This is a very difficult situation. I think that one thing that needs to be taken into account is the child's opinion. Is he afraid of the dog at this point? Of course he does not deserve to live in fear, but if a trainer can come in to work with the dog, boundaries can be set, and the boy can learn to behave correctly around the dog... i see no reason for the dog to be put down. However, I do feel that they should seek professional help... they need to most definitely be well versed in canine body language and particularly stress signals. Dog also needs to re-learn it's place... humans go out of the door first, dogs are not allowed on beds/furniture, etc. Nothing in life is free.

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Remington Byrd's Golden Shot - "REMY" - CGC, Therapy Dog, Service Dog
Collier's Freedom's Avenger - "Caira"

Well, I would do a full medical work up on this dog. If nothing shows up, then it was startled by the kid growling in the face etc. Maybe the dog is losing some hearing, or sight...or is just up there in age he sleeps more deeply.

DH had an English Setter, he send the dog to a trainer for several weeks, when the dog came back it was a different dog. Out of the blue she bit his daughter in the face. It took surgery and his daughter still has a scar. I believe she was about the same age as the kid discussed.
He placed the dog with a friend who was single, no children and never had children in his house.
After that DH never used a trainer again.
I sure hope a solution like that can be found for this dog.

I would never expect or make a dog tolerate "abuse" from a child, as you put it, but I would not expect the dog to react in aggression any time a child annoyed or bothered him.

Arguing on what is and is not appropriate dog behavior is beside the point. You have an extremely heart broken and troubled mother who's sweet baby has been badly hurt by a dog that has been around before her children. There is a very strong bond to both sides of the conflict for her. Its a terrible situation. Shoulda, coulda, wouldas won't help. They are dealing with what is.

I think if the woman and her family are up to it, the dog will probably be fine continuing to be a family member. Discretion in the children/dog interaction of course and perhaps a behaviorist could keep another dog from being euthanized. Instead of euthanasia perhaps rehoming him with an adult only, no dog household that is willing to accept his past.

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This isnt a matter of pestering the dog. The child startled the SLEEPING dog then proceeded to GROWL in its FACE....That is a recipe for disaster with ANY dog. This is also an older dog, who clearly showed remorse after he realized who he had bit. No offense to your friend Ranger, but I feel this issue could of been prevented had they of corrected the kids for growling like that at the dogs after realizing it was upsetting them. Also, more supervision should of been there as well.

Some of the comments here are beyond belief. What was the reason for the bite? The dog bit a child in the face. There are NO second chances for that. I'm sure I'll hear plenty on this response. I love my dog (dogs) but if one bit a child I would have to put the dog to sleep. It is the ONLY responable thing to do.....for the dog and any other victims.

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So your basically saying if your kid was repeatedly pestering the dog, poking it, pulling things, kicking it etc and the dog finally had enough and lunged at the face you would euth the dog. Guess my dogs should feel extremely lucky they have me as an owner to politely put it

Guys, I don't think this thread is going anywhere good. I'm closing it. Feel free to PM me with any questions.

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