[cheerful2]

...place put him back on internet? I had got a dog for my children, he was about 5 months old about 30 lbs and was a sheperd mix. First I had to take him back because he was really sick, then we got him back and soon after he bit my friendds son (3 yr old) when the child was just trying to be affectionate. I took him back because I didnt want to risk it happening again. I had got him from a rescue place that also adopts out of Petmart on weekends. Well a few days later, the same dog was back on the internet with a note saying "Good with children". I couldnt get a refund, they wouldnt give me another dog either. Is this dog rescue operating unethically? What can I do? I understand that the contract was no refunds, but it just makes me mad that they would put the Dog back up for adoption saying "Good with children"I forgot to mention, yes the dog drew blood when he bit him and it was on the ear and the head and, he probably will have a scar.I saw it happened, and it even shocked me because it was totally unexpected as it didnt seem like the child did anything wrong. The dog seemed a bit timid to begin with and we just figured he was mellow, but who knows what had happened to him within those 5 months. I think now I know not to go through a rescue, especially having young children and not knowing what these animals temperment is.

[Shirley T]

I am not sure it is right they will not refund you. However, even when a child is being affectionate, it might appear threatening to an animal. Children should be watched carefully. Three year old don't understand they might be doing something the dog feels is threatening and the dog doesn't understand that the child is trying to give him a little loving. Also children should be watched carefully around mother animals with a litter. I have heard vets say more cats and dogs are brought in for observation after biting a child because the children think puppies and kittens are toys and they are not. They might not necessarily be hurting the animal but maybe holding it in such a way as to scare it and it is squealing its head off and the mother comes to her baby's defence.

[decbaby8303]

i'm not surpised they put the dog back up but what they should do is keep it at an age restriction..like "not suggested to be around kids under 5" something like that..if you have concerns please call them and tell them your worries. did the dog draw blood on the kid that he bit..or was it like a warning bite? because if he drew blood i'm pretty sure that dog should not be alive. i'm pretty sure thats a pretty strict law. if not the dog just needs some good obedience classes. its not the kids fault or the dogs, he just hasn't been trained properly. but i would give them a call and express your concern. its legitament

[Lori K]

Actually, the biting was your fault. You really should know something about the dogs that you have. German Shepherds and dogs with shepherd blood have a VERY consistent temperament. They are exceptionally good with children BUT are exceptionally wary of strangers. It has been bred into them to encourage the "watchdog" instinct. New people need to be introduced very slowly and very carefully. A 3 year old is WAY too young to be allowed free reign with ANY dog. They are just too rough with the animals and WILL be disciplined by the older dog. Next time, be a more responsible pet owner. Keep small children away from animals and if you have a breed that is wary of strangers (non pack members) keep it in mind when introducing strangers into the situation. Especially strangers who don't know how to approach a dog. Dogs are dogs. They ACT like dogs, not people. Keep the babies and toddlers away.They didn't give you a "refund" because you didn't purchase the dog. Rescues accept "donations". You were not given another dog because you have now been tagged as a risky owner. They want both dogs and owners to be happy with the "fit". I think you would probably benefit from some more experience with dogs before adopting another. Perhaps you could donate some time to a rescue or shelter. You will learn a lot about dog behavior and that will help make your next adoption more successful. Good luck.

[psycho-cook]

You've got to call the police. If you file a report about it they will insist the dog be euthanized. Dogs who bite children will even more willingly bite an adult-leading to abuse of the dog. It is better for him to be gently put down.

[justmemimi]

Report this to the police, but make sure first that it's the same dog. You will be doing it to protect other kids and because it's the right thing to do.... if it is the same dog.

[landwish]

This is a tough call...especially without knowing a bit more about the "bite". Dogs use their mouths for everything- even playing. It's hard for me to imagine an aggressive, five month old puppy, but I can imagine a puppy who hasn't been completely socialized, yet. Just like young children may pull hair, hit or bite when they don't know any better, a young dog may, too. I can also imagine that the three year old child may not have acted appropriately with the puppy. After all, he's still learning, too.The puppy may not have been a good match for your family, but he may not be a lost cause either.

[miranda6382]

In the UK we have an organisation called Trading Standards which looks into discrepancies like this. Perhaps you have the equivilent which you could report these idiots to? I would also consult your local and national animal rescue charities... we have dog wardens run by the local councils here and the RSPCA, a national animal welfare society. I am sorry you and the dog have had such a rough time of it. I had a GSD for years and he was brilliant with my children, please don't be put off of the breed by this incident. Hopefully an adult family will take on this poor dog and train it... there is probably a reason, such as past abuse, which has made him bite. Wish I could offer more advice. Good luck and congratulate yourself for not being willing to just wash yur hands of the problem. Both the dog and the rescue centre need attention.

[kathy k]

5 Months old is still a puppy..and puppies bite, always have and always will. This is not the dogs fault, my 6 month old kitten bites while playing, and I would NOT let a 3 year old near her..(that was not my child or grandchild). We 'rescued a "biter" when my children were young, also an older puppy, one of my children insisted on getting in the pups space, and got bit...dogs fault, NO..mine and my sons, he learned . We ended up with a wonderful dog..for 14 years! No- the rescue SAVED the dogs life, if they returned it to the humane society and said it was a biter, it would get the death sentence! Chances are the pup is good with children, you said he was sick, he needed his space, and as the adult it was your job to make sure the puppy had his space!

[daphne]

I don’t think a 5 month old puppy should be put to sleep for biting. He shouldn’t be put in another home with children.

Although I know my family would agree with you. My family also has not taught their children to be gentle with animals. My three year old nephew was raised his foot to kick my dog ( a 6 lb yorkie) and my dog snapped at him... My sister then told me I had to cage my dog to keep him away from her child... After much training with older children, I decided to try again.. During a party my pup stayed very well behaved. Then a few days later when he was feeling sickly, my niece stood up right in front of him on the couch, scared the yorkie and he snapped at her hand.

I agree this dog should not be around children., but do you really think putting him to sleep like my sister wanted is right? I was wrong to stay at my sisters and let my dog have free run.

My parents also sentenced their 12 year old lab to the basement when she growled at my 2.5 year old nephew. He was crawling over her stiff arthritic joints which my parents refuse to give her pain medication for. My nephew was living with my parents and so the dog was always in the basement...