My dog has bit a child

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If full disclosure is made about the dog's past and the biting incident, I disagree. I have seen several dogs that have bitten be rehomed with a more experienced dog handler who had the time and resources to work with the dog, and the dog ended up having a fine life and being a marvelous dog. If full disclosure is not made, then I believe you are right.

But unfortunately, not everyone has the resources to handle every dog. And, while in a perfect world, we all would keep our dogs for life and do anything and everything to make it work, there are situations where this isn't possible.

Although I've always had dogs and thought I did everything right when I got my current dog (picked a dog that was said to be good with children, picked a mixed breed that was primarily one that was not supposed to be a "difficult" one, etc.), I ended up with a dog who needed a LOT of work. Yes, they lied to me about her breed, about her being good with kids, and probably about a lot of other things. All I know is that, in short order, I ended up with the canine equivalent of a loaded gun, and not only did I have no idea what to do, but half the trainers I talked to had no idea what to do either, except maybe put her down or "kick her back."

I desperately wanted to keep this dog, and I was fortunate enough to be in a situation (single, no kids, somewhat flexible job) where I had the time to put in and no kids to worry about while we worked through the issues. I also was fortunate to find a trainer who knew the breed well, who would let me pay him off over however long it would take me, who offered free group classes for life, and who provided ongoing, constant support (and, four years later, still does!). I read everything I could, I went to seminars, I did research, we trained endlessly...and we came out on the glorious other side, a team. Able to conquer what I once thought might be insurmountable issues.

And yet...I KNOW I wouldn't have had the knowledge or ability to do this alone back in those days. Even worse, I don't know that I COULD HAVE known that I didn't have the knowledge to start with. I mean, I always had dogs before, I worked with them, house trained them, played with them, exercised them, and while over the years there were some challenges, I'd never encountered ANYTHiNG like what I was dealing with with my malinois. And I couldn't have known this prior to having the dog because they told me she was something else entirely.

Bottom line is, no matter how badly I wanted to, I simply could not have done this without a lot of help, and I was lucky enough to find the right people, at the right time in my life. I am eternally grateful for this.

Yet if I couldn't have done this, I would have hoped and prayed that I could have found someone else who could. Because as it turns out, Jessie is a FABULOUS dog. Great beyond my wildest dreams. And putting this dog to sleep would have been a crime. Especially because she would be lost simply because I lacked the skills and knowledge and resources to help her reach her potential.

I think people have a responsiblity to do everything in their power to keep their promise when they make a commitment to a dog. But there are times when people can't, and in those situations, as long as they are honest about the issues that led to the rehoming, I think it's far better to try to rehome the dog with someone who might be able to give the dog a fighting chance, rather than put the dog to sleep because we don't have the resources to bring the dog to its potential.

Jan

I absolutely agree with Jan - I have a very difficult shelter dog, one who probably had bitten before he was relinquished the second time - and he has been a handful, way beyond any other dog I have owned.  He has, however, provided me with an outstanding opportunity to further understand dog behavior and training, better than any book, any hypothetical, etc.  I am committed to him. 
 
That being said, however, I fully understand if you cannot keep the dog, but PLEASE DO NOT fudge the details about this incident when you give him up.  Prospective two-leggers need to know his history, so they can make an informed decision about whether they have the capacity to work with him.  Covering up the incident will not spare his life - he will probably bite again without work, and besides doing harm to humans and others, he will most likely end up being euthanized if this happens.

the rspca will take him and give him a series of tests which he must  complete
as far as im aware they neut all the dogs so hopefully this will calm him down and hopefully he will get re-homes
i have to write down everything about nemo and that includes what he has done in the last few days and months i wont lie about what he has done
he will have to be rehomed where there is no children
 

  If you don't trust the dog why are you giving it away to be rehomed to another family? Some one else's baby getting it's face ripped isn't as important as your own kid?
Either retrain the dog or put it to sleep, your responsibility not someone else's.

 
im trying to give the dog another chance and he wont be re-homed with children and no i dont want another kids face ripped off why do you think im asking what to do with him?
please think before you jump to conclusions

This is a dangerous situation especially with you having a child in your home.  Do not allow this dog to be free or unattended with anyone.  I know it difficult to make these decision but your family's safety is what important.
 
If you can't find a suitable home quickly, I would euthanize.  And remember even if you re-home your dog you could be held liable if he bites in the future.  I would hate to make this decision and feel for you but don't feel guilty if the later decision must be made.  You would never forgive yourself should a child really be hurt!!  Best of luck and please be sure your dog is NEVER with children without you having total control of him.
 

im trying to give the dog another chance and he wont be re-homed with children

 
Yes, but there are children in the universe, so how do you know he will never come into contact with them again, regardless of who inherits your problem?
 
FYI, open admission shelters generally PTS owner surrendered dogs with a serious bite history.  You'd possibly be sending your dog to the shelter, for almost certain euthanasia, without at least consulting a professional trainer or behaviorist.  If you would regret that choice, either spend the money for a behavioral consultation with a pro, or have your vet put the dog to sleep in your loving arms, and spare him the misery of abandonment and finding his eternal rest in the arms of a stranger who has had to do this act of kindness far too many times. [sm=sad.gif]