Chihuahua just bit toddler

[jacrispy]

My chi just bit my toddler on the face and either side of his nose he has a scratch. Ds did nothing to provoke this all he did was run towards me and the dog just bit him. Wwud? Should I rehome the dog as he he quite protective of me anyway. I’m heartbroken as ds is hurt but I know in my heart I have to get rid of the dog. Anybody’s advice would be welcome now.

This isn't an angry dog. It's a terrified one. Dogs should have a safe space away from children at all times. You need stair gates and safe places the dog can be so it isn't scared.
This isn't the fault of the dog. You haven't managed the situation. Keep them apart for now. Never let a child startle a dog.

He must have been scared. I don’t blame the dog or ds I blame myself. I just wanted to give the dog a good home. Poor dog I feel sorry for him I think he knows what he’s done as I haven’t even told him off and he’s been hiding ever since god knows what he went through before he came here

Kids (and some dumb adults) think Chis are cute lil puppy dogs who can be manhandled about. Adults are usually more relaxed about the DC around the tiny dogs - what harm could they do?

So a cycle emerges of dog getting overwhelmed with the wrong attention, and eventually becoming snappy and "unpredictable". Then the dog gets rehomed...

If you had your little dog as a rescue, you won't really know any triggers and a 2 yr old and an unpredictable dog is a bad situation for both. A child-free home would be ideal.

You got a new scared rescue dog with a 1 year old? Where from?

He has a safe space he has his crate in the kitchen or he can go upstairs when ever he wants to. He has never been bothered by ds running around before I don’t know why today he changed.

In reality if it was a larger dog that had bitten your ds there would be no questions asked. For me the size of dog doesn’t matter. You need to rehome the dog or next time consequences could be far worse.

It’s horrid I know but least you already know someone who will take the dog and give it what it needs.

I know that’s what I thought thank god it wasn’t some massive breed. I know what you are all saying and I am taking on the advice. He has never showed any aggression before.

I know I deserve a flaming as this is entirely my fault. I will phone the other couple tomorrow and hopefully they say yes.

Poor dog I just hope he knows when he goes he was loved.

You don’t deserve a flaming. Just get your dog a new home to love him and he will be fine. It’s sad but I has to be done.

I’m really upset by this

In what way does the dog show his protection of you?

Was loved and will continue to be loved. Make sure new Home will be able to keep him forever though

Unfortunately the smallest dogs are often the most likely to nip, as it’s the only defense they have. They can also become quite protective of whoever they feel is their main carer, so he may have been trying to protect you from the small thing running at you. (Not the smartest of creatures, bless)

He constantly follows me around the house when I cleaning i mean more bonded with me than anybody else in the family he’s my dog more than anybody else’s he shows me the most affection come to me for a fuss

Get rid of the dog and take the toddler to the ER/minor injuries unit (if you haven't already)

If you have oet insurance check your policy to see if a behaviourist is covered. If you are prepared to give the dog one more chance (not so sure I could given your DS age) then you need some help. We've had a behaviourist out via the insurance and we didn't have to pay anything. Unfortunately a nervous breed of dog and small, loud children may never work. Keep them completely separate for now until you've had advice. Before giving the dog away (if it gets to that) check with the rescue as most will want the dog back as per the adoption agreement. Although it's very odd to have a reputable rescue rehome a dog with a small child due to the issues it creates and failed adoptions. Good luck OP

Ds is going hosp first thing as he’s asleep now

We have two chihuahuas, and I would agree with other posters who have said your dog was probably frightened.
Without knowing the history of a rescue dog it's very difficult to understand what can cause them to be anxious - it might have been something as simple as him being nearly asleep and your ds2 just startled him.
I'd definitely take the dog to the vet in the first instance, just to rule out him being unwell or in pain, then I'd refer back to the rescue.
In your position, with a small child, I'd probably go down the rehoming route too, but I'd argue that this could still be a one-off, and with help from a behaviourist, your chihuahua could remain with you, if that was what you wanted.

I think they maybe thought he was fine as he never showed any aggression before. I think it’s best all round to rehome. I’ll still be able to see him and get updates with the other couple as there family. And I’d rather the rescues didn’t make the same mistake again.

What rescue allowed a chi to go to a home with a baby!?!

Ds has had all his vaccinations I didn’t realise tetanus was one

Gumtree?