Dog I don’t want and never asked for that I’m scared of

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Basicallly I don’t know what to do with a dog that I’m scared of and don’t want in my house.
My partner got the dog without asking because his friends dog had puppies. I’ve never owned a dog in my life and first as it was young it was fine.

then the dog got older and it’s a large dog, I don’t want to say the breed, but it’s big. I’m more of a cat person although I don’t have cats atm.
anyway my partner works away. Often I’m alone with the dog and my 3 youngest kids.

My eldest boys don’t live away but they’re often out wirh friends especially at the weekend.
They do come home in the evening obviously as they’re only 14 and 12. But then home they do the dog care because I am scared of the dog. They do the feed and walk etc. but weekends from around 11am to 11pm it’s all on me.

The dog isn’t super aggressive but he’s had his moments. I’m rambling I’m so sorry I’m just not sure what to do and where I can go. Partner doesn’t listen, my eldest kids like the dogs, youngest 3 are scared but may be because they’ve picked it up from me.
i don’t want the dog to be put to spew he’s only bitten twice within the family. No where will take him when I ask and say theyre full.
please can someone give advice and options I asked on FB groups and got bad things said and even mocking of my account photos and children which were just day to day photos and really unjustified thabjs

Right. It's 17 months old. Profusely sorry that I missed that. I personally don't believe anyone on here is being told the full facts of the "actual situation". However it's clear that she's left the care of this dog - who she has described as evil in the hands of a 12 and 14 year old five days a week except when they are out with mates until 11pm at weekends. And she's wondering why the dog is struggling..

I stand by everything I have said. No one should make a knee jerk decision about a dog based on what people on mumsnet tell you - behind your partners back. Particularly when she's getting ridiculous advice to dump it at a police station

I don't really care whether you think the breeder is a registered breeder or not. The point stands. She has the option of returning the dog - that should be the first option.

There are also rescues such as Hillbrae and safe and sound pound dogs on Facebook. Safe and sound in particular deal with dogs that are at risk of being PTS because of their breed. There are people who could help here - the first resort should not be PTS or dump the dog

With respect. Don't tell me to deal with a situation the way you decide other people should be responding to it. I'm not here to be nit picked by you over whether the breeder is actually a breeder or otherwise.

What an awful situation your partner has put you in OP!

You clearly can't keep an aggressive dog you are scared of.
You definitely can't let your children walk the dog either - if it bites a member of the public you will be prosecuted.

I would make a vet appointment and give your partner an ultimatum - he has 7 days to find a new home for the dog or it will be euthanised.

PTS, unfortunately, as there is a risk of serious harm or the dog going to another owner and being abused.

With a bite history I hope the dog is muzzled when it is walked.

Anyone know what the likely response is if the OP reports the dog‘s history to the dog warden?

This is actually a child safeguarding issue and if I were someone close to you who knew about this I would be letting you know that I was looking into informing social services.

Your partner is NOT a good partner for imposing this on you then going to work away. He has no regard for you or the children who have already been bitten.
A bite will happen again, that's almost guaranteed.
Why are you putting your kids in danger?

Inform the police, they will take the dog away.
You don't have to concern yourself with what they do with it.
Do not bother discussing this with anyone first, just call the police. You need to keep your children and yourself SAFE.

Ah yes, the overrun rescue centres and doggy day cares desperate for an aggressive bull mix…

Has anyone taken this dog to the vet for a check up? He might be unwell. You said his behavior has changed recently. If he is in pain he will be snappy. He might also still be trainable if he’s only 17 months - if your partner can be bothered. Ask your vet about all of this and rehoming options.

But she is still responsible for the safety of her own children and others, when this dog is in her care. "I never wanted the dog anyway" isn't a cop out and the law won't care if someone is injured or worse whether she wanted the dog or not. She's taken on de facto responsibility for it but is currently farming that out to her teenage kids and neglecting the needs of an animal. Both OP and her partner deserve to feel guilty. They bloody should.

For the sake of everyone the dog needs to go.
So you have kids under 9 years old too?
What if the next bite needs hospital care?
You ll find the authorities will be all over that, A and E report dog bites and social services will be involved. Reported to police too.
Then your partner won't have a choice.

Also school safeguarding will get to know.
It's a world of trouble you didn't ask for and I feel sorry for everyone here apart from the idiot partner.

Everyone should be consulted before you even get a pet.

I've had staffy types all my life and DD(18) grew up with our last boy who we lost in January. DD was 4yo when we got him and I watched him like a hawk when he was around her despite him being as soft as a dog can be. I adored him, we all did but if he'd ever shown any aggression, in particular towards DD, he would have been gone from my house that day.

Much as I love bull breeds their ability to do damage can't be ignored and must be properly mitigated (as much as it ever can be) with responsible ownership, preferably by someone knowledgeable about dog behaviour. Your situation is giving me chills OP, it's a disaster waiting to happen and I really hope you act before anyone gets seriously hurt or worse.

That said I would be handing that responsibility firmly back to your partner, the dog goes or you/he (whichever is more logistically possible) go and it's his job to figure out how that happens. I'll be honest I'm struggling to understand why you've put up with it this long, you should have put your foot down when he first brought it home, or when it became clear you were being stuck with all the dog care, or definitely when the dog bit your DC for the first time, let alone the second. You haven't been happy about it from the outset, which makes me wonder why you seem to have no voice in your relationship and whether that's something that manifests itself in other ways? Are you happy with him OP?

She'll be lucky if there is a dog warden, a lot of councils don't have one anymore.

I’m only this far in the thread but I’m surprised the doctor didn’t flag this when you took your kids to get antibiotics for the bite. Dog bites can lead to sepsis. Awful situation for the dog, not having been trained properly, awful for you as your partner give not two effs about your feelings, awful for the kids that have been bitten. It’s not the dogs fault but I’d say if you can’t find a charity to take it the only option is PTS - and as a dog owner myself I know that’s hard, and sad. But the family should come first.

It is absolutely baffling to me when a woman prioritises a man (and a horrendous one at that) over her own children. I’m sorry for you op that you can’t recognise what a horrible horrible thing he’s done. I’m even more sorry for your children that they’re not prioritised. I’m only half way through the thread. I will read on and cross my fingers that the penny has dropped for the op by the end.

The dog has bitten 2 of your CHILDREN and its still in your house??

I didn't say she wasn't responsible for the dog, I have made this point consistently. She has, however, been put into this position by a completely irresponsible partner, who has decided to get a dog, and leave her to care for it. As such I would suggest that she tells him, NOT asks but tells him that the dog goes.

You could contact these people and see if they can help you. With bullies there may be a pain or gut issue that’s causing the behaviour, but I don’t think you’re the right people to help the dog with that

https://allbulliecharityrescue.org/#

I love dogs but you should definitely speak to your partner and get it re-homed.

She can't get it rehomed - she has tried and no-one wants it - and can you blame them!?

So, if he's a staffy cross, Google staffie rescues, they're not going to be full. Many rescues take dogs with a bite history and ensure they re-home to homes without children etc. We do fostering for Spaniel Aid, unfortunately not helpful to you, but have had 3 for fostering who have 'bitten' children so they were placed with us as we're child free.
So, Google, ask for recommendations, speak to the vet as they often have connections, though it may be difficult if the dog is registered to your partner as he'd have to sign that he agrees.

OP, a dog cannot be "too big in the body" to be an XL Bully. It can only be too small. If it's 19 inches or more at the withers, it can (if it meets other criteria, especially with regard to head measurements) be an XL Bully.

Can we see a picture of the dog?

Time to stop being a mug.

Get rid of the dog and that useless prick of a man and stop letting a 12 year old and a 14 year old hang around the streets until 11 at night. No good will come of any of these things.

Tell any vet the dog has bitten your two children and they won't hesitate.

only bitten twice ! what is wrong with dog owners ffs, he should has gone after the first bite, if you are scared and it bites it has to go !

I can't believe what I'm reading.A dog bites your child,your scared of it & you can't decide what to do. Sadly if nobody wants this dog (who would blame them)I believe you have no option other than a visit to the vet. I'm interested to find out knowing this dogs history if those who dont agree with the PTS option if they would happily take it in to live with their own children. Somehow I doubt it.🤔

Tell your partner the dog is going to be PTS tomorrow at the vet if it is still here in the morning. No messing around. Your children are worth more than this very dangerous dog.