Worried about rehoming dog

hollytrees

I didn't want to take over thread about dog snapping at 2 year old but it has really got me thinking....

Friends of mine recently emigrated and I took in their cocker poo. I already have two dogs who keep me busy so I said there was no way I can have a third one so rather than the dog going into a pound I said I would mind him until we found a good home.

He is a lovely dog, bit hyper but good fun. He was well used to children in his previous home,. Because he was used to being the only dog he doesn't like sharing me with my other dogs. Recently my cousin called with her 4 year old. I was at sink chatting to little boy and the dog was lying next to my feet. with no warning the dog jumped up and left a mark on the little lads forehead. He was bawling and I was terrified. Since then the dog has been put into his pen if we ever have guests with very young children. he doesn't seem to mind older children.

anyhow i have now found a wonderful home for him where he will get lots of attention. Their children are now teenagers. I explained that he isn't used to young children and as a result I wouldn't trust him with them. I'm now freaked out in case this happens again and if it did I would feel responsible if he injured a child.

meoklmrk91

I think instead of saying that he wasn't used to young children, you should have said he doesn't like or is uncomfortable around small children. They might talk it upon themselves to try and socialise him with smallies which would be dangerous if the dog apparently from this incident does not do well with them. I would be happy to take on a dog like this as I have no kids but would want to know as I do have friends with small children calling.

Many dogs are rehomed to adult homes only or homes won't children over 12, just because they don't like small kids doesn't mean that they don't have a place. Lots of dogs just don't have a tolerance for children, it doesn't mean they are bad or will savage anyone, just that that isn't the kind of home they would do well in.

I assume the dog was in fact being aggressive when he jumped up and marked the boy and it wasn't just an accident?

aonb

OP if you have found a home for the dog with TEENAGED children, and explain to the new owners, that this dog is not good around small children, and have that discussion, its up to them after that.
Are the prospective new owners 'dog people'??
I have 1 dog who really dislikes small children - when we have visitors with small children, that dog goes into another room (with a treat!). Since Ive read the thread about dog (nearly) biting a child on here, I will be putting my Simple Dog into another room when my good friend visits with her 2 yr old (he and my dog are very fond of each other) - rather than take any chances 8-(