Dog snapped at child :-(

[Coconutter]

It was a warning, no contact snap, but the boy is only three and my dog is a Rottweiler so is pretty strong. I've had her a couple of months (rescue dog but hadn't been abused, taken in due to allergies of owner's new stepkids) and she's never shown even a hint of aggression (except when another dog tried to bite her ankles, and another warning snap at an adult who had only just met her and handled her roughly).

The boy (my cousin's son) is fine but obviously cried, and I'm shaken. My dog is usually so well-behaved - I'm sure she was just startled because the boy went over to her and stood directly in front, very close, at eye level and I think she felt threatened.. I think I'll have to give her a muzzle when around small children... What do you think?

[Coconutter]

Thanks. She seems fine - it has just shaken me as she's usually so loving and affectionate. I think it's the height thing, because toddlers are at eye level. I don't want to end up not being able to take her to family gatherings I'm just really on edge now.

[panicnotanymore]

She wouldn't be unusual in wanting small kids to back off out of her personal space. Don't allow children near her - she snapped to say she wasn't happy with the situation. If she was a nasty vicious dog she wouldn't have snapped, she would have attacked him.

If you allow a situation to occur where she is stressed by a child and escalates from a snap to a bite that will be your fault not her's.

If you take her to family gatherings, be responsible, keep children well away from her, and muzzle her. Also it is very important that she has a bed to go to well away from everyone, and it is made clear to children that they are not allowed anywhere near that bed. If the children are too young to understand this she should be contained somewhere away from them.

I don't think your dog is the problem, I think you are for allowing children in her face. I'd snap if a toddler loomed into my face and eye balled me.

[Coconutter]

Thanks - very fair, I think. I didn't think and have learned the hard way! She hasn't shown any other sign of aggression so I agree it was the situation. I'm still learning and will make sure she's not put into stressful situations!

[JennerOSity]

Maintaining eye contact is a very threatening body language thing for dogs, and the closer, the more threatening it is. The dog of course won't appreciate the child isn't challenging her and is very fragile compared to her.

Any children or people for that matter should be taught how to not use confrontational dog body language, and holding eye contact especially at close range should be top of that list, to avoid the dog thinking it is being threatened.

Also, don't forget that although she may have a lovely nature she hasn't been in your home very long really and her sense of security will therefore not be as great as if she was a years long standing pet.

Not the dogs fault, and more sensitivity and supervision necessary IMO. :)

[Coconutter]

Good point about her feeling secure. I never for a minute thought it was the dog's fault and appreciate all your advice

[JennerOSity]

Incidentally, we have a collie/lab cross who we rehomed nearly 3 years ago when previous owner died (so like you no abusive history etc). He is a total sweetheart and great with our 2yo son. However it was a full 6 months before he behaved as though he felt entirely at home. While his nature and personality didn't really change, it was things like he wouldn't lie on his back with legs in the air, or let you roll him over until he had lived with us for 6 months. So it is still early days in her feeling like it is her permanent home and knowing you all really well.

She sounds lovely and although she felt threatened enough to snap, the fact is that she actually made no contact, I'd say is a good sign that she didn't actually want to do any damage and was just wanting to get him to back off. That is a fairly restrained response really if you think about it.

You live, you learn. I doubt you will allow a situation where this could happen again. :)

Hope the little boy isn't so upset he can't enjoy the rottie in future.