You should definitely be in touch with your rescue group. Good ones can be a source of support by providing training, possibly free. You probably signed a contract which includes a return guarantee. If the problem is this specific dog one possibility is to exchange it for another more family friendly dog from the same group.

Dog is not put to sleep yet? Sad choice, but you really have to follow the one bite rule in your home. One bite, then ramp up the training and rewards. Two bites, then gone.

I would definitely take the dog back and explain the situation so that the shelter can rehome him accordingly. Would be best to do this before your child(ren) developed a fear of dogs because of the poor behavior exhibited by this one. Dogs can indeed have psychological issues and owning one, while also having young children, doesn't sound like a good mix. Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks to PPs. It isn't a breed issue - the dog is large and is a breed known for being good with kids. We've had this breed before. So far the bites haven't broken the skin (or at least not more than a scratch) but they are getting harder and harder. If the dog ever really clamped down, it would be ugly. The dog could easily take my 6 year old's hand off.

This answers your concern. Which do you prefer to keep the dog or the hand?

When the shelter places an animal, their responsibility is to evaluate the animal for aggression and appropriateness with kids, among other things. It seems they failed to do this.

Bye bye doggy.

OP< this is a dog that needs training. If you are not willing to give it what it needs, it is better off going back. Pet owners need to know what they are getting into. A dog is not a stuffed animal.

I believe in being humane to animals and following through with care. I get tired, for example, of parents who buy small animals at the pet store because they are cute and then drop them off at a shelter 6 months later.

i also, however, feel disgusted when dogs are treated like people, and as if they're needs trump ours. Repeated biting is just not acceptable. The dog may do better in a structured humane shelter anyway.