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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Dog has bitten my 7 year old

88 replies

DharmaBums · 22/09/2017 23:20

I'm hoping for some advice. My son has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and sensory processing issues along with anger issues. Put simply he's really hard to handle! Yesterday he had a full blown anger episode, smashing things up, screaming at me, etc. in the middle of all my (75lb) English Bulldog bit his hand quite severely and we ended up in ER. My bulldog is pretty chilled out but very protective of me and I think he was probably feeling stressed out with all the noise, etc. my question is what can I do now.,it's going to break my heart to PTS but I don't know whether he will be easy to rehome after biting a child. He's only 2 years old. Any words of wisdom?

OP posts:
Herechickychicky · 23/09/2017 01:31

I don't know the answer.

But I'm up at 1.30am considering whether I can carry on with a dog with a very high prey drive.

I'm sure people will come by with great strident opinions of what you should do but I just wanted to say I'm sorry you've got this happening, it must be wretched x

Kursk · 23/09/2017 01:43

It is not the dogs fault, you are 100% right is was a high stress situation and the dog reacted. No different to you loosing your temper at that point.

Kursk · 23/09/2017 01:46

Herechickychicky

We have 2 huskies with high pray drives, between them they have eaten a couple cats and chickens......one of them has bitten us too. Things get better with age, and training. Plus learning to read the situation. I am happy to share my experience.

elfinpre · 23/09/2017 01:50

I'm sure the dog was reacting to the stress, OP. I'm so sorry you are going through a tough time.

We have 2 huskies with high pray drives, between them they have eaten a couple cats and chickens.

Fucking hell. Angry Sad

SparklyMagpie · 23/09/2017 01:53

A couple of cats!! BlushShock

SuperBeagle · 23/09/2017 02:16

It's not the dog's fault, nor is it your fault. But I would consider rehoming the dog (by going through an English Bulldog-specific rescue), because the dog is clearly feeling the stress of the situation.

overnightangel · 23/09/2017 02:22

"English Bulldog bit his hand quite severely and we ended up in ER"

Read that sentence again.
There is your answer.
It's obvious

overnightangel · 23/09/2017 02:24

Get rid of the dog , stop asking stupid questions and be a parent ffs

PenelopeFlintstone · 23/09/2017 02:31

What was happening at the exact moment the dog bit him? Was he right next to the dog or did the dog run up to him to bite him?

Original poster
DharmaBums · 23/09/2017 02:45

Thanks for replying. The dog actually ran up to him whilst he was overturning chairs and tables. It's a difficult situation. The dog is so chilled out as EB's are so this is a rare high-stress situation. I think I was wondering whether a behavioral expert could solve it, but I think rehoming him might be the best for all

OP posts:
overnightangel · 23/09/2017 03:11

Sorry if my reply was a bit judgey op x

WhoWants2Know · 23/09/2017 04:16

Sadly, I think you're right OP- rehoming him may be the only option since you can't guarantee that another meltdown situation won't occur.

But there shouldn't be a problem finding him a place through a breed rescue. Your circumstances are exceptional and the behaviour would be unlikely in a lower stress environment.

Hoppinggreen · 23/09/2017 08:05

I am in no way blaming the dog for reacting the way it did but if your son is likely to have future meltdowns like this I think the best thing for everyone would be to rehome.
He's a young dog and if you work with a breed rescue they should be able to find him a good home

UrsulaPandress · 23/09/2017 08:08

Yes go to a breed specific rescue. I follow a spaniel rescue on fb and they often rehome dogs that have bitten a child in similar circumstances.

Spudlet · 23/09/2017 08:10

It's not your fault, or your son's fault, or your dog's fault, but it doesn't sound like a good situation for anyone. I do think rehoming would be best - under the circumstances I'm sure a reputable rescue would take him. It's not like he just randomly attacked, it was an extreme situation in which any dog might have reacted similarly.

I'm really sorry Flowers

NoSquirrels · 23/09/2017 08:52

You need to do the best for both your DS and your dog. Your DS can't help his behaviour, and the dog couldn't help his reaction to it. So the very best thing you could do is rehome the dog responsibly through a breed rescue, giving them all the facts, so it can live in a different situation e.g. older couple, quiet environment.

Sorry OP. How awful for you all. Flowers

Btw - I'm sure you've thought of this, but please make sure your DS doesn't believe it's his fault the dog needs to go and live elsewhere.

Veterinari · 23/09/2017 09:08

I'd usually advocate behavioural modification but it sounds like you have a lot on your plate and your DS's behaviour is likely to remain unpredictable, so with that in mind I agree with the suggestions of a Breed specific rescue

Thewolfsjustapuppy · 23/09/2017 09:10

Actually it is your sons fault - his behaviour directly led to the dog biting him. If you get rid of the dog what lesson is that giving your son?
I know this is going to be unpopular but your son is 7 and does need to learn to control his behaviour, he cannot still be excused for behaving like that as a teenager or an adult. This is an perfect illustration for your son as to how his behaviour effects those around him. He needs to take responsibility for it.
I am sorry you are in this situation, it's not going to be easy to resolve. Personally I would keep the dog and teach my son that his behaviour effects the dogs behaviour.
I have a 7 year old DS and an dog btw.

TwitterQueen1 · 23/09/2017 09:20

TheWolf did you actually read the bit about the son having ADHD, sensory and anger processing issues?

Your post is very unhelpful - unless your son has the same issues and you've found a solution?

OP, I really feel for you but for the sake of your son and your dog maybe rehoming might be best option. Your son has a hard road ahead and you won't want the additional stress of worrying how the dog will (understandably) react.

SparklingRaspberry · 23/09/2017 09:36

It isn't your dogs fault. Whatever you decide to do, please DO NOT have your dog pts.

Personally I'd keep the dog and next time your son goes off on one, remove the dog from the room.
Whilst I know your son has problems, he still needs to learn and be taught about his behaviour. Those with ADHD are still capable of learning about their own behaviour, and I don't think it's fair on your dog to go through the stress of being rehomed because of your sons behaviour.

One question though, and please don't think I'm judging. Your dog is only 2 years old and your son has ADHD. Did you think it was a good idea getting a dog knowing how your son was? Even if he's only been diagnosed since getting the dog, the behaviour would've still been there before?

Ummmmgogo · 23/09/2017 09:40

pts. the sooner the better! I hope your son makes a swift recovery Flowers

Winteriscomingneedmorewood · 23/09/2017 09:46

No blame passing to your ds but it was hardly an unprovoked attack given the circumstances. .
Given your ds have these episodes in the future rehoming the dog is best for all concerned. . Next time it could be ds face or throat. And you would then be to blame as your ds had a warning with this instance. Your poor dog can't cope in this environment. . He reacted - it's natural. .

ofudginghell · 23/09/2017 10:47

Awful situation for you op.

In my experience even though my dogs are the most placid ever even in a house with three dc,one of them dd 7 hyper at times and quite hectic I am always cautious of situations.
If the atmosphere is tense the dog would have picked up on it way before it actually physically but your child.
There are always warning signs with a dog way before the contact.
If it's a hectic time in our house or the kids have friends round and it's noisy I let my dogs up into my room where it's calmer and they are away from the hectic movements and noise.
Prevention is the best way to make sure this never happens again.
In regards to what you actually do now this has happened I've never been in this situation so I couldn't say but maybe some advice from a behaviourist for your dog could be a good place to start?

Is your dc abled to understand the situation?

Thewolfsjustapuppy · 23/09/2017 10:48

Yes I did read the bit about the ADHD and sensory processing issues and I am aware that plenty of children have these issues they still need to learn to take some responsibility for their actions. The child caused the dog to react Hendra it is his fault. He didn't know that that would be the reaction. He does now.

myjobisherdingcats · 23/09/2017 11:11

I'm so sorry op this sounds rubbish, I hope your ds' hand is healing up now? I would say (as hard as it is) that your home is not suitable for a dog at present whilst your ds' behaviour is not under control. No blame, I get that he has issues but I think you need to focus on your ds and try to calm things down there before you consider having a pet in the mix, it just isn't fair in them. Please talk to a good rescue and explain the circumstances. He might well prove to be the ideal dog for somebody, but probably a much quieter home.
Good luck op!

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