Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We adopted a rescue dog about a year ago. We were told that he was a greyhound mix but according to one of those DNA tests, he is ~ 24% pit and the rest is Golden Retriever, Chow Chow, and Chihuahua.

Anyway, I'm just feeling a little unnerved by him because of the news about that horrible pit attack on the two babies.

He's a sweet dog but can be skittish around strangers. For this reason, we require our kids (youngest is 11 and oldest is 15) to be very careful about how they approach him or pet him. They know to gently put their hand out to allow him to sniff first and not to put their hands on top of his head. We're careful about observing his body language and respecting his boundaries if he seems tense, if he's yawning or licking his lips a lot, if he's giving whale eyes, and especially if his tail is tucked. They know not to approach him on his bed and to never bring friends or strangers around him. He's very open and affectionate with me and DH, probably because we feed him. For exercise and boarding, he goes to a specialty daycare and his file is accompanied by a warning that he might bite so I don't worry about that too much. They know how to handle dogs like him and he has warmed up to the staff considerably. Daycare has definitely been helping his socialization issues. But how do we know if he is a ticking time bomb at home?

He doesn't have the typical pit musculature or jaw, does that matter? He has a long narrow snout and long skinny legs (which may be why the shelter thought he was part greyhound).

I'm just a little unnerved by this idea that a loving family dog who has been nothing but perfect for years can suddenly snap and maul two kids and their mom.

I am unnerved about all the considerations and modifications you have had to make.

+1

I can’t believe you make your kids live this way in their own house. My God. Way to teach them where they rank to you.

OP here. I’m sincerely baffled by this so hopefully someone could explain in a non snarky way? I don’t think the kids are “walking on eggshells” around the dog just because we’ve taught them to note his body language and leave him be when he wants space. Or when he’s in his “safe space” on his bed (we don’t use a crate). I also don’t think it’s a bad thing that they’re not allowed to bring their friends around the dog. Who cares? Why is that a big deal? They are still allowed to pet/cuddle/play with the dog when he wants to and they want to, which is often.

They truly love and enjoy the dog. I don’t understand this idea that you all have that we’re putting the dog before them. He’s a rescue dog, he has “special needs” lol. I’m kidding but also not. We don’t know what his history was but he has scars on his body and he was stray at least for a while.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We adopted a rescue dog about a year ago. We were told that he was a greyhound mix but according to one of those DNA tests, he is ~ 24% pit and the rest is Golden Retriever, Chow Chow, and Chihuahua.

Anyway, I'm just feeling a little unnerved by him because of the news about that horrible pit attack on the two babies.

He's a sweet dog but can be skittish around strangers. For this reason, we require our kids (youngest is 11 and oldest is 15) to be very careful about how they approach him or pet him. They know to gently put their hand out to allow him to sniff first and not to put their hands on top of his head. We're careful about observing his body language and respecting his boundaries if he seems tense, if he's yawning or licking his lips a lot, if he's giving whale eyes, and especially if his tail is tucked. They know not to approach him on his bed and to never bring friends or strangers around him. He's very open and affectionate with me and DH, probably because we feed him. For exercise and boarding, he goes to a specialty daycare and his file is accompanied by a warning that he might bite so I don't worry about that too much. They know how to handle dogs like him and he has warmed up to the staff considerably. Daycare has definitely been helping his socialization issues. But how do we know if he is a ticking time bomb at home?

He doesn't have the typical pit musculature or jaw, does that matter? He has a long narrow snout and long skinny legs (which may be why the shelter thought he was part greyhound).

I'm just a little unnerved by this idea that a loving family dog who has been nothing but perfect for years can suddenly snap and maul two kids and their mom.

I am unnerved about all the considerations and modifications you have had to make.

+1

I can’t believe you make your kids live this way in their own house. My God. Way to teach them where they rank to you.

OP here. I’m sincerely baffled by this so hopefully someone could explain in a non snarky way? I don’t think the kids are “walking on eggshells” around the dog just because we’ve taught them to note his body language and leave him be when he wants space. Or when he’s in his “safe space” on his bed (we don’t use a crate). I also don’t think it’s a bad thing that they’re not allowed to bring their friends around the dog. Who cares? Why is that a big deal? They are still allowed to pet/cuddle/play with the dog when he wants to and they want to, which is often.

They truly love and enjoy the dog. I don’t understand this idea that you all have that we’re putting the dog before them. He’s a rescue dog, he has “special needs” lol. I’m kidding but also not. We don’t know what his history was but he has scars on his body and he was stray at least for a while.

Anonymous wrote:Considering you just got it I’m assuming this is a young dog? If it’s still alive when your teens have kids are you going to rehome it in its old age or just accept not being able to host your grandchildren?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We adopted a rescue dog about a year ago. We were told that he was a greyhound mix but according to one of those DNA tests, he is ~ 24% pit and the rest is Golden Retriever, Chow Chow, and Chihuahua.

Anyway, I'm just feeling a little unnerved by him because of the news about that horrible pit attack on the two babies.

He's a sweet dog but can be skittish around strangers. For this reason, we require our kids (youngest is 11 and oldest is 15) to be very careful about how they approach him or pet him. They know to gently put their hand out to allow him to sniff first and not to put their hands on top of his head. We're careful about observing his body language and respecting his boundaries if he seems tense, if he's yawning or licking his lips a lot, if he's giving whale eyes, and especially if his tail is tucked. They know not to approach him on his bed and to never bring friends or strangers around him. He's very open and affectionate with me and DH, probably because we feed him. For exercise and boarding, he goes to a specialty daycare and his file is accompanied by a warning that he might bite so I don't worry about that too much. They know how to handle dogs like him and he has warmed up to the staff considerably. Daycare has definitely been helping his socialization issues. But how do we know if he is a ticking time bomb at home?

He doesn't have the typical pit musculature or jaw, does that matter? He has a long narrow snout and long skinny legs (which may be why the shelter thought he was part greyhound).

I'm just a little unnerved by this idea that a loving family dog who has been nothing but perfect for years can suddenly snap and maul two kids and their mom.

I am unnerved about all the considerations and modifications you have had to make.

+1

I can’t believe you make your kids live this way in their own house. My God. Way to teach them where they rank to you.

OP here. I’m sincerely baffled by this so hopefully someone could explain in a non snarky way? I don’t think the kids are “walking on eggshells” around the dog just because we’ve taught them to note his body language and leave him be when he wants space. Or when he’s in his “safe space” on his bed (we don’t use a crate). I also don’t think it’s a bad thing that they’re not allowed to bring their friends around the dog. Who cares? Why is that a big deal? They are still allowed to pet/cuddle/play with the dog when he wants to and they want to, which is often.

They truly love and enjoy the dog. I don’t understand this idea that you all have that we’re putting the dog before them. He’s a rescue dog, he has “special needs” lol. I’m kidding but also not. We don’t know what his history was but he has scars on his body and he was stray at least for a while.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We adopted a rescue dog about a year ago. We were told that he was a greyhound mix but according to one of those DNA tests, he is ~ 24% pit and the rest is Golden Retriever, Chow Chow, and Chihuahua.

Anyway, I'm just feeling a little unnerved by him because of the news about that horrible pit attack on the two babies.

He's a sweet dog but can be skittish around strangers. For this reason, we require our kids (youngest is 11 and oldest is 15) to be very careful about how they approach him or pet him. They know to gently put their hand out to allow him to sniff first and not to put their hands on top of his head. We're careful about observing his body language and respecting his boundaries if he seems tense, if he's yawning or licking his lips a lot, if he's giving whale eyes, and especially if his tail is tucked. They know not to approach him on his bed and to never bring friends or strangers around him. He's very open and affectionate with me and DH, probably because we feed him. For exercise and boarding, he goes to a specialty daycare and his file is accompanied by a warning that he might bite so I don't worry about that too much. They know how to handle dogs like him and he has warmed up to the staff considerably. Daycare has definitely been helping his socialization issues. But how do we know if he is a ticking time bomb at home?

He doesn't have the typical pit musculature or jaw, does that matter? He has a long narrow snout and long skinny legs (which may be why the shelter thought he was part greyhound).

I'm just a little unnerved by this idea that a loving family dog who has been nothing but perfect for years can suddenly snap and maul two kids and their mom.

I am unnerved about all the considerations and modifications you have had to make.

+1

I can’t believe you make your kids live this way in their own house. My God. Way to teach them where they rank to you.

OP here. I’m sincerely baffled by this so hopefully someone could explain in a non snarky way? I don’t think the kids are “walking on eggshells” around the dog just because we’ve taught them to note his body language and leave him be when he wants space. Or when he’s in his “safe space” on his bed (we don’t use a crate). I also don’t think it’s a bad thing that they’re not allowed to bring their friends around the dog. Who cares? Why is that a big deal? They are still allowed to pet/cuddle/play with the dog when he wants to and they want to, which is often.

They truly love and enjoy the dog. I don’t understand this idea that you all have that we’re putting the dog before them. He’s a rescue dog, he has “special needs” lol. I’m kidding but also not. We don’t know what his history was but he has scars on his body and he was stray at least for a while.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We adopted a rescue dog about a year ago. We were told that he was a greyhound mix but according to one of those DNA tests, he is ~ 24% pit and the rest is Golden Retriever, Chow Chow, and Chihuahua.

Anyway, I'm just feeling a little unnerved by him because of the news about that horrible pit attack on the two babies.

He's a sweet dog but can be skittish around strangers. For this reason, we require our kids (youngest is 11 and oldest is 15) to be very careful about how they approach him or pet him. They know to gently put their hand out to allow him to sniff first and not to put their hands on top of his head. We're careful about observing his body language and respecting his boundaries if he seems tense, if he's yawning or licking his lips a lot, if he's giving whale eyes, and especially if his tail is tucked. They know not to approach him on his bed and to never bring friends or strangers around him. He's very open and affectionate with me and DH, probably because we feed him. For exercise and boarding, he goes to a specialty daycare and his file is accompanied by a warning that he might bite so I don't worry about that too much. They know how to handle dogs like him and he has warmed up to the staff considerably. Daycare has definitely been helping his socialization issues. But how do we know if he is a ticking time bomb at home?

He doesn't have the typical pit musculature or jaw, does that matter? He has a long narrow snout and long skinny legs (which may be why the shelter thought he was part greyhound).

I'm just a little unnerved by this idea that a loving family dog who has been nothing but perfect for years can suddenly snap and maul two kids and their mom.

I am unnerved about all the considerations and modifications you have had to make.

+1

I can’t believe you make your kids live this way in their own house. My God. Way to teach them where they rank to you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Overreacting much? All the posters shaming OP need to stop. Her kids are learning to be kind and considerate human beings who know the world does not revolve them. Not sure why it’s so hard to understand that when you get a dog, the dog learns to live with humans and the humans learn to live with the dog. It’s mutual and reciprocal.

You all are basically suggesting that a dog who’s done nothing wrong so far should be rehomed because of his potential to do something wrong. Your lack of loyalty and empathy is mind-boggling. I wonder what you’re teaching your kids when you give up on a living being at the first sign of (potential) hassle.

+1000. It's clear why there is over-crowding in shelters. This dog has done NOTHING but growl, which is exactly what dogs do when they are faced with something that is bothering them. It's their warning signal! And it's a good thing. Jesus, the amount of people that say it should be rehomed should never, ever, get a dog.

And you should never be allowed around kids.

People like you and the PP give a lot of insight into how children learn their bodily integrity and boundaries are irrelevant and not important. The comfort of a dog is more important to you than a child’s right to be safe in their own home. Insanity.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Overreacting much? All the posters shaming OP need to stop. Her kids are learning to be kind and considerate human beings who know the world does not revolve them. Not sure why it’s so hard to understand that when you get a dog, the dog learns to live with humans and the humans learn to live with the dog. It’s mutual and reciprocal.

You all are basically suggesting that a dog who’s done nothing wrong so far should be rehomed because of his potential to do something wrong. Your lack of loyalty and empathy is mind-boggling. I wonder what you’re teaching your kids when you give up on a living being at the first sign of (potential) hassle.

+1000. It's clear why there is over-crowding in shelters. This dog has done NOTHING but growl, which is exactly what dogs do when they are faced with something that is bothering them. It's their warning signal! And it's a good thing. Jesus, the amount of people that say it should be rehomed should never, ever, get a dog.

Anonymous wrote:Overreacting much? All the posters shaming OP need to stop. Her kids are learning to be kind and considerate human beings who know the world does not revolve them. Not sure why it’s so hard to understand that when you get a dog, the dog learns to live with humans and the humans learn to live with the dog. It’s mutual and reciprocal.

You all are basically suggesting that a dog who’s done nothing wrong so far should be rehomed because of his potential to do something wrong. Your lack of loyalty and empathy is mind-boggling. I wonder what you’re teaching your kids when you give up on a living being at the first sign of (potential) hassle.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does your dog have a bite warning at daycare?

The kid in this case were babies. Your kids are older. It's incredibly rare for there to be any fatal dog attacks at all - but when there is one, it's usually babies or very old people, because they are most frail.

My family had a pittie for 15 years. She died 10 years ago, without having harmed anyone in her whole sweet life.

Don't get weird about your dog. We also don't know the whole story with what happened here. It is very unlikely that the dogs just suddenly became Cujo out of nowhere. But that said, no matter what type of dog you have - exercise caution. Never ever ever leave a baby alone with a dog, especially a big dog.

^ Also, start having your kids feed the dog. Make sure they know the dog, and know how to behave around him. Make sure they have a relationship. Part of dog safety - at home, and out in the world - is learning how to interact safely with dogs. Leaning how to read their body language. Perhaps take the dog for some classes and have the kids participate, too. The dog might not need to learn anything, but it will help them all bond and teach them how to read and behave around each other.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If be more nervous about the Chow in him.

Are you a Chow expert? Just wondering.

Chows are less aggressive than aloof. They are famous for their aloofness. I had a chow chow who was not very expressive--he wasn't a bounding furball of joy, but he also never reacted when all the neighborhood dogs used to bark at him.