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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

Lovely rescue dog, but

109 replies

ThisIsntDanicaBritannica · 08/12/2021 20:54

We’ve had him around a month, very dog reactive so we have to be careful with walks etc. But tonight he nipped my 15year old daughter on the face. He drew blood, but only just. She had been cuddling with him on the sofa, all fine, nothing me and my husband haven’t done with him, I was stood about a foot away. My daughter sat up away from him, still stroking him with one hand. He reared backwards and went for her face. His top teeth caught her nose and his bottom teeth caught her lip. It wasn’t an accident by a giddy dog in play, I would understand that. I can’t see the provocation, but then, I’m not in his doggy head. She’d already moved away from him so it doesn’t really seem like a ‘get back, I’ve had enough’ either.
I have a 3 year old grandson who visits. Dd15 is a bit shaken. So am I.

What should I do?
Should I contact his rescue? I’ve kept them up to date with him so far.
I love him so much but I no longer trust him.
Or am I making a mountain out of a molehill? I think Dh thinks I am and to be honest I totally lack perspective where any emotions are concerned!

OP posts:
PlanktonsComputerWife · 08/12/2021 22:18

Absolutely get this dog back to the rescue.

I am quite amazed they let you have him when they knew kids were in the mix.

ButteredOwl · 08/12/2021 22:31

He's bitten your daughter. You need to return him

Weatherwax13 · 08/12/2021 22:33

Return him. A bite to the face could have been catastrophic

Alittlepotofrosie · 08/12/2021 22:38

He would be gone tomorrow. That wasnt an accident and hes not safe to be around children. Its going to sound harsh but i wonder if you've missed other signs of him being stressed under the guise of you loving him so much and him being your best mate when you've had him for one month. Maybe you weren't observing him closely enough because dogs rarely go from 0-bite on the face with no signs whatsoever. You don't know a dog after one month. It takes 3 or more months for a dog to settle in and you should have been on your guard.

Shoemadlady · 08/12/2021 22:39

Regardless of the reasons why I wouldn't even leave a 3 year old in a room with this dog.
If he's gone for a 15 year old with no provocation what could be do to a 3 year old that might piss him off. Is it really worth the risk?

my8thMNusername · 08/12/2021 22:43

Sorry would never in a million years keep him!

Kinko · 08/12/2021 23:59

Contact the rescue immediately.

You can also Google ladder of aggression for dogs, that will show you if you're missing any signs but if you've got a toddler coming round your house frequently then I'm sorry this is not the right dog for you. A toddler cannot decipher body language and if the dog has already gone for a 15yr old, then I dread to think what could happen to a 3yr old.

Contact the rescue and explain all.

Original poster
ThisIsntDanicaBritannica · 09/12/2021 00:10

I’ll be speaking to the rescue in the morning.
Just to clarity, he bit my teenage daughter, not my grandson. I would never subject my rescue dog to be being bothered by a toddler, especially not 1 month in
It was such a surprise as he appears very affectionate, he adores being touched.
I agree dogs will normally warn before resorting to teeth. Perhaps I have missed behaviour cues. I’ve grown up with dogs and seen many accidents in play and the occasional warning nip / almost nip when the dog had felt uncomfortable or overwhelmed. I can’t believe he went right for the center of her face 😭
I feel I absolutely can’t risk the safety of the other members of the household. I really hope the rescue can rehome him in an adult only household.
Poor dog has been through enough already.
Thank you all for your advice.

OP posts:
Original poster
ThisIsntDanicaBritannica · 09/12/2021 12:30

Just a quick update, I’ve talked to the rescue, they are discussing with a behaviourist and getting back to me.
I do think he may have been putting my daughter ‘in her place’ - both me and my husband are usually on the sofa but my daughter rarely is. It may also explain why he tried to swipe her dinner right off her plate earlier that day. Of course he may just be a greedy boy.
Obviously he needs to be in an adult only home ASAP. So sad as he is lovely. I think he’ll thrive with adults. But so sad for him, and my daughter, she adores him. 😭

OP posts:
GingerAndTheBiscuits · 09/12/2021 13:42

That kind of dominance theory had been largely debunked so I think that’s unlikely. More likely that he has pain somewhere and she caught him, has poor eyesight and got spooked, or is a reactive dog. But I don’t think any of those are things you can take a risk on with a visiting toddler.

Marcipex · 09/12/2021 13:48

I’m glad you are not keeping him, and personally I would say he should be pts unless the rescue can really ensure he’s never with children, on or off lead, anywhere.

I’ve always had rescue dogs but I wouldn’t keep this one. Their strength means they can do massive damage.
Sorry.

Kanaloa · 09/12/2021 13:55

Is this type of dog likely to be safe in the future though? I know people are saying the dog needs an adult only home but he bit a 15 year old - hardly a child?

SuperLoudPoppingAction · 09/12/2021 14:09

Could it be a sleep startle?
My greyhound has this. If she is lying down and sleeping and then someone moves she gets very grumpy about it, although nearly 3 years on she is relaxing quite a bit and not showing those kinds of behaviours.

I don't believe in dominance theory but I did notice my dog was also quite competitive with dd who was 18 when we got ddog. She was her least liked person and again, is just relaxing around her now. Dd is not remotely bothered either way so wasn't hurt by it. Just gave ddog peace.

wowthisisstrange · 09/12/2021 14:33

I’d have a behaviourist in to see him first if you can and see what they say/suggest. After that I’d decide based on what the rescue and the behaviourist have said, what the best option is for you. Even if they say his behaviour is pretty easily fixable, if you don’t think you can provide the environment he needs then he needs to go back to the rescue. That’s not your fault, it’s just a fact and he’ll need a home with experience with more challenging dogs.

Really sorry this has happened - your poor daughter!
I have known people whose rescue dog bit in the first 3months, they had a behaviourist in, had a plan after an hour or so and sorted the behaviour in about a week - they’ve been super consistent and constantly training (however they weren’t staffy/bully breeds).

LovesFoxesAndFoxgloves · 09/12/2021 14:35

PTS. This dog is dangerous. Why risk it. Your children, and your grandchildren, and any children the dog encounters, MUST be put first.

Alltheblue · 09/12/2021 14:38

This isn't going to work if you have small children coming to the home. You've found out relatively early. The dog needs a more experienced home.

LovesFoxesAndFoxgloves · 09/12/2021 14:38

Please do more research on Staffordshire bull terrier types. They are so aggressive, usually after appearing docile or playful. Countless stories about the damage these dogs inflict. Not to be trusted.

Your poor daughter. I hope she's ok.

Wolfiefan · 09/12/2021 14:39

Yes I agree. This is absolutely NOT him putting her in her place. Dogs don’t think like that.
The dog may be in pain.
The dog may have been startled.
The dog may be scared of her for some reason.
You need to do what it takes to keep her safe though.

Mumwithapub · 09/12/2021 14:42

Dog should not be on sofa in first place they get possessive over it, especially rescue dogs. They are pack animals and need to know their place in the pack. Dog has accepted you and hubby on sofa but not daughter so he hasn't learnt his place in the pecking order.

Wolfiefan · 09/12/2021 14:43

@Mumwithapub pack theory has been completely debunked. That simply isn’t true.

PlanktonsComputerWife · 09/12/2021 14:49

They need to take back the dog if they are a reputable rescue. Of course, a rescue

who placed an abused staffy in a family setting does not inspire confidence.

I am so sorry for you OP though and especially for DD. It could have been a lot worse.

Original poster
ThisIsntDanicaBritannica · 09/12/2021 16:40

Have talked more with the rescue. They’ve asked for photos for the behaviourist they are talking to, there’s just three little bumps on her nose, I’ve sent them, just waiting for their reply.
Always a risk with a rescue as they really are an unknown quantity and you only have limited information about the dogs history. He may have had a bad experience with a teen previously and my daughter just spooked him, we’ll never know.
I’m very grateful she has very minimal injuries. I’m sure it will effect her though, she is a sensitive soul.
I hope they feel he can be safely rehomed.

OP posts:
Marcipex · 09/12/2021 18:03

Why does the rescue need photos of your daughter? Surely a description is adequate.

Are they doubting your word on this?

Santahatesbraisedcabbage · 09/12/2021 18:08

I had my rotty from being tiny. She wasn't a ddog you could put your face near. Any affection was on her say so.
And ime a ddog on the sofa isn't always a great idea.. We have 4 ddogs. 2 are floor based and 2 on the chairs..
A great bloody shame for all of you op...

Babyvenusplant · 09/12/2021 18:08

You say your dd was stroking him when he bit her, is it possible he had any sore/painful areas around the area she was stroking?