My dog bit my son

[Mumoftwomonkeys1976]

I'm devastated. This afternoon our almost 2 year old Cavapoo bit ds1 16 on the mouth, hard enough that he had to go to hospital for stitches. He's never done anything like this before but now I feel as though I can't trust him at all.

I don't really know what my AIBU is, just wondered if anyone else has ever had this happen and what I should do next really. Ds1 is so upset and was more concerned about consequences for the dog than for himself.

I have dogs and a baby however wouldn't tolerate a dog who growled or showed aggression to family in my home.

By letting the dog on the furniture you have given it status over ds
If you're talking about dominance theory then it's been debunked, sorry. It was eroneous research based on captive wolf packs (captive is unnatural in itself and unlike in wild packs these weren't a family group so would've behaved differently) and quite simply, domestic dogs aren't wolves. Allowing dogs on furniture is not a problem provided they get off when asked.

For people saying it's a bad dog for growling, there is nothing wrong with a growl! It's just the dog's way of saying it's not happy with what's happening, and it's then the human's responsibility to bloody well listen to it. Unfortunately dogs are made to put up with an awful lot of crap, often from people who don't realise how irritating they're being, and when they finally have enough and bite (the only option left when their warning growls have been ignored) they are classed as "dangerous" and PTS.

it seems that ds1 ignored his warning (growls) and carried on fussing him when he was trying to go to sleep
So dog did all the right things by telling DS "leave me alone", was ignored, leaving the only option of a nip. Keep the dog, get a behaviourist in to teach the kids about how to read the dog's body language.

Ffs Being on the furniture does not create a dog who wants to take over the world!

It is the main difference between dogs and cats. My dogs always thought I was superior, no matter what furniture they were on. Whereas my cats know they're superior, sofa or no sofa.

bit ds1 16 on the mouth, hard enough that he had to go to hospital for stitches
I'm shocked that you'd give the dog a second chance.
Sounds like a serious injury. I wouldn't be letting my DC visit a house with a dog who did that.
I dunno about heading dogs but a lot of hostility to teenagers on MN. I wonder how many incidents like this are needed before it's considered appropriate to get rid of the dog.

I'd not even consider PTS.

Surprised at the number of people who own dogs yet clearly know fuck all about them

I'm reading this all thinking what the? is dog growling a thing now? We took on a dog who was scared of small children nervy of cars yet I can remember her growling on a few rare occasions once when I had to restrain her for vet treatment and when the Jehovah witness people came around and yes she got disturbed while sleeping she snored like a dam trooper ! So she was used to the odd poke with a toe or teddy thrown at her but she was fine why are dogs so irritated these days? Is it all the cross breeding they do?

I imagine the OP can't see the wood for the trees now. Get a professional out to assess the dog OP - no one can assess a dog that has bitten over the Internet. Hope your DS is feeling better.

Surprised at the number of people who own dogs yet clearly know fuck all about them

True. And as well, the number of people who don't own dogs, who think they know everything.

Sounds like your DS was being a little shit.

Was nothing said at the hospital? DD was bitten by our old dog (should point out I'm a very experienced owner of that particular breed, was next to DD when it happened and she was in no way provoking the dog). The nurse who looked after her asked us what we planned to do and I said that the dog would never set foot in our house again. The nurse's reply was "Good. If I thought you were planning to keep the dog I'd be reporting this incident to the police right now". Seems odd that a similar conversation wasn't had regarding a serious dog bite.

OP find yourself a reputable behaviourist who can see your dog for themselves and advise you on the best way forward. Bear in mind that anyone can set themselves up as a behaviorist/trainer and there are plenty about suing outdated (such as dominance theory) or aversive techniques. This is a list of organisations you can go through to find someone who will be using positive, up to date and science-based training methods.

It's also worth posting in the FB group that list is from. It is run by reputable professionals who will be able to give you management advice for the immediate future until you can get someone out to help in person.

Can recommend the Ancol Mesh muzzle - can't bite through it but can lick, drink and rest comfortably. Our Jack Russell is fine 99% of the time but can be funny at home with the kids if she is settled and they disturb her. We use this to prevent any problems and it has meant that she can relax in the same room as us (which is where she chooses to be - if we move, she follows), without any risk. We also have a crate for 'child free' space for her. I have under fives though who could not teach her that she is lower in the pack than them - your children are old enough that with behaviour training a muzzle should only be a temporary measure.

So? That was one nurse's opinion, the bite and circumstances of it were quite likely different and the nurse herself was quite possibly biased according to her personal view of dogs.

This dog needs to be destroyed. Dog owners make me sick... putting a stupid animal above your baby! Social Services should be informed imo.

I am really amazed how people are willing to blame the victim and tolerate a dog who has proved to be dangerous. If it had mauled a toddler who prodded it would that be the child's fault

halobean Have you RTFT?? The OP's son is 16, not a baby, ffs.
Social Services? Why? Who would she be reporting? Herself?

I think you'd have to really judge yourself if you think the dog is safe. We can't know that as readers, but getting territorial over sofa space isn't good with a 7yo in the house regardless. I love animals but I'm not sure of the benefits of a family dog who gets stressed with the family

This 10000%

halobean wow, who shoved a dog chew up your arse?

Of course not Bare, that would be the supervising adults/much older persons fault

Thank you everyone for your replies, some of which have been very helpful. The dog wasn't on the sofa, he was on his chair which is at the other end of the room from the other furniture. That is actually his bed.

He was crate trained until about a year old when he just stopped wanting to go in there, I still have it so I will try that again.

This really is so out of character for him because he's always so lovely around people and other dogs.

If it's a very sudden behavioural change then it would be a very good idea to have him checked over by a vet to rule out any physical causes. Sudden grumpiness is a very common indicator of pain or discomfort.

DementedMa,it was a retriever that bit me!

Op hope your son and your dog are ok and you manage to sort it all out.

Ahhh OP, if he was in his own chair then I'm afraid your old enough to know better child may have been winding him up or annoying him. Why was he badgering the dog when it was in its own bed??

Ours had her own chair and we all knew to let sleeping dogs lie, even my mums grandchildren knew this.

Please get the dog checked out as others posters said the dog may have an injury. ear infections or canker build up can cause a lovely dog to get grumpy very quickly. Are the ears very floppy?

mikado1 - I'm not sure that leaving the wound unstitched was an option in this case. It was long and deep and narrowly missed the eye area.

Mine was quite wide and deep-a real chunk out of my back- but as others have mentioned stitches on the face it might be a facial thing. He was probably put on antibiotics too? Major chat to be had by the sounds of it. We had two dogs growing up, including a Norwegian Elkhound, I was 5/6 and wouldn't have disturbed him in his chair but don't think I was expressly told this either. You might have to frighten your 7yo a bit but sounds like you can sort it.