dog bit grandson

It is sad for everyone, but the bottom line is that no dog should be near small children, especially this one. Even loved family pets and breeds that are usually good-natured can have off days (just as we can) and the results are too dreadful to think about. I understand how difficult it is but the dog has to go, or the GC have to stay away. There is no way a child's safety or facial integrity can be sacrificed to an attachment to a pet.

Can you organise an outdoor run for the dog?

Yes, good idea, a large cage and/or a muzzle. Not sure how old your grandson is, but my DGD is 2 and she is quite rough with the cat, they just don't understand at that age, but DIL keeps persisting in telling her to be gentle.

Actually, we had a fairly boisterous dog when my older two DC were small, we had him before the children. He started to growl at DD1, she was about 2 and a half and used to corner him behind the sofa; we had to have him re-homed and found a family with much older teenagers, and he readjusted and was very happy. You really can't risk not seeing your DGS.

Jinglbellsfrocks, why do you feel the need to make such an unnecessary unhelpful comment? I know we're all entitled to our views, and to express those views, but there really is no need to be quite so nasty when someone is obviously upset (or, for that matter, at any other time).

It's a dog. Just.

My comment wasn't meant to be funny.

I agree with Mishap. Absolutely. There's no room for sentiment where a child's wellbeing is, or may be, at risk.

My grandfather had his dog put down when the dog only snapped at the friends of my two year old father. It was the right thing to do.

The child's safety is paramount. Have the dog out down and then maybe the child will be allowed to continue visiting.

put

I guess rehoming might work. But i'd get rid of the dog if I were you.

I agree with Mishap and Ana. This will happen again sure as eggs is eggs.

This is a warning that must be heeded.

There are other alternatives to be considered, having the dog put down isn't the only solution.

I think it puts a whole new light on the owner's relationship with the dog. I wouldn't want to keep a dog that had bitten my grandson in the face. Some owners search for other solutions but how many tragedies have happened where we blame the owners and not the dog??

It's not a responsibility I would want.

Any news seasider? How is your little grandson?

30 years ago our Golden Retriever bit my daughter's nose.She was a crawling toddler at the time and the dog was feeding.With hindsight, I should have been more careful and more vigilant.We had the dog put down.We had 3 more children, 4 or 5 more dogs but no more accidents or near misses.It was a hard lesson to learn , but, in my opinion, no dog can ever be totally trusted near a child.

I assumed from what OP said that this was out of character for the dog but I see on a previous thread that there was in fact an earlier warning.

What previous thread?

This onea bout a grumpy dog. The grumpy dog.

Oh...yes I see.

If your GS was being rough and hurting the dog then he must bear some responsibility for what has happened. Do not pay any attention to mishap she has said before she simply does not like dogs and is therefore biased.

Frstly I hope your GS is not seriously hurt. And there will be no scarring.

Secondly a two-year old dog is still young and not fully trained. How old is your GS?

You need to make sure the rough child and the dog are kept apart. I have two small dogs, they are around when my young GC are here, most days. The children would never rough house the dogs. Even at 2,3 and 4 they know that is not allowed. Luckily my dogs are older and more mature anyway.

Make no hasty decisions. This us a case of managing what has happened and having a plan for the future until both dog and GS are older and wiser. It must NOT be allowed to ever happen again though.

While I was writing my post the 'grumpy dog' thing was posted. That changes everything. I thought this was a first offence, and even said this most not be allowed to happen again. This dog needs to be rehomed away from children.

This might just teach him a lesson that he should do what he is told.

A harsh lesson for the grandchild Liz.

From the dog's point of view, this is his home and the child is a visitor. Sorry to be harsh but the adults should have been far more vigilant knowing that a) the dog is not used to living with children b) a two year old can't be trusted to be gentle with a dog and c) the golden rule is that a dog can never be trusted 100% around children.

Not only have the adults failed to protect the child but they have failed to protect the dog from feeling threatened on its home territory with tragic consequences. In my view it would be most unfair to compound this by having the dog put down. Of course the dog can never now be trusted to live with children but as it doesn't do so I can't see why this is a problem. Why not take the sensible suggestions above such as keeping the dog in a crate, or a separate room, or even in kennels when your grandson will be visiting. It would be far too risky to put them together again at least until your grandson is much older. I agree about dog training classes as well. But children also need to learn to respect animals and this cannot be taught at two years old.

Sorry I may be mistaken, perhaps it is the dog that is two and not your grandchild. I do hope your grandson is ok.

Mmm the grumpy dog thread is a bit of a worry