biting dog

[meiram]

Once a dog bites your child, is there anything you can do besides getting rid of it?  

[meiram]

Well, of course I am not happy that my child got bit, but she does seem to have more of a respect for him than she did before this happened. I have tried telling her about keeping her distance while he is eating or sleeping, but I guess some lessons you just have to learn by experience.  Even if you are only 2 :(

[April2]

I think in a situation like this he wasn't being aggressive but was startled because he was sleeping. It's good that you're getting a trainer. That should help a lot. It's really important to teach little ones not to bother a dog when they're sleeping or eating. I know that's hard with a 2 year old because they just don't understand. You may have to be extra careful and have the dog near you or on your lap when your child is around or have the dog in it's kennel or away from the child when you can't be right there. I know things can happen in a split second so it's hard. Even the most gentle dogs can bite sometimes. I hope everything works out for you and that your trainer can give you some tips, etc. I would hate to see you have to give up the dog to. Best wishes!

[meiram]

right under her eye, didn't break the skin but did leave a mark.  He is generally pretty good with her.  He was curled up sleeping on the couch and she crawled up (she is 2 yrs old) to give him a hug and pushed on him a little when trying to sit back up again.  Before I knew what was happening, he bit her.  Anyway, I made a few phone calls and have a trainer coming to give us some sessions starting next week.  I really hope it works, we love him a lot.  It would be sad to give him up.  

[thepurpleviolet]

What a bummer. how bad a bite? what was the kid doing? eye level? pulling tail? or jump on kid - that happened to me - dog was tied up in house - I stepped on tail and it jumped and bit and my family ditched him - depends on the dog's disposition - they can be trained to associate getting attention from you when kid is around and so feel more positive. You also have to be the boss - if they don't feel you are the boss there is trouble - that does not mean being mean. Good books on this - but you must protect your child.