all around.

They have no idea what they are doing. They should be returning this dog to whatever rescue they got it from because they are a bad fit. Instead they will keep it until something even more serious happens to one of their kids or someone else. It doesn't make sense at all. Is it some kind of small terrier that they think is ok because it's little?

Or how about telling their children not to do the things that the dog does not like?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The dog needs to go. This is serious and will only get worse. The dog has bitten 3 different children? Including their own? And they still have the dog? I'm sorry but that just doesn't make any sense.
I would call Animal services and report the dog as well as the bite history. I would certainly never send my kids over there, nor would i let that dog into my home.
Absolutely negligent on the owners part, I can't tell if this is a troll post. Like....how? Why? What?!

OP here--not a troll--we didn't learn that this was the THIRD incident until we saw the family yesterday after the most recent and third bite happened on Saturday night. The parent we saw also said that every time it has happened it has involved a child approaching the dog from behind and surprising it. This incident involved their own child crawling behind the dog underneath a table.

I wasn't sure if there's more we should do to raise to the family. Our kids love spending time at their house, but, I'm definitely nervous now given what we know. And I was pretty shocked when the parent justified the aggression by saying that the stray had been "raped" just did not sit well with me all around.

They have no idea what they are doing. They should be returning this dog to whatever rescue they got it from because they are a bad fit. Instead they will keep it until something even more serious happens to one of their kids or someone else. It doesn't make sense at all. Is it some kind of small terrier that they think is ok because it's little?

Or how about telling their children not to do the things that the dog does not like?

We don't know if the kid was beating the dog on the head before getting bitten, or just touched a toy and the dog went crazy. It's not always so easy to not do the things a dog doesn't like. A dog who bites a kid so badly they go to the hospital, is probably not a good fit for this family.

[Anonymous]

The dog needs to be euthanized.

Definitely don't go to their house while they have the dog.

[Anonymous]

I have a hard time believing this is real.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You cant tell them what to do with their property, but you can certainly make sure your children are never around a dangerous dog. I wouldnt take my children over there at all.

this

[Anonymous]

I’m really curious about the rescue organization that allowed a family with elementary school aged children to adopt a traumatized, reactive dog.

[Anonymous]

OP here--thanks for all of the feedback. We haven't encountered this situation before and I was hoping to get thoughts on how to navigate or what seemed appropriate or inappropriate as far as boundaries and next steps especially as it relates to protecting our children.

The parent we saw last night was solo parenting for the week while their spouse was on work travel. I'm hoping the spouse's return might help to move the needle on the situation. The parent we saw was literally talking about choosing the ER in case the situation required a consult with plastics for the scarring. But, when my partner gently asked how they planned to proceed (ie would they be getting rid of the dog) the parent just said they planned to send it to obedience school. The family is also planning to host a holiday party at their house this month with multiple families and children in tow. I agree that it seems like a ticking time bomb. I'm hoping that as they weigh the situation they reach the hard but right choice that this dog is not a fit for their family.

[Anonymous]

OP again--forgot details that have been asked about--smaller mutt mix, probably ~15 lbs or less, and their child was crawling behind the dog following it under the table when the incident happened.

[Anonymous]

My kids would never be in that household again. Even if they euthanize their dog, this shows an incredible disregard for children's safety.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You cant tell them what to do with their property, but you can certainly make sure your children are never around a dangerous dog. I wouldnt take my children over there at all.

+1

With that dog’s history of biting I can’t believe you’re even considering letting your kids go to their house. That would make you negligent.

What they do with their children and their dog is their business, even though I think that dog is not safe to be around children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You cant tell them what to do with their property, but you can certainly make sure your children are never around a dangerous dog. I wouldnt take my children over there at all.

I make an amendment. I agree you cannot tell others what to do about their dog.

However, if I were invited there, I would ask if there is anywhere they can restrain the dog, whether a room with a closed door, a crate, a yard, or perhaps a room that can be gated off for the dog to keep the dog away from the children playing. If the hosts cannot provide that, then you decline the invitation. If the host is willing to provide a separation of some sort between the dog and the children, I would accept the invitation.

[Anonymous]

Report them to CPS.

[Anonymous]

I had friends who reacted similarly. The dog bit a few times and then bit their child on the face, necessitating stitches. They then muzzled the dog when other people were there but not around their own kids, even having the kids on the floor around the dog so it was again at the level of their face. It was shockingly careless behavior tbh.

After another attack and trip to the ER it was reported and they euthanized the dog. It turned out it had a brain tumor.

OP, if you are considering attending the holiday party I would ask if they can crate the dog or lock it in a bedroom. I would keep your kids in the same room with you so you can leave if the dog gets out or is brought out. Or, I'd be more inclined to skip.

I'd also be leery of having your kids go to that house even once the dog is no longer there. This shows you their judgement and safeguarding attitudes.