Dog Bit Child on Cheek Tonight
I never even heard my dog bark and he has been around several children in the house at one time before, but has never been aggressive. He is always just very passive, sweet, loyal, loving, and affectionate. I feel TERRIBLE about what has happened to my daughter's friend tonight as her family rushed over to pick her up and take her to the ER. Could someone please give me some advice. Tonight was the first time this little girl has ever spent the night at anyone's house and this is what happens. I can't even sleep as I am so worried about this little girl and what we should do to render and correct this situation. I absolutely ADORE my OES as he is always by my side and loving to each of the family members and guests, but I am terrified that this could happen again at any time and again for no reason perhaps. PLEASE HELP  |
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| I'm so sorry this happened. Its very hard to know what caused it especially as you weren't watching. He may have been resource guarding his food bowl from a stranger. I think you really need to speak to a dog behaviourist. Come back here any time if you've more questions. Good luck. |
| Big hugs to you, what a sad situation for all. I don't have any advice but hoping today brings a clearer understanding. |
| My sweet Callie was sleeping in the kitchen when a 5 yr old went over to her and bent down to pet her...she didn't break the skin but pinched it with her teeth...she never showed any aggression to anyone but the child startled her and of course she didn't know him. I was completely shocked as she let little ones hang on her all day long and loved kids. Maybe food triggered it? I know I have always fed my dogs in a place where they were by themselves and still do. It's not worth them feeling insecure. Hopefully the little girl will be alright...my niece was bitten near her eye from a friendly dog because she was holding a piece of cheese...the dog went for the cheese and got her face...this required a specialist and surgery. Since then I am careful with grandaughters...they have to sit at the table with food and I gate the dogs in the kitchen. Dogs don't understand anything except it's food. It seems to be the one thing dogs are very driven by and I don't want to take chances. I make sure grandaughter has cleaned hands as well when she gets down with them. I am also quick to change dirty diapers as they seem to guard her if she has one...it's hard at times to see everything going on but I keep telling my daughter you can't be too careful with little toddlers. The dogs love her dearly but you have to keep telling yourself they are dogs and not humans although they act human most of the time. |
| Mmmm... it's painful to hear of a child being bitten by a beloved dog. I agree with Mim... you mentioned his food being out so that's likely the cause. All dogs can bite... some would take a lot before being pushed over the line, others very little. An off day or a person a dog is uncomfortable around can lower a dog's tolerance level. And children are physically closer to a big dog's level so the face is an easy target. A behaviorist should be able to help you figure out the cause and a possible solution. It may simply mean never leaving coveted resources down so he doesn't have anything to guard; putting him up when company is over; and feeding him in a room by himself until he's finished, then immediately removing his dish. Removing the source of his guarding may prevent future bites. I'm so sorry. I know you're just sick about this.  |
| We had something similar happen recently and I know how terrified you must be. Depending on the laws in your state, the ER may have had to report the incident to the authorities. That in itself may not be all that bad although your dog would go on record as having bitten a child. Resource guarding can turn an otherwise loving dog into Cujo. Taking up food after being given ample time to eat or any prized toys or treats can prevent biting incidents. Your dog may be fine with you reaching directly into the food dish but perhaps saw the visitor as a threat? I agree with the others, a qualified behaviorist should be consulted to work through the problem. If the girl's wound was deep the doctor probably won't suture it, especially on the face. Hopefully the parents will be understanding about the situation. Please let us know what happens and how the little girl is getting along. Unfortunately, this is something that can happen to any of us at any time. |
| I am very sorry you, your family, the little girl and her family are all going through this. I don't know your dog, but resource guarding can involve a very quick snap and it's quite possible your dog had no idea the little girl would be so hurt by it. Still you should play it safe with other children especially around dinner time. But it sounds like you'll be doing that anyway. I would let her parents know how sorry and apologetic you are and how distressed you are for their little girl, right away. Good luck. |
| I am so sorry to hear you had to go through this. I would definately call the child's parents and offer my apology as well as paying for any medical they may have to pay. But, I know the dog is always to blame. Howdver, we don't know that for sure. If the dog was eating, and the child was some sort of threat. the bite was a resource guarding type thing. has he ever exhibited that? I would feed him seperately from now on without people around - even family members. Just in case he is guarding. Are you sure it was a bite and not a scratch from nails? I feel terrible for all involved. And would start some training with the dog. Meantime, I would be careful with him around anyone while he is eating or with his food out. I would also get him neutered if he is still in tact. |
| Make sure you have all of your dogs vet papers intact. More than likely you will probably have a visit from a dog law/code enforcement officer. They will want to see your rabies papers and other shot papers as well. Your dog may be put under quarentine. Some places make this house arrest, others he has to go to the pound and you have to pay for the fee's while he is there. I would definately look at your home owner's insurance and see what your policy states. As other said i would offer to pay medical bills. You might want to contact your attorney for a "what if" situation and to cover your butt. Good luck. |
| I am so sorry this happened to you! I hope the little girl is okay. When I was young I was attacked by a group of 5 dogs. We lived out in the country and I was surrounded before I knew it. I had 3 bites on my legs, but only one that penetrated deep enough to warrant a visit to the ER. In my case, I couldn't identify which dogs actually bit me, so all 5 were quarantined at the owner's house until they had been rabies cleared. It can be a frightening experience, but I love dogs nonetheless today. My experience with these dogs helped me with my Lucy. She is a rescue that has always been timid of people. We have a rule with any guests that unless she comes to you, you do not approach her. She's never bit, growled, or snarled at anyone, but it only takes once. Oliver is the opposite. He loves anyone and everyone. |
| I'm really sorry that this happened. Is it possible that the dog was asleep or that she stepped on him? |
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