Need help urgently. My dog bit a teenager, what do I do?

Guizz
Guizz Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone, I'm in a state of total panic and so upset. I adopted an adult Staffie from a rescue centre 8 months ago. I've already had two incidents with other dogs (he went for their throats).

Recently, my partner was looking after the dog while I was at my mum's, and a friend of his came over with his 12-year-old son. The boy was playing with the dog and he bit him on the knee (hard enough to draw blood).

I've no idea what to do anymore; I love my dog, but everyone around me is telling me to rehome him. I called the rescue centre where I got him from, and they think the dog has become 'dominant' because of me, as there were no issues when I first took him in. I personally think he was traumatised by an attack from another dog during a walk, and since then he feels threatened very easily. At home, he knows his place.

I've already seen a dog behaviourist, but it didn't really change much.

What would you do in my shoes? I love my dog and this situation is absolutely breaking my heart...

Translated from French
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3 answers
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    • Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
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    Typical of the rescue centre to shift the blame onto you… 😒 and as for that explanation… they mean well, but they really need to get with the times to stop dogs being returned to the shelter because of such poor advice. There are definitely factors that would explain the bite. The dog and the child don't know each other (not at all, or not well enough), the way they were playing—was it roughhousing? With a toy? Whereabouts did it happen? It would have been great if there was a video of the scene, as that would have shown exactly when and why things went south. Ideally, it would be a good idea to set up some cameras for the future, just in case; it would help you understand things better. Obviously, don't try the same thing again without taking precautions. In future, suggest a walk outdoors with the guests and the dog so everyone can burn off some energy and get to know each other in a space where the dog can easily keep his distance if he’s feeling overwhelmed. At home, keep the dog separate using a baby gate so he and the guests can still interact (or use a well-fitted muzzle that he's used to wearing) and keep a close eye on the dog’s body language. That should help make things clearer.
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    PinelaJose
    Pinelajose Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, if I may – if you’re in the Strasbourg area, I offer a free assessment with no obligation. I’m a dog trainer trained by Esprit Dog and featured on Panics Dog. This issue needs to be addressed by a (competent) trainer, outside of a secure field, while muzzled, and as part of an intensive course (no more than 10 days). Best of luck – The Arcanine Training team – in-home dog training in and around Strasbourg.
    Translated from French
    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there,

    There isn't really any such thing as "dominance" between dogs and humans: many aggressive behaviours are more closely linked to fear, stress, poorly managed interactions, or a difficult background than a desire to "dominate".

    It’s certainly a situation that needs to be taken seriously: if I were you, I’d prioritise seeing a veterinary behaviourist rather than a standard dog trainer. They’ll be able to accurately assess the root causes of these behaviours and put a proper management plan in place.

    In the meantime, I think it’s vital to avoid any risky situations: no unsupervised contact with children, and strict management of encounters with other dogs...

    I wish you the very best of luck with this situation,

    Maëlla

    Translated from French

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