Help: dog snapped at DS' face

[Anonymous]

The rescue isn't holding up their end of the deal here and frankly doesn't seem to have the adult judgment that's needed here. OP should do the right thing here, and in this case that means not trusting the rescue based on their prior behavior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not the OP but just wanted to point out that when you adopt from a rescue, you sign a contract. Every rescue I'm familiar with requires that you return the dog to the rescue. Essentially, the dog belongs to the rescue. So all the comments about putting the dog down or taking it to the vet are misinformed. The dog can successfully be rehomed in a home without young kids.

The rescue misrepresented the dog and may be in breach of contract. OP may be able to rehome the dog, rather than return it to the rescue, if she wishes.

[Anonymous]

PLEASE think really hard before giving up on the dog. Dogs aren't disposable, they are family, and you have a responsibility to work with them and teach them just as you would any family member.

This was one incident, and no one got hurt. The dog is still new to your family and it's going to take time for your children and the dog to learn about each other. Your son probably pushed the dogs face away in an upsetting manner to the dog, and the dog let him know.

I understand that you are frightened for your children, but please don't overreact to one incident. Can you hire a dog trainer or attend obedience classes? Your whole family should be involved in training the dog basic obedience commands - this builds the language that you can communicate with him in. Additionally, pay attention to the dog, and if you notice things that annoy him, make sure your kids don't do them. Some dogs will put up with a behavior for a while before they snap, so look for any sign that the dog is uncomfortable (tail down, ears back, eyes looking away) and teach your kids these signs, too. A quick google search of dog body language will find you plenty of resources on what to look out for. Your children are old enough and your dog is young enough that once you master a few commands and develop a communication style with him, things will go much smoother.

Also, make sure the dog has a safe place to retreat to if he's getting overstimulated. Crate training is a wonderful tool for creating a calm, safe place for the dog. You can also crate the dog while you are doing especially consuming activities and won't be able to monitor him with your children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PLEASE think really hard before giving up on the dog. Dogs aren't disposable, they are family, and you have a responsibility to work with them and teach them just as you would any family member.

This was one incident, and no one got hurt. The dog is still new to your family and it's going to take time for your children and the dog to learn about each other. Your son probably pushed the dogs face away in an upsetting manner to the dog, and the dog let him know.

I understand that you are frightened for your children, but please don't overreact to one incident. Can you hire a dog trainer or attend obedience classes? Your whole family should be involved in training the dog basic obedience commands - this builds the language that you can communicate with him in. Additionally, pay attention to the dog, and if you notice things that annoy him, make sure your kids don't do them. Some dogs will put up with a behavior for a while before they snap, so look for any sign that the dog is uncomfortable (tail down, ears back, eyes looking away) and teach your kids these signs, too. A quick google search of dog body language will find you plenty of resources on what to look out for. Your children are old enough and your dog is young enough that once you master a few commands and develop a communication style with him, things will go much smoother.

Also, make sure the dog has a safe place to retreat to if he's getting overstimulated. Crate training is a wonderful tool for creating a calm, safe place for the dog. You can also crate the dog while you are doing especially consuming activities and won't be able to monitor him with your children.

Wow, you sound like the perfect person to take the dog. Can you post your info so oP can drop It off with you? Seriously op has put a ton of energy into the dog and it hasn't worked. It is not reasonable to expect someone to keeP a dog with a real chance of dangerously attacking their child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PLEASE think really hard before giving up on the dog. Dogs aren't disposable, they are family, and you have a responsibility to work with them and teach them just as you would any family member.

This was one incident, and no one got hurt. The dog is still new to your family and it's going to take time for your children and the dog to learn about each other. Your son probably pushed the dogs face away in an upsetting manner to the dog, and the dog let him know.

I understand that you are frightened for your children, but please don't overreact to one incident. Can you hire a dog trainer or attend obedience classes? Your whole family should be involved in training the dog basic obedience commands - this builds the language that you can communicate with him in. Additionally, pay attention to the dog, and if you notice things that annoy him, make sure your kids don't do them. Some dogs will put up with a behavior for a while before they snap, so look for any sign that the dog is uncomfortable (tail down, ears back, eyes looking away) and teach your kids these signs, too. A quick google search of dog body language will find you plenty of resources on what to look out for. Your children are old enough and your dog is young enough that once you master a few commands and develop a communication style with him, things will go much smoother.

Also, make sure the dog has a safe place to retreat to if he's getting overstimulated. Crate training is a wonderful tool for creating a calm, safe place for the dog. You can also crate the dog while you are doing especially consuming activities and won't be able to monitor him with your children.

Wow, you sound like the perfect person to take the dog. Can you post your info so oP can drop It off with you? Seriously op has put a ton of energy into the dog and it hasn't worked. It is not reasonable to expect someone to keeP a dog with a real chance of dangerously attacking their child.

+100

[Anonymous]

OP here. I was going to let this thread die because this has been a painful week for my family. But seeing these additional posts made me want to post an update. So, the dog is still in our house. And I can hear most of you yelling at me right now. I called the rescue Monday morning and it took until last night at 9 p.m to finally get someone on the phone for a real conversation. That conversation left me so frustrated, I can't even describe. The rescue coordinator said she would get me in touch with a great trainer, we should walk away when G is getting bitey, we need to train our kids. etc. I know all of this and told her so, and asked her bottom line, what is the process to return her. She said that it would be a very difficult process because they don't have a lot of fosters to go around, so it might take a while to find her a place to go, and that I should be aware that nothing good can come out of this, it will be a very traumatic experience for G.. she went on and on. I had been very calm about things up until then but at that point I got really upset and explained to her (as calmly as I could) that THIS IS A DOG. My responsibility is to MY CHILDREN. Ugh. So frustrated still.

I know you all don't know me and you're probably thinking why is this woman so wishy-washy and letting the rescue walk all over her? A good friend of mine who I talked to about this told me to "get NY on the rescue's ass" (seeing as I am a hard-ass from Queens), but it's hard when there are so many emotions involved. I am still determined to rehome her but every day it gets harder. You can all yell at me now, I deserve it.

[Anonymous]

The dog needs to go. He will do it again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I was going to let this thread die because this has been a painful week for my family. But seeing these additional posts made me want to post an update. So, the dog is still in our house. And I can hear most of you yelling at me right now. I called the rescue Monday morning and it took until last night at 9 p.m to finally get someone on the phone for a real conversation. That conversation left me so frustrated, I can't even describe. The rescue coordinator said she would get me in touch with a great trainer, we should walk away when G is getting bitey, we need to train our kids. etc. I know all of this and told her so, and asked her bottom line, what is the process to return her. She said that it would be a very difficult process because they don't have a lot of fosters to go around, so it might take a while to find her a place to go, and that I should be aware that nothing good can come out of this, it will be a very traumatic experience for G.. she went on and on. I had been very calm about things up until then but at that point I got really upset and explained to her (as calmly as I could) that THIS IS A DOG. My responsibility is to MY CHILDREN. Ugh. So frustrated still.

I know you all don't know me and you're probably thinking why is this woman so wishy-washy and letting the rescue walk all over her? A good friend of mine who I talked to about this told me to "get NY on the rescue's ass" (seeing as I am a hard-ass from Queens), but it's hard when there are so many emotions involved. I am still determined to rehome her but every day it gets harder. You can all yell at me now, I deserve it.

One other thing, I wanted to make it clear to one of the PPs: there were no warning signs (whites of eyes showing, tail indications, ears, etc) because G was lying down in her bed, licking at my son's face. She looked totally relaxed and content. I've seen her show stress signals and I always shoo my kids away when that happens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I had been very calm about things up until then but at that point I got really upset and explained to her (as calmly as I could) that THIS IS A DOG. My responsibility is to MY CHILDREN. Ugh. So frustrated still.

I know you all don't know me and you're probably thinking why is this woman so wishy-washy and letting the rescue walk all over her? A good friend of mine who I talked to about this told me to "get NY on the rescue's ass" (seeing as I am a hard-ass from Queens), but it's hard when there are so many emotions involved. I am still determined to rehome her but every day it gets harder. You can all yell at me now, I deserve it.

What will it take for you to get the dog out of your house? A second incident? Because the chances of that go up every day that dog stays in your home. I'd tell the rescue that they have 24 hours to find a new home for the dog or you will take it to the shelter.

[Anonymous]

Your rescue organization is acting without integrity. They don't want to take the dog back because they made their money and they don't want to spend more. Of course it's hard to foster a dog that acted that way towards a child unprovoked, but I don't think this rescue cares much about dog welfare based on their behavior. You're going to need to go hard-ass if you want to give the dog back to the rescue, but personally I would just call them back, say that you'll take care of this yourself, and cut ties. Then either have the dog put down by your vet (and explain the history to the vet) or take it to a shelter with a very, very clear description of its history.

[Anonymous]

Dear OP, I am sorry about your experience with the rescue. I volunteer for a rescue and I can tell you that--WHENEVER A CHILD IS INVOLVED--we will immediately come and take the dog. Yes, it's a hassle for rescues--most of which are run by volunteers--to find a new foster home on short notice BUT, when the safety of a child is involved, we do what we have to do to get the dog out of there. Like your rescue, we also would try to see if some additional training would help the situation and encourage you to do everything you could to keep the dog but, again, not when a child is involved. You sound like a caring owner (trust me, many are not) and that you have tried your best. The snapping behavior is a warning. The dog may never bite….but you will never know for sure. My DC (then 8 y.o.) was bit in the face by a much smaller dog under similar circumstances and that was not fun. Give the rescue a few days to find a foster home but be firm about needing to rehome him. Frankly, I would wait to get another dog until all my kids are at least 10.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I was going to let this thread die because this has been a painful week for my family. But seeing these additional posts made me want to post an update. So, the dog is still in our house. And I can hear most of you yelling at me right now. I called the rescue Monday morning and it took until last night at 9 p.m to finally get someone on the phone for a real conversation. That conversation left me so frustrated, I can't even describe. The rescue coordinator said she would get me in touch with a great trainer, we should walk away when G is getting bitey, we need to train our kids. etc. I know all of this and told her so, and asked her bottom line, what is the process to return her. She said that it would be a very difficult process because they don't have a lot of fosters to go around, so it might take a while to find her a place to go, and that I should be aware that nothing good can come out of this, it will be a very traumatic experience for G.. she went on and on. I had been very calm about things up until then but at that point I got really upset and explained to her (as calmly as I could) that THIS IS A DOG. My responsibility is to MY CHILDREN. Ugh. So frustrated still.

I know you all don't know me and you're probably thinking why is this woman so wishy-washy and letting the rescue walk all over her? A good friend of mine who I talked to about this told me to "get NY on the rescue's ass" (seeing as I am a hard-ass from Queens), but it's hard when there are so many emotions involved. I am still determined to rehome her but every day it gets harder. You can all yell at me now, I deserve it.

One other thing, I wanted to make it clear to one of the PPs: there were no warning signs (whites of eyes showing, tail indications, ears, etc) because G was lying down in her bed, licking at my son's face. She looked totally relaxed and content. I've seen her show stress signals and I always shoo my kids away when that happens.

And just why are you still giving this dog a happy home? I've had multiple dogs and never had to shoe away, deal with evil out of the blue snaps, etc. In an all adult household would the dog have responded differently? Who wants to sit on the couch watching TV with a dog that lets loose? That rescue misrepresented the dog from the beginning.

[Anonymous]

when save rates trump common sense
http://www.peta.org/blog/happens-save-rates-trump-common-sense/

You're damned if you defend yourself and your family or pets successfully by dog first freaks:
http://www.times-herald.com/local/20140901-Dog-euthanized-after-stabbing-at-PetSmart

wohler and some posters expected this man to let the rescue pit shred his dog!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your rescue organization is acting without integrity. They don't want to take the dog back because they made their money and they don't want to spend more. Of course it's hard to foster a dog that acted that way towards a child unprovoked, but I don't think this rescue cares much about dog welfare based on their behavior. You're going to need to go hard-ass if you want to give the dog back to the rescue, but personally I would just call them back, say that you'll take care of this yourself, and cut ties. Then either have the dog put down by your vet (and explain the history to the vet) or take it to a shelter with a very, very clear description of its history.

Also I suspect the rescue knew of prior concerning behavior by the dog they chose not to disclose. There are excellent rescue organizations but there are plenty of unethical ones too, unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I was going to let this thread die because this has been a painful week for my family. But seeing these additional posts made me want to post an update. So, the dog is still in our house. And I can hear most of you yelling at me right now. I called the rescue Monday morning and it took until last night at 9 p.m to finally get someone on the phone for a real conversation. That conversation left me so frustrated, I can't even describe. The rescue coordinator said she would get me in touch with a great trainer, we should walk away when G is getting bitey, we need to train our kids. etc. I know all of this and told her so, and asked her bottom line, what is the process to return her. She said that it would be a very difficult process because they don't have a lot of fosters to go around, so it might take a while to find her a place to go, and that I should be aware that nothing good can come out of this, it will be a very traumatic experience for G.. she went on and on. I had been very calm about things up until then but at that point I got really upset and explained to her (as calmly as I could) that THIS IS A DOG. My responsibility is to MY CHILDREN. Ugh. So frustrated still.

I know you all don't know me and you're probably thinking why is this woman so wishy-washy and letting the rescue walk all over her? A good friend of mine who I talked to about this told me to "get NY on the rescue's ass" (seeing as I am a hard-ass from Queens), but it's hard when there are so many emotions involved. I am still determined to rehome her but every day it gets harder. You can all yell at me now, I deserve it.

One other thing, I wanted to make it clear to one of the PPs: there were no warning signs (whites of eyes showing, tail indications, ears, etc) because G was lying down in her bed, licking at my son's face. She looked totally relaxed and content. I've seen her show stress signals and I always shoo my kids away when that happens.

OP, this week has been crazy with the weather. I can see how it would be difficult to do anything about the dog earlier this week. But today or tomorrow, you can call a nearby shelter and tell them that you're coming by to surrender a dog. Tell them everything that you know about the dog, good and bad. Done.