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AIBU?

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Original poster

To reduce contact after dog bit a child

29 replies

SerendipitySunshine · 03/07/2024 12:18

I've become friends with the mum of one of the kids in DC's class. Kids (primary age) are friends too. They live very close so often pop in and out of each other's houses, and it's great. We have loads of activities planned together over the summer holidays.
Yesterday I saw their elderly lap dog snap and bite another child. Admittedly, this child was teasing it, but it bit without warning. It has growled at children before. They love the dog, and are minimising what happened.
Now I feel unhappy with my child going to their house unsupervised (by me), as the dog is always around. WIBU to cancel activities at their house?

OP posts:
LolaJ87 · 03/07/2024 12:27

I hope they have had the dog seen by a vet. That behaviour in elderly dogs is often a sign they are in pain and something is wrong.

That aside, I would say that you've noticed having kids around the dog isn't a good fit at the moment and you'd be happier to do the hosting at your house. Nobody could take offence to that!

OrwellianTimes · 03/07/2024 12:27

If the dog is territorial and it broke the skin it needs to be in another room at all times. Serious injury seems unlikely with a small dog, but it’s not worth the risk.

Alternatively you meet at your house or go elsewhere.

Original poster
SerendipitySunshine · 03/07/2024 12:24

Good ideas, thank you. Yes, I have had the chat about giving the dog space. The difficulty is that it is territorial about areas of the house and growls if the children go near.

It's a little lapdog thing, I don't know what breed, and the bite went through clothes and pierced skin, but not more than that.

OP posts:
OrwellianTimes · 03/07/2024 12:21

If the dog was being teased, that’s not the dogs fault. When you say bite what do you mean? Was the skin broken or was it a warning nip? What breed is it?

Ask the dog is kept in another room whilst you’re there. It’s elderly and needs space. And educate your child on leaving dog alone.