14yr old dog went to bite toddler

[jonsnowsbuttocks]

Just that really.

My old collie which I rescued at 1yr old, had had a horrific start in life. Pretty unimaginable neglect and cruelty. We did a lot of work and training with her but as much as she improved dramatically she still has dog aggression which I'm able to keep thoroughly in check and this has never caused issue but I know she is pretty capable as I have another dog that she tolerates but has occasionally gone for they are never left alone together so no harm has come to my other dog but she could.

My 2yr old was helping me in the kitchen and she was licking some crumbs off the floor, my lo made a slightly high pitched noise and she spun round to nip him in the face, I grabbed her immediately and she never got near them but if she had connected I'm pretty sure she would have hurt them, this was not a snapping aggressive gesture but a quiet I'm going to bite you.

I'm not sure what to do as the time I can spend with her is about to reduce even more as I'm expecting again and rehoming her is out of the question as I know her behavioural issues and I'd still be responsible if she hurt someone's animal or now them. It's also unbearable to think that the next time I might not be as lucky and she does hurt my little one, obviously she will be kept separate but whilst they share a home there is still potential for something to go wrong. No family can have nor do they want her so the only other option is euthanasia which means if failed her.

Help me see a solution before I either make a massive mistake or the worst decision of my life. 

Please take her to the vet asap. Our ddog was the most gentle kind dog ever. One day we were stood outside a shop together when a stranger got close and kind of wiggled his fingers In front of his face. Usually this wouldn't bother him (although very odd for a stranger to do) but this time he snapped. Luckily be was on a short lead and so did not bite. We that afternoon he collapsed in the garden. Something in his stomach had ruptured and he needed immediate surgery.
Please get her checked out as a change in behaviour could mean illness.

Maybe it time to get it PTS? The dog is old, has had a good life with you. I wouldn't feel bad.

Vet. She's old & by the sounds of it hasn't reacted like this to your lo before. It's likely there's an underlying issue. When you know if there is a problem/what it is you'll be able to plan what's best.

You've given your dog a great life with you so if you feel it would be best to pts don't feel guilty.

Get the dog checked out. My uncle had a dog that loved everyone then one day went for my other uncle turned out she had a growth on her brain putting pressure on it. Obviously dogs are sensitive to high pitch noises also but my parents dog tends to slink away upstairs if my nephews are being loud as it makes her fret. Has the dog ever been possessive with food and could have thought your lo was about to take it off them

You can't keep the dog I the same house as your children. You've noted that she has issues with aggression so this isn't really out of character. This is simply not a safe dog for children. A dog of that size could easily kill a small child with f she wanted to. It's good that you have managed to keep you toddler safe thus far, I assume that you have made some very good safety arrangements but honestly everything goes out the window when you have a second child, especially if the age gap is so small. If you absolutely refuse to regime her then the only alternative can be to put her down, it's not like she is young, she's lived the better part of her life and her health will only deteriorate now. You simply can't have her in the same house as your children. Imagine what would have happened if you were not there-I know, you'd never let that happen but you can't control everything. My one year old recently surprised me by coming bing out of his cot (no mean feat) at the end of nap time and creeping downstairs silently. Baby gates can not get locked properly. Caregivers, whether you or anyone else who is responsible for them, can just pass out. It is unlikely but it Isco old felt possible. Not eve remotely worth the risk.

Def get checked by a vet, as others have said a change in temperament can be related to pain in most cases and collies are quite stoical

Your dog is in it's old age, and just like an elderly human, she may be losing her marbles somewhat. Ask for the vet's advice. Sometimes dogs show food aggression even when it's just crumbs on the floor, so it could have been a bit of that.

It probably is worth getting her checked by the vet. However, it does sound as if you have two options. The first to keep her entirely separate from children. The second is to put her to sleep. This isn't an option I'd normally rush to. However given the age and history of the dog, it may be the kindest option. Rehabilitation enough to trust her is probably not going to be successful and isolating her from the family or rehoming would probably be traumatic at her age.

Absolutely has issues with food and will obsessively lick the floor,bowl, wall just wherever she finds crumbs so I know that was likely the trigger as much as the noise. Sorry didn't mean to drip feed should have stated that in original post.

I do intend to take her to the vet but my vet feels quite strongly about her dog aggression and has recommended I pts when I first became pregnant as she sees her as a ticking time bomb. God that makes me sound like a complete idiot. I know my dog very well and I'm very conscious of her body language and was able to react quickly but she has not shown human aggression before she would normally retreat. She has a stage 4 heart murmur and her eye sight and hearing is matbe going a little.

Oh and I agree maybe her marbles a little I had considered potential dementia

I certainly don't think you've failed her in anyway considering all of her past issues and the fact you've managed to rehabilitate her to a certain degree and provide a loving home for 13 years has to be applauded. The saying a week too early is better than a week too late seems appropriate here. Often said about a elderly dog with medical issues but in your case regards one of your children getting hurt. In all honesty at her age she's not going to be around for years anyhow. Sorry if that sounds harsh but it might be the kindest thing you can do for her.

Horrible position to find yourself in. Tbh though she is old, she has had a good life thanks to you, and you have obviously worked hard to keep her, even once you had DC. However I think if her hearing and eyesight is going, on top of already having behavioural issues, it must be hard and stressful for her too and it probably is time to let her go.
(Unmumsnetty hug)