I have a 160lb great dane/bull mastiff mix named Duke. He is 6 years old and for him thats getting old. Anyways, we adopted him a while back and really trusted him with our children and other 2 puppies. He was NOT agressive towards anyone or other dogs at all. We took him to the dog park the other day (as usual) and he played until another came along which was a Husky, the Husky was a little agressive and snipped at Duke. With no warning at all Duke bit him twice right underneath the eyes and pinned the dog to the ground including the owner ( who had him on a leash ). After that everything seemed to be fine at home until last night. My 2 year old daughter went down to kiss him and again with no warning he snarled his lip up real fast and went to snap at her but hesitated. Keep in mind this dog can kill my baby in seconds. We worry that even if everything turns out ok that we know he is now capable of attacking and the puppies are only going to get bigger and more playful. We are thinking about calling the animal control we got him from and ask them to find him a home where there are no children and no other dogs, i think he will be less stressed or something. WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by enjhamra

I have a 160lb great dane/bull mastiff mix named Duke. He is 6 years old and for him thats getting old. Anyways, we adopted him a while back and really trusted him with our children and other 2 puppies. He was NOT agressive towards anyone or other dogs at all. We took him to the dog park the other day (as usual) and he played until another came along which was a Husky, the Husky was a little agressive and snipped at Duke. With no warning at all Duke bit him twice right underneath the eyes and pinned the dog to the ground including the owner ( who had him on a leash ). After that everything seemed to be fine at home until last night. My 2 year old daughter went down to kiss him and again with no warning he snarled his lip up real fast and went to snap at her but hesitated. Keep in mind this dog can kill my baby in seconds. We worry that even if everything turns out ok that we know he is now capable of attacking and the puppies are only going to get bigger and more playful. We are thinking about calling the animal control we got him from and ask them to find him a home where there are no children and no other dogs, i think he will be less stressed or something. WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

I defiinitely would not want the dog anywhere near that 2 yr old---This could be a disaster just waiting to happen! It is too bad when something like this happens. I could maybe see that dog attacking that other dog if it was being provoked. Part of the problem here is that that dog is such a huge dog and one big bite could kill! It may of been taken off guard (surprised) when your 2 yr. old came up to him?? And he did stop--BUT I think you would be "playing Russian Roulette" to keep this dog!

Not that you would ever be sure whether this could happen again irregardless but, Could there be a health reason for this dog to suddenly start acting this way---Just recently had vaccinations--esp. Rabies? No matter what the reason (and you just adopted this dog--Do you know how he had been treated before in his past life?) Another thing, the chances of him becoming crankier with age is going to increase and a 2 yr. old and their movements, etc. probably is more stressful with an older dog. I love dogs and hate to see one lose it's home but you have to think of your little girl first. Another thing as far as disasters--You could be sued if this dog attacks anyone else--and would you even be able to pull this dog off of anybody if he did go for another person's throat! It could kill another person too. You would not want to have the death of anyone on your conscience! I would try to find a suitable home for him--maybe on a farm with no kids.

[chevy & karen]

I too am wondering about vaccination's...

I would worry very much about any sign's of agression around a 2 year old..

If the dog was never aggressive prior to the incident with the Husky, I too would be very careful having him around the baby.
Did he draw blood on the husky? If so this is a real factor that needs to be taken into consideration, it is believe that when a dog tastes blood there behavior changes somewhat.

I wish you all safety and happiness in whatever the outcome is,
Regards
Marty H

Originally Posted by enjhamra

I have a 160lb great dane/bull mastiff mix named Duke. He is 6 years old and for him thats getting old. Anyways, we adopted him a while back and really trusted him with our children and other 2 puppies. He was NOT agressive towards anyone or other dogs at all. We took him to the dog park the other day (as usual) and he played until another came along which was a Husky, the Husky was a little agressive and snipped at Duke. With no warning at all Duke bit him twice right underneath the eyes and pinned the dog to the ground including the owner ( who had him on a leash ). After that everything seemed to be fine at home until last night. My 2 year old daughter went down to kiss him and again with no warning he snarled his lip up real fast and went to snap at her but hesitated. Keep in mind this dog can kill my baby in seconds. We worry that even if everything turns out ok that we know he is now capable of attacking and the puppies are only going to get bigger and more playful. We are thinking about calling the animal control we got him from and ask them to find him a home where there are no children and no other dogs, i think he will be less stressed or something. WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

I wouldnt be so quick to 'get rid' of a dog you love and is part of the family. Try to find some answers for his behavior. Perhaps your dog sees himself as the dominant dog over your daughter as your family is a 'pack'. Get in touch with an animal behaviorist.
Pets are for life!

I would suspect that at age 6 he's having some issues with arthritis, which is very painful. A trip to the vet to rule out any medical issues is warranted.

That said, I would not allow this dog to be anywhere near a small child. Not now, not ever again. This is a tragedy waiting to happen, and your first loyalty is to your children, not the dog.

Not to long ago in my area a 2 year old, healthy American Bulldog, who had shown no previous aggressive tendencies grabbed a 2 year old little girl and literally ripped her face off. She has had several surgeries, and is looking at many more, to repair the damage.

As much as you love this dog, is something like that a risk you're willing to take?

I'm not going to say what I'd personally do if this were my dog, because it would be very unpopular. I'll just encourage you to do whatever you have to in order to keep children safe.