AIBU to worry about biting dog, should we say something?

[Sara107]

Just wondering really, what would other people do: we met some lovely people, their DC is same age as ours and they play nicely together. We went to their house for the first time. DH and DC went in first when the door was opened, I was bringing up the rear. Family dog, a large, strong breed, rushed at them barking. It was called back and we were assured he was gentle etc. And it was very well behaved while we were there, and I was happy for DC to stroke it etc. However, when we got home, DH rolled up his sleeve, and there was a livid bruise on the inside of his forearm about the size of a 2 p coin with two puncture wounds in it. Dog had bitten him, and drawn blood through a raincoat and heavy cotton sweatshirt thing. My immediate thought was thank God it wasn't dD's face, which was about the same height as her dad's arm! We are in a bit of a dilemma as to whether we should tell the owners the bite happened ( and risk upsetting them, I am sure they trust it and obviously really dote on it). Or should we say nothing, and hope it was dog's first and only bite? I would worry about any dog that bites, particularly when it's around children. Will it offend them if we say something?

Tell them.

What they do about it is up to them, but I wouldn't go round again and I definitely wouldn't let your children go there under any circumstances. A dog that bites is dangerous.

I read threads and the advise given is supportive, inciteful, witty then, on the other hand I read threads where the gremlins are out and replies are peppered with unhelpful, suspicious and damn right rude replies. It does make me wary of posting a question.
Glad your DH rang the couple with the dog as it did need to be said.

What did they say OP?

Well, I was a few paces behind dh so I didn't have a clear view of what happened, and while he didn't fall to the floor screaming 'I've been bitten'! he did obviously react and put his arm out to fend off the dog ( hence the bite was on the inside not outside). The owners clearly saw his reaction ( even though he didn't say anything), because they hauled off the dog saying 'don't worry, he doesn't bite!'. In the heat of the moment he opted to politely not mention it in order not to embarrass our hosts (polite I would say rather than weird), but after seeing the marks that were left and reflecting for a couple of days he decided the owners should know.
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I can see how your scenario could easily play out like that and if your dh hadn't realised he had actually been bitten then his reaction is not abnormal imo.

What did they say when your dh told them?

I haven't had a detailed report on the conversation, just a text! But he said dog owner was VERY apologetic. I should think they are mortified, I would be if it was my dog. And they are nice people, I feel somehow bad about it all.

I think he's done the right thing letting them know so they are aware.

I'm glad he told them. Maybe this is the first time the dog has bitten anyone but I should hope that they make sure it is never left alone with their (or anyone else's) child.

I was bitten by a dog, and had to go to get the wound stitched. The first question the nurse asked was, were there children where the dog lived? There were no children at the house, so no more was said but I wonder whether they are obliged to report to someone (SS maybe?) if they think there is a risk to a child.

I'm sorry but I do think it's really really weird that your DH let your children play with a dog that had just bitten him so he didn't appear rude. WTF?!