On the one hand, I understand your concern, especially since this isn’t the first act of aggression. The flip side is that you might want to consider trying to reintroduce them in very small doses, while supervised. I say this for your son’s sake. You dont want to risk this traumatic experience staying with him for the rest of his life, developing into a fear of dogs in general.
As for the dog…this could very easily turn into something much worse for your parents. As far as homeowners I insurance goes, there is a thing called Propensity. This is a term used to defend a dog and its owner. If there is no history, then there is no propensity. If there is a history of aggression, it shows propensity, or likelyhood of aggression, bits, attacks. This becomes a serious legal battle, because propensity shows that the owner KNEW the dog was likely to be aggressive.
Other than very short interactions to absolve your son of his fears, I would expect the dog to be put up when you and your son are there.
It’s the owners fault not the dog…if you have a dog and know it can be aggressive then you put the dog up… I have a small dog which doesn’t like small children and will bit…so if my grandchildren come over he gets put up to keep all safe…I’m sorry it happened to your child …
I got bit by a friends dog once when I went over there. I didn’t need stitches, but it also wasn’t the first time the dog had bitten someone. The family decided to put the dog down (it was very loyal and would be aggressive towards non-family). If a dog is getting aggressive with people then something needs to be done. It is right to not take your child around the dog again.
Rule in our house and family is that if ANY animal becomes aggressive for no good reason and harms a child it has to go. My kids life is worth more that any animal. That’s just how I was raised.
I would simple say to them that you love them and want to spend time with them but foe a while it will have to somewhere else or during your visit the dog must be kept in a separate room. It is important that you make sure your son is safe and that he is not traumatized into thinking all dogs are like this so for his mental health the dog must be kept contained or you will not be able to visit. Possibly in 6 months or so and if they have taken the dog to a trainer you may allow the dog near your son again.
For everyone saying don’t go, no. I have dogs at my home but they do NOT come before any human being. They just don’t. So even if they never bit the child (which my 2 have never done anyway), if the child had an issue the dogs would either be locked up or let outside until the visit was over. I’m disgusted by how selfish some of y’all are when it comes to animals. Do not mistake me either, I love my 2 dogs to death but they are DOGS.
Put the dogs in different room while visiting or let them know you won’t be visiting unless they do that. My dog would be put down if it bit one of my grandchildren. Especially if they needed stitches!!
1 Like
The dog is not kid friendly. When your son or other children are in the same space as the dog, the dog should be placed in a kennel.
1 Like
I’m so sorry this happened to your child. I would tell them that you know they love their dog but you will not allow it to be in the same room with your child because you’d never want this to happen again. Tell them you’ll still come to visit but only if the remove the dog from where it can get to your son.
I think the issue here is your son. This could be a game changer for him in the future with other dogs. A similar situation happened to a family member. To this day she is still afraid of dogs. Many years. Grandparents should acknowledge that your son is afraid and take him into consideration. 
It’s a hard thing. My mother in laws dog bit my son and alot of other people and they would always say what did you do to him. I stopped going to there home with my kids or if we did stop over we would only stay outside.
It would be great if she had a pet/baby gate so that your son and the dog could be “together” but separated. I would be VERY upset about the dog bite (and I’m sure your poor mom is distraught too) but there’s no way I could tell my mom to get rid of her dog, especially since the dog and your son have normally played together without a problem. Just keep them separated until your son, your mom and you are all comfortable resuming the boy/dog relationship.
Can’t believe animal control is not involved. If The child went to the hospital and they told them what happened. The dog would have been picked up for quarantine. Somethings not right here…
I know i will get nasty comments. But here goes anyway. How often do you visit? Sound to me that you want the dog put down. Sounds like you are jealous of the way they treat the dog. Do you visit every couple days, once a week, or just when it is convenient? They probably love the companionship and the dog is comfort to them. Is you child loud, rambunctious? Or just a sweet little quiet child? Noise make some dogs nervous. This is just my opinion.
1 Like
Sometimes dogs are afraid of children. If children move aggressively or move toward them too far it scares them. Could this have possibly happened? In time they may learn to be very good friends. Maybe until the child is older they should be separated.
No, that dog needs to be confined…I mean in a crate or kennel while your child is there …or don’t bring your child there. I have a little dog that growls at children …never bit…but I make sure he is shut in the bedroom when children come, and they know not to open the door
Never should a biting doggie be around children. If grand parents choose to keep their fur baby, confine pet to another area while baby/child visits. PERIOD.
If your parents dog is not usually aggressive I would calmly talk to your four year old and ask him what was going on when the dog decided to bite . If he was being rough with the dog like hitting pulling the dogs ear
The owner should be held accountable- not the dog. The OWNER should insist the dog is out of the room and crated when the child visits. That person is being irresponsible and negligent. I would not bring my child back until they agree.
I think they should just put the dog away when you visit just so your son can feel comfortableI don’t know sometimes why does things happen but I know there’s some dogs that don’t like kids I had one that hated kids and I have to keep her away from the kids all the time😢
No way. So dangerous. They need to rehome the dog immediately to a home with no children. How awful of them!!! Sorry your going through this!!!
If they love the dog better than their grand child don’t go over there.
kids first if they wish to see the kids they come to you minus the dog. you need to sometime soon take your son somewhere where he can play with a puppy to get him over the fear of dogs. our son was pinned down by a big dog, he was not bit the dog was playing knocked our son down then just stood over him and nudged him when he tried to get up. our son was afraid of dogs for about 3yrs until we brought a sick stray home and he helped get the dog well, they were best friends and he turned into a dog lover.
My dog has bit my grandson twice now. My dog is loving and laid back. My grandson jumps up in her face while she’s sleeping and startles her. I do scold my dog, but I don’t hold my dog accountable for my grandson being a beast.
Can’t she just lock the dog in the mud room or something while you are there ? I understand that they don’t wanna get rid of the dog but I really think the dog could be locked up in a room while you are there .
1 Like
You need to stand your ground. Tell your parents you love them and want them to be part of your life but only if they keep the dog away from your children. Period.
1 Like
This dog needs to be crated or in a locked room while your son is there. No exception…none.
1 Like
Don’t go there, I cannot understand how u would want to keep a dog that bites , I had a dog that didn’t like kids I kept him in my bedroom while I had company but my other dog years later bit my live in boyfriend the dog had to go
They should at least pin it up
When y’all come . My sister put her dog in a room , when she has little kids
1 Like
If your mom has homeowners insurance they should first pay for your medical costs. Second you should contact animal control about the dog. Third you should not go over until your mom removes the dog while your visiting. You should let them know what you are planning to do.
Just keep them separate and I agree made dog need to got vet and get checked out, my sister got bit in the face by our family dog and she just got to close to his chew toy, and he just meant nip and not but her
I have an issue with my dog also, he is almost blind and is afraid an sometimes bites. I always lock him up when someone comes or put him in a kennel. I never leave him out when kids are around. I would not get rid of him, because he bites, we have had him for 13 years. I am just very careful that he isn’t around people where he has the opportunity to bite someone. Just talk to your family and ask them to put the dog away when you visit.
I suggest that the dog be put away somewhere in a kennel or bedroom or outside in a secure area or I would not Risk taking my child to their home they can come visit at your home.
1 Like
It stinks but if you dont go there very often or at all for a while and explain why you cant I would think that eventually they would offer solutions and at least want to keep them separated. Peoples dogs are often like their children so I understand them not rehoming, but something has to be done. Your job as a mother is #1 to protect your child so whatever that taked will be done. Hopefully, they’ll offer to help you in this situation and want to have ya’ll visit safely.
If they don’t take your concerns seriously, they probably won’t take safety measures seriously either such as putting the dog in another room. Do you want to risk the dog getting out? You know what to do, put your kid and safety first. Make them come visit you.
Protect your child and stay away until the grandparents realize they need to have the dog restrained when kids are around.
Verry simple to keep you both happy tell her what time you would like to visit and have her put the dog in a lockable room while you visit everybonys happy.
1 Like
I had a dog for 7 years I got her when she was 6 weeks old, we put a lot of time and money into this dog, but my granddaughter just learned how to start crawling and she pulled on the dog and it nipped at her, did not hurt her, but after the 2nd time I got rid of the dog, yes it upset me, but I would have been more upset if the dog bit her and she had to go to the hospital
It depends on how old is my mother in laws dog either pawed or niped my daughter when she was young she was near her dog dish pretending to eat she has a scare on her face. I never held it against the dog or her my daughter soon became friends with the dog again.
Keep the dog away from your child but you can’t or should not threaten them to get rid of their dog. With children out of the house they now have a dog that they love. It would be as if you did something bad as a child and a neighbor demanding they put you up for adoption. Just ask them to keep the dog in another room when the kid is around
Went through this with my grandson… THE ONLY REASON I didnt put the dog down is because my back was turned and I dont know what my grandson did. However the dog was put in dog jail… (Kennel in the back yard) and was never allowed around anyone but my husband. Some people mat call that cruel, but so would be putting the dog down if my very young grandson hit him or tried to take something from the dogs mouth. I was standing within 5 feet but was cleaning something. My grandson and the dog were playing with a ball when suddenly the dog stopped and jumped on the couch a minute or so later I heard the dog jump down and attack. Got my grandson in the hand.
As a grandparent, NOTHING is more important than my grandkids. I took those steps only because I didnt see what happened and my grandson was to little to tell me. The dog is lucky he was only out in dog jail.
My dog bit a child when the child went to hug her. The child had to go to the hospital. The hospital reported to police and we got a visit the next and they wanted to know if this was the dogs 1st and of course it was. And they wanted proof of shots and tags. Then I had to quantine for 10 day. This like 4 yrs ago.
Tell your child to Stay away from the Dog. That’s what my Mom did with me when My Aunts dog bit me. Sometimes Small children make dogs nervous because of their quick moves and loud voices.
The dog is only protecting herself.
This is not right I can’t believe what this grandma my grandkids come first you need to get someone with animal control no matter what she thinks or obvious she not thinking of her grandchild this is very upsetting
It’s not too much to ask them to put the dog away when you are visiting. I have a German Shepherd that starts to get antsy around my youngest grandchild sometimes. When he does I put him downstairs and shut the door. I would hate it if he ever bit and my grandson had to have stitches!!
Regardless of your parents decision do not put that child near the dog again. He will be traumatized and afraid of dogs the rest of his life. By forcing him around the dog he will be unable to enjoy a loving relationship with one in the future. Buting 3 times. Just a matter of time before he does damage that can’t be fixed.
I had a dog bite my daughter, first thing we locked it until the next morning. Returned the dog the SPCA and they quarantine her for ten days with a recommendation that the dog either adopted into a childless home or to a farmer. Found out later a farmer adopted the dog and it bite him. He had the dog put down. So never trust a dog that bites, it will be worse the next time. Protect your CHILD, don’t go back until they either rehome or put the dog down.
If it was me I’d have killed the dog on the spot then wouldn’t have to worry about it ever again.
2 Likes
The dog should be out to sleep. You aren’t at all wrong and NO way would I allow my kid back there. It’s the dog or your grandchild. Simple as that. A bite in the face and needed stitches? Poor kiddo
Put the dog up or don’t go. I would have never given the dog a second time. This is your child protection him. What happens if something really really bad happens the poor child is a child you protect him. Sorry for being so strong in this but this is wrong.
Don’t be afraid to ask for the dog to be away from your child. The dog may be old and can’t see good anymore or just does not like children.
Some dogs have an additude and are afraid of children because children don’t know how to play with dogs and they hurt them trying to play, pull their tail, poke them in the eyes, sit in them. The did needs to be in another room
I had a cat that could be aggressive so when grandkids came over, she was put in a room with door locked that could only be opened by key.
I have a very small Chihuahua. He hasn’t been around small children. Point being for my visiters he stays in a bedroom. For the dog to feel safe and not risk friends getting bit.
Don’t cut family times. Ask them to get a crate to put him in until y’all leave the house. I have children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and I would give my life for any of them. We also have 2 little dogs and they are part of our family and if they bit someone I would much prefer to put them into a crate than cut ties with any of them.
I’m sorry but it sounds as if her parents do not believe their dog is a problem. Even if they don’t they should offer to put the dog in another room when she and boy are visiting. I’m wondering also if this is a “manufactured “ story. I cannot understand why the doctor didn’t call the police. The animal should have been put in protective custody and monitored for however long the law prescribes.
I believe we as parents are here to protect our children. I would not allow my child to be around this aggressive dog, not one more time.
What was the reason the dog bit your son? If provoked then not the dogs fault. I would just ask your mom to kennel the dog while you are there. The dog can’t talk and their way of saying stop it hurts, is to bite. If the dog shows aggression while in the kennel is now another story and your mother needs to talk with a dog behaviorist to see what is best for all.
You say he’s loving to people he know, and you also say you go 2 or 3 times a week. Doesn’t make sense to me. Also if you know dog is aggressive, then keep the kid away from the dog.
Support your young child and avoid the dog. No reintroducing, no contact with child and dog.
Visit elsewhere.
Your son has been traumatized.
Consider dog trainer/child therapy- whatever it takes to protect your child.
Keep them separated until he is older and then slowly introduce them if it doesn’t work then the dog needs to be in another room.
My dog bit my grand and went by by right away. No second chance. I haf him for 10 years and even as a pup was aggresive to strangers. But i did have him.put down no regrets
1 Like
First of all, if this were my child, I would have reported the dog bite ( just as if it were a stranger’s dog that did it ) and make sure the dog is always outside when we visit or just have them come visit at our house.
You’re not wrong unless you expect your mother to have the dog destroyed. As a grandma myself, I would absolutely put my dog in a crate or a closed room when you visit. Suggest it and give her a chance.
Some dogs just don’t do children. Simply separate and move on. Also don’t let that kid be scared forever. If they learn early on that being scared means they don’t have to deal with something it will become their go to thing every time they don’t want to deal with something.
Honestly your sons opinion is what matters here. If he doesn’t want to be around this dog his grandparents shouldn’t force a re introduction. However you also can’t force them to get rid of said dog. What you could do for a compromise is when you are over the dog is away from your son and if he ever changes his mind about wanting to try again with the dog do it in a safe way with adults by both
If any dog injured my child, to the point of stitches, it would be gone. Especially since it wasn’t the first time it had been aggressive! I just wouldn’t visit their house! The dog could have done irreparable damage, beyond just stitches! My “child” comes first, before any pet!!
A child’s safety is more important than anything. The dog should be kept away.
It would seem that there’s a shortage of common sense here. As a grandparent myself, I would never force a child to confront a dog who has already bit him. If they’ve not willing to consider the child’s well-justified fear, then they don’t deserve to see the child.
I know the situation…my sons dog does the same thing…a small person around some dogs are invading their territory…that’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Can’t believe they would allow your precious child to be subjected to that behavior.
Anywhere I have lived calls for a dog to be put down for attacking or biting anyone. The fact they would choose to keep the dog after attacking their own grandchild in the face bad enough to need stitches is crazy, I cannot even comprehend that thought process, especially with it having shown aggression before. It should have been in a kennel or another room while grandchildren are visiting with that known. And to expect a reintroduction of the dog to the FOUR YEAR OLD CHILD it attacked… How will that create a positive experience??? The dog will sense the child’s fear from a mile away, & the child’s fear is justified. I would be very firm that something needs to change to continue visits in their home if the dog stays, no exceptions. Otherwise, they can come to your home to see him.
I mean to cut ties is over the top. Either ask them to put the dog up when yall come over or they come over without the dog to visit you. Dont expect the parents to just get rid of the dog. That’s their house.
1 Like
Have the visits take place at your home, without the dog. That way you’re not keeping your child from his grandparents and the decision is theirs to make if they want to come see him.
You need to do whatever you have to, to keep your child safe. That’s your job as a mother. I won’t care who’s dog it was if it bit my child, my child wouldn’t be around it.
I wouldnt expect them to get rid of their dog, it’s a family member and should be for life. You can control the environments you put your son in. Explain your fears and that they need to come to you for visits, meet at a park or somewhere, or put the dog outside while he is there visiting.
Your first and their first priority should be to keep your son ( their grandchild) safe. They could put the dog in another room or outside when you go visit. As far as your son getting reintroduced I would wait awhile. That is a traumatic experience for any age.
How old is this dog. Pup or mature dog makes a difference. Let your mom know that you won’t be to their home if the dog will roaming the area the kids will be. Also you could invite your mom to your home. If you can’t reach an agreement you may have to sacrifice the relationship with parents.
I had a beautiful German Shepard for about three years. She was a great companion.
First great grandchild came to visit. She bit him on the cheek, right in front of me. She was jealous of him.
Found a new home for her. Cried a lot. But I never had to worry about her biting a child again.
I would ask her to either kennel thedog our make sure it stays in another room. Your son should not have to be afraid. As a grandparent I would put my dogs away when my grandkids are with me if they, for any reason, were fearful of my dogs.
I agree with bellies! Although as your son gets older, they will probably get used to one another hopefully !
Anytime a dog bites enough for stitches is a problem. Aren’t they concerned at all? It is there house. So my opinion is to be truthful and state the facts. Tell them you love them but that they need to do something about the dog when you visit or you won’t be able to visit as he’s still scared to death. Explain what he went through and how devastating it was.
I have an 7 year old grandson and a 8 year old lab they get along But I will not leave them in a room alone accidents happen I know
My niece had a dog it was just put down do to health issues an this dog has bitten numerous times where she’s also thought it was funny when a friend of mine was attacked for no reason almost got him in the eye, nothing was ever done with this animal should of been taken out in a field an put down. By the way I live in jersey an it could of easily been a lawsuit my brothers lawyer said a homeowners lawsuit smh
Your job as a parent is to protect your children. Lay down the law and tell them straight they will have to come to your house when they want to see the kids and to leave the dog home. And that while that dog is there, your kids won’t be. It’s that simple. He has the taste of blood and he is getting braver.
Tough tough situation…I know how people feel about their pets! Certainly you aren’t suggesting your mom get rid of this dog? The dog and kids need to be separated unless their is an adult supervising…as in holding onto the dog.
Why can’t they put the dog inside of a room where the child does not come in contact with the dog while they are there. Or tie the dog outside while they are there.
1 Like
Im sorry but if any animal bit one of my boys to the point my kid needs medical help, the animal would be dead.
I agree have them put the dog in another room! When I first got one of my dogs it was from someone else he was a jumper I didn’t want him jumping on my kids or grids nails can hurt too so I put him up until they left now that I have him trained not to jump all is well. If they refuse to put the dog up there is no reason to go there they can come to ur place
my mother-in-laws dog bit my son every time we went there. he hated kids. She finally agreed to lock him up when we are over. Simple solution. Some dogs just do not kids!
Do not go over there until the y can put the dog in another room while he’s there. I would not put my grandchild in that kind of danger! These are the rules if they want to see him!!
kids before animals!!!
they should be ashamed to push contact with the dog! i would just say we are not coming back over if the dog is allowed access to the child!! they can put the dog in another room while you visit! that is just horrible! i hope your son is ok and heals without a big scar! the scar on his heart will not heal as fast!
Once aggressive always aggressive. I realize they love their dog but what is more important than a grandchild. If it were me the dog would be gone in a heart beat.
The dog should have been picked by the animal patrol and quarantined
1 Like
The thing is something has to be done because if something would happen the dog would attack the child again and you would have to take the child to the emergency room and it is brought up that this is the second time that the dog has attacked the child CPS would be brought in because that is neglect because you didn’t take precautions to protect your child from the dog knowing that the dog had attacked the child before I know this because it happened to a friend of mine
My moms boyfriends dog did the same thing to my niece a month or so ago. He blamed her for it and then tried to say he didn’t despite screenshot conversations that prove it. My sister called animal control (or led me to believe she did) and I was not informed of what had happened last as I’d cut contact with my mother for reasons including this one and more.
It’s hard to say. Does your kid go by the dog after being told not to? Does your kids tease the dog? I am on the fence. You need to tell your people to put the dogs in the kennel when you bring your kids by. But if your kids don’t listen and are teasing the dog it is the kids fault. My friends dog, an older cocker spaniel bit the other friends kid. The kid crawled after the dog under the table where the dog took refuge from the group of people. For one the parent should of stopped the kid from going after the dog. And the owner of dog could of put dog in a bedroom or kennel to keep the kids and dog safe.
Absolutely not. Any time you or your children are at your mothers home I would insist that the dog be either in a crate or a room with the door closed where it can not get out. NO…EXCEPTIONS…AT…ALL. And until she complies her daughter and grandchildren won’t be in her home. PERIOD. You can’t wait for this dog to maul one of your children.
Please sit down and talk with your mom. Explain to her that your family will be unable to visit unless the dog is locked up, either outside or in a room. If this is unacceptable to her then suggest that it would be better for her to come to your home. I’m sure she is upset too but doesn’t know how to handle this. Now if she is unwilling to do these things then, in no way should you put your child in danger. We all have some form of video chat and that will the only way to communicate for now. Be strong and stay firm, if she brings the dog out get up and leave right away. Your child needs to be able to trust you. Hopefully someday your son will grow to love dogs. 
My in laws had a dog that would bite people and they refused to put him up when we came to visit. So we didnt go over there for 6 years. If they didn’t come to us they didn’t see us. After the dog attacked my father in law and hospitalized him they put the dog down. Taking your son around that dog would be mental, emotional, and possibly physical abuse.
Make sure it’s crated before you go inside, dog bites out of fear. Some dogs just dog don’t small children, mostly they will be eye level to each other and that is intimidation to a dog. Good Luck!