Buy a muzzle and and take it with you when you go over and require the dog wear it when your child or any child is around it!
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As both a parent and a dog owner I’m going to say that the dogs owners should take their dog to the vet to make sure there is nothing wrong because though the child may be gentle and respectful of the dog, if they touched the dog in a sensitive place, the dog will react which could mean there is an issue. However I also know that kids can be slightly rough with animals without meaning to which could also cause them to attack. If the dog is known to be an ass they need to put the dog away when there is company but essentially you are asking them to get rid of the dog and that’s not fair. That is the dogs home and you are visitors in its home. You have plenty of other options like inviting your parents to your home or meeting at a park. So I see why you want something done because you don’t want to see your child harmed more severely but you can arrange visits without them getting rid of their pet.
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I’m a claim adjuster. There should be a homeowner’s claim and police report filed against the dog on your mothers policy. The dog needs to be quarantined and inspected. All vet records should be sent to the adjuster and there would be medical bills and pain and suffering awarded to you from that policy. Since the dog has bitten before pending state law, it may be put down. I would never go near that dog again with my child
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depending on dog a 9mm should be plenty to stop that real quick. now before panties get wadded up, I like dogs more then people , but as soon as a dog gets aggressive especially more then once, its over the rainbow bridge for them
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Your kid might have pissed off the dog. Teach your kid proper boundaries with animals. I had to with all 4 of mine. Its not always the dogs fault. My son jumped on my Malamute, and he nipped at him because it was sudden, it hurt him, and he was just instinctively reacted. Your kids needs boundaries
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I wouldn’t force your son to be around the dog, but it’s also not completely realistic to expect your mom to get rid of her dog just like that, as he is also part of her family. A compromise might be if they could either crate the dog while you’re over, or put the dog outside. I also don’t think it’s reasonable to completely cut ties, if they’re unwilling to keep the dog apart, maybe make it to where they can just visit you at your house only.
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Have your parents come to visit you without the dog.
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I have a small dog don’t like my grand babies but when they come over I put the dog up in her kennel till they leave I don’t let them around her
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I love animals just as anyone who is a animal lover. Ive raised and help others train their dogs. I always said, the first time one of my dogs bites any human being, I will have it put down. My personal opinion.
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Maybe ask your doc (or whoever did his stitches) to file a charge/report with Animal Control (if they haven’t already) any animal that bites without provocation should be put down & that’s the decision of animal control - not your parents. And if it comes from the Dr, they can’t blame you. Kinda underhand, but it keeps you out of the middle. Also, with accidents, the insurance may also require an investigation & their homeowners insurance would pay the medical bills.
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Cut ties until something is done about the dog
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Have them put the dog in a locked room when there
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I’d expect them to put the dog in another part of the house when your family is over. The dog needs to be separated from children. I wouldn’t go over unless they are willing to do this. If they can’t do this then they can come to your house.
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We have a dog that was a rescue. When we got him we knew he had a fearful disposition. That was over 4 years ago and since then my son’s gf has had a child. He is 2 1/2 and very active. Occasionally the dog has tried to snap at him. When this has happened it has mostly been because the child has done something that scared him. Not necessarily on purpose but the dog gets corrected immediately anyway. We also try to teach the child what caused the behavior so he is not likely to repeat it. They live with us so this is an ongoing teaching situation. I won’t ever leave them unsupervised even for a minute. We also have the toddler help feed and give treats to the dogs so they see good stuff comes from him. This also teaches him to care for and respect animals. There’s more than one solution to this issue. You have to pick the one that works for you and your family.
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Either the dog goes in another room when you visit them, or they can come to your house without the dog. If neither of those work cut ties, it isn’t worth it.
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I had a dog that got snappy with children after he became blind. I ALWAYS crated him when the grandkids came to visit.
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- Report bite (bites) to animal control. NOW!!
- Present them with total medical bills. They are responsible.
- Do Not be with them unless the dog is not there. In another room does not count.
- Make sure dog’s shots are up-to-date. Request records from vet. Check to be sure dog is licensed. Ask to see the legal receipt.
- Good lucki know this is family but they are choosing the dog over their GRAND CHILD. This is wrong. God bless you all. Put your child first.
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My parents dog was like that. They adopted him and even though he loved us kids the younger kids (my dads nieces and nephews) made him really skittish. They just put Ernie in another room with treats until the kids left. And Ernie was fine with it and loved sleeping on their bed.
My dog we have now loves my son but she’s gets really bitchy sometimes so I just put her outside and give her breaks
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Cut ties because apparently there choosing the dog over there grandchild
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Too much trauma for the child. Not good!
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My dog is a grouchy old man. He’s protective of my kids, but doesn’t care much for other kids. When we’re around my nieces I constantly tell them to stay out of his face and to not run towards him. We all, their parents included, flat out say if you get bit it’s your own fault. They have dogs of their own, they play with and are nice to dogs. Some dogs just don’t want kids in their face. He warns them with a growl, if they continue it’s their own fault. 
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The dog needs to be put down. If I had a dog that bit a child, we put him down, it was very hard to do but I will not have a dog that bites. I have grandchildren who come over a lot, no biting dogs.
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My in-laws had a dog that was aggressive toward my 1 month old daughter. After that I made them put him outside anytime we went there. I was told once a dog is aggressive you really have to work with them to change. I would not trust the dog!!
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I know people love their animals like family but animals should never come before children. I agree with Nellie and Cindy…if they want to see them they can come to my house without the dog!
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I am sure you are teaching you son respect and compassion for animals but at the same time there are those dogs that just don’t want people especially little ones in their face! This can be controlled! The dog can be put in another location if the adults can’t monitor the situation! This is not the dogs fault unless the dog just ran up to the child and bit him. A face contact proves the child was in the dogs face and the dog is just protecting itself.
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I agree that there should be another interaction between your son and the dog. He needs to get over his fear just like the dog needs to see a positive outcome as well. But once that is done, I’d be re-homing the dog so that its no longer a concern.
I love any animal more than 99.9% of children, but there comes a time when you have to decide what’s best for the animal as well. If this truly isnt the first time the dog has been aggressive then it needs greater intervention that it’s owners are providing.
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I wouldnt have my son around that dog again. If they don’t at the least locked him up if we came over invited for my child’s safety i wouldn’t go over anymore.
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The dog is now their child and if they love it they likely will make excuses for it and will not get rid of it. That being said your allegiance should be to your child first and foremost so you do what’s right for your child and let the chips fall where they may. Good luck
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Anyone that loves a dog more than their kids or grandkids needs to be laft alone and let the dog take care of them when they cant care for theirselves
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Our lab was a mix, had him seven years and four children later they loved him. He had bitten twice strangers entering our back yard. Never an issue. A friend brought her daughter over to play we were all in back yard. My daughters and her were sitting and playing dolls. He went up to her(unprovoked) and bit her in the face. Tore her lip and upper eyebrow, stitches were needed. It was devastating. My husband took him to the vet the next day and we had him put to sleep. My husband cried as he buried him.
The choice we made might be hard for some to understand, but we did not want to pin him or have another child hurt. Never knowing if he would do it again.
What they chose to do is on them. Ask that dog be put up during visits. If they don’t what you decide is what is best for your child.
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I would not take another chance. I love my dog, but if he bit any of my grandkids he would be gone. Kids should not be scared in their grandparents home.
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The dog needs to go. He attacked the child
He will do it again. I love dogs but family is first.
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My kids grew up with a Dalmation, named Havoc and yes, she was appropriately named. LOL She was great around my kids and kids in the neighborhood that she knew, but when she was around very small, young children, her body language would change and the look in her eyes would change and it was a demeanor I did not trust. Since she was a dalmation, every young child would want to pet her. She was always on a leash and I would stand near Havoc’s head and keep my hand lightly around her snout, ALWAYS. Maybe she never would have done anything, but I did not know that for sure so i would never, ever take the chance.
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Had to been a reason why the dog became aggressive…What breed is the dog?? What was the child doing,and the dog doing… what is the age of the dog?? I am sorry but reading all your input on this not one questioned anything…There are reasons for everything…The dog usually gives signs they want to be left alone
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Where we live the county officials would have deemed this dog dangerous and he would be put down for the safety of everyone. If no report was made, make one and get this dog on record as dangerous, keep your child away. Mom can come to your house to see the child. They should also pay the medical bills and pain and suffering for the child and you.
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I wouldn’t take my child back there unless the dog was in a kennel or another room. Let them come visit you and leave the dog home. Your child had to have stitches in his face! It’s a no brainer.
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Evidently your son had to be close to the dog to get bitten in the face. Maybe you should have been watching him better . Dogs are usually good at judging people so maybe the boy did something to the dog that you didn’t see. Ask the grandparents to put the dog in a different room when you go there but remember , its their baby and it lives there.
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but what did the boy do to the dog
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I wouldn’t go there again sadly. My sons life is more important to me then thier visits with him. They either need to keep the dog in a room during visits, or you should not go there. Don’t put your sons life at risk. Or his skin. He could get bad scars from an attack like that.
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This happened in our family too with no damage to the skin. We found the child was constantly trying to pet the dog so the parents talked to the child to say the dog doesn’t want to be petted that much so we have to stop doing that. And all is well.
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They have every right to keep the dog. I love my 3 children fiercely and I wouldn’t part with my dog/dogs. Why not just have grandma keep dog in another room or area when grandkids come over. Your son Im sure was afraid I was bitten by a doberman in face when I was six but you need to assure him it was an accident and calmly educate him. By you acting angry and making a criminal case of it you are teaching him fear and anger.
If your parents really love there dog and it’s like family to them you will never live it down that you had there dog out down…dog should be put in other part of house if you visit that much not saying to be smart but your child could have done something to make the dog not like him…SEPARATE THEM
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The child is four years old. As a parent it is our responsibility to protect that child with any means that we need to. He has a dog is to be put up in another room when the child is there or they need not go to that Grandparents home. In our town if a dog bites a child it has to be called into the police station they will come and pick it up and I keep it for as many days is name is necessary to make sure that doesn’t have rabies or whatever or the owner can choose to have it put down.
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The dog is now taking your place. That’s there baby. So before you go over to there house ask to put the up. That way you and your can come over. If the won’t do it . Then stop going. Then it’s on them not you.
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I have a dog that is scared of other adults (great with kids) but because he is scared of adults we keep him crated while we have people over to avoid any accidents maybe instead of insisting they get rid of the dog try compromising and asking him to be crated when the children are there
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Well I would insist the dog not being in the same room as your child! They should put it in another room especially if it’s not the first time it’s been aggressive! And if it was my grandchild I would put his safety before my dog!
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Don’t cut ties just separate the dog from the child. When u are there explain the dog has to be either upstairs in a bedroom or in the basement separate from everyone when your son is there as he us now afraid of the dog
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The dog has been aggressive before. That’s your answer. The dog should be put in a locked room when you’re there with your child, or the visits are at your house. Do not reintroduce your child to this dog. A dog who has already been aggressive a few times will not stop. Your family needs to choose between their grandson or the dog.
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This is ridiculous. Use common sense. Not all dogs are child friendly. Knowing that their dog has shown aggression before (this should have NEVER hapened to your child) you should have stated from the moment u had a child that u would have been more comfortable if the dog was put somewhere where it couldn’t reach your child. My husband’s aunt and uncle’s dogs charged my 1 yo son (but I never allowed them actually near him) after seeing it I told them they need to make sure to keep them away from young children. They thought I was suggesting putting them down. I said no but you should be aware so you can tell parents that come to visit that they dont like children. Keep the separated at all times.
This happened to me and my son… I told my mom we would not be back… if she wanted to see her grandson, she knows where we live… they were my son’s only grandparents too…
My husband’s daughter brings his granddaughter over to see him and the little is terrified of my 8 pound poodle and our lab so the dogs are put in other rooms or outside… end of story!! Babies rule, dogs don’t !!!
I had a dog who bit my face when I was young, he did it because I was squeezing him to death because I loved him. Keep them seperated if you are afraid but if the dog likes people try to have them interact with one another while adults are there. My experience never hurt my love for animals but made me smart on how to deal with them.
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This happened to me when my son was little. We didn’t go back for a couple months. When we did, the dog was put in his crate while we were there.
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I’m a dog lover, but with that being said I think the dog should be rehomed or they should visit at your house. This happened to me when my nephew was about 2 and lived with us. My beloved dog bit him twice - no stitches, 3rd times stitches in the hand. The next day we found him a country home with one of our friends. It’s sad but they can’t keep biting.
Some dogs aren’t used to/comfortable with little people. They move quicker and are louder by nature. He may be loving to people he knows but has he been around/exposed to kids? Some dogs just aren’t tolerant of that if they weren’t raised around little ones. You are absolutely right in maintaining the dog stays away if my kid is there. If that can’t abide by that that stinks for his relationship with his grandparents/your parents but you have to protect your baby
Do not give up your parents. Just invite them to your house often. And do not go to their house till your child gets a little older. They know what happen let them chose what they should do about the dog. If they ask your opinion tell them
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I am surprised the law hasn’t stepped in if the child had to have medical treatment. I would tell your parents that you can only bring your child there if the dog is put in a separate room and of they Don’t want to do that they are welcome to visit their grandchildren at your home without the 
.
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Nope I would’ve called animal control immediately and I own 3 pit bulls and have four children and I would do the same for any dog that lives in my home. Then I would have contacted the home owners insurance had they not cooperated with animal control 
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Not sure where you live but in texas if you go to er for animal bite authorities are notified and a report is taken. So the owners of the dog may be getting a visit
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I understand the issue with the dog but the grandparents should at least put the dog in a cage so that their grandson would feel safe and of course, loved when he comes to visit! If that was a neighbor’s dog, the grandparents would demand that something be done! What a ridiculous situation to be in with a dog vs a little boy! I will pray for their eyes to be opened and that God will adjust their attitudes.
I wouldn’t have my child around an animal they’ve been bitten by and are terrified of. I love dogs usually more than people, but our #1 jobs as mothers is to keep our kids safe (that includes feeling safe IMO) so I would never put my kid in a situation where they are scared and/or could have something like this happen again. Side note- I’m shocked your parents won’t do more to remedy the situation, if it were my parents they would have the safety of their grandchild in the forefront of everything
This happened to me, my parens dog bit my child in the face and took part of his lip. They kept the dog away from him when we visited, also my mother gave me her homeowners insurance info and told me to call and see if they would pay the hospital expenses. They did! I hope this helps!
I think there should be a compromise. Keeping them separated would be good. My dog bit my husband in the face and needed stitches. It was when we were first married so it was my dog. We went to a dog psychologist for advice and what motivated the dog. We were able to work out what was going on and my husband loved the dog and was never bit again. It will take time but is your son is simply removed from the dog it may be a problem all of his life. I know people that were bit by a dog when they were children and it is still a problem for them. Bottomline for me would be if the dog has a history of biting and I would keep them separated until help is sought for the dog and your son is a little older and ready to be around the dog again.
I would say they can let the dog go or see my kid at my house. You are his parent, his safe place. Don’t ever make a child be around any animal or even people that scare them or make them uncomfortable.
Ok my question is: was the child supervised around the dog? Dogs view a young children as “puppies” especially an older/alpha dog. Discipline is administered by a nip/bite to the face, after repeated warnings. The child cant comprehend the warning signs the way an adult can or should see…the dog moving away, giving warning growls and overall distress. Because an adult wasnt supervising properly, both a dog and child are suffering. A child is afraid of dogs and a dog is being banished.
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Me being a mother grandmother and great grandmother I wouldn’t think twice about it ,I would keep my dog up and keep it away from children. . But. I wouldn’t stay away if she agrees to keep it up… I hope your child is going to be ok.
Yes the dog needs to be kept away from your kids or they will always be afraid , but as a parent of adult children with kids please don’t cut ties with your parents our daughter did that and it’s not good and you never get the relationship back again! There has to be a compromise
If the dog is aggressive it should not be around anyone .
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Your children come first. If they cant respect that, then stay away or make them visit you. Dont make a poor 4yr old go through the trauma again by seeing that dog. Also if animal control finds out they will take the dog. What if it bites someone outside the family? You could seriously injure someone else and have a lawsuit
I get that it’s his only grandparents but it is NOT your responsibility to bend over backwards and make them happy. One of my moms dogs bit my son, not very hard, but immediately my mom took action and the other dogs in the house actually surrounded my son to protect him. Your parents should do the same. The child’s safety is the MOST IMPORTANT thing and if they can’t respect that then they don’t have the right to be around him.
There is a reason the dog is reacting to the child.They should be kept apart for safety for both the child and dog.
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When your child got stitches you are fortunate there wasnt a massive infection…you dont mention the breed…or if it was reported. There isnt a dog alive that would be allowed to bite one of my children a second time so why is anyone defending the dog.
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We always put our dogs away when our grand babies are here. Better safe than sorry because we love them both. If they wanna see their babies then they should respect your wishes.
My granddaughter had a lab mix and it wasn’t aggressive to her son who is 10 in fact they were best friends but she didn’t get along with her other Weiner dogs and actually broke the leg on one of them and attacked it again after that. They took her to their vet and was told it had to be put down as it was considered an aggressive dog. They then took it to the animal shelter and was told the same thing and couldn’t be adopted out. They had to hold it for 10 days to check for rabies and then put her to sleep. It was very hard on the whole family but it was their only choice.
My son at age 22 was bit in face as he entered his girlfriend’s best friends house. ( Rottweiler). He did nothing but walk through the door with his girlfriend. He literally had his face in pieces. ( looks great now, but a few scars). Anyway we did not have to do anything. The hospital has to report dog bites. They called police. Police took dog. Police did everything. It was uncomfortable with GF but luckily it was taken out of our hands. Dog was put down. This was dog’s second attack.
Only if the dog is kenneled or kept in another room where he couldn’t get out would I consider it. Maybe not then. They are putting their dog above a child! If they refused I would not visit at least not with kids.
You have to choose…if you contact animal control they will confiscate the dog, possibly to euthanize him as he has a history of aggression, or you can explain that you are sorry but as long as the dog is allowed free reign in their house, while you are visiting he must be in a kennel unable to have contact with your son. What they don’t realize, or care, is that this may have a serious lifelong effect on your son preventing him from trusting any other dogs. For myself, if they wanted to see their grandchild they would be welcome to visit in my house while they leave their animal at home.
In my state if the child goes to the doctor, the doctor has to report the bite. My daughter was bit by our dog when she was 2. He had been starting to show some possessive tendencies. We were his 4th home and he got protective of my husband and I and wouldnt let the kids bear us without growling. When he did that we removed him from the room. The tome he bit I was caught off guard and my daughter ran to me. I split my legs separating the two of them and he lunged over and bit her. (The possessive-behavior had only been going on a few days) once he bit her we rehomed him. The kids come first. He was also a runner. Darted every chance he got, especially if he saw a bird or cat.
We were contacted my the county the very next day (doctor had to report bite) they said he had to be quarantined for 10 days, and we could do it at home. I have them the number of the adopter and they dealt with it from there.
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If they wanted me to come to their home they would have to put the dog out of sight where the dog could not get to my child and my child could not see the dog if they wouldn’t agree to this then they would have to come to my house. My child would have to be protected and I would hope they understood this.
Nope! I was bitten in the face at age 3 by my grandparent’s dog. I am 48 now and still have the scars. I had them fixed twice and they are still there. I would never go back until the dog is gone. Hopefully he doesn’t scar like I did!
When our grandkids and kids come over we put our dogs in there bedroom that way we can visit without worrying about watching the dogs and enjoy the visit with the grandkids and kids
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Its unfortunate but you have no choice other than to protect your son. I love dogs but some just have the tendency to snap. I would not take by grand boys to my parents while their dog was alive. They refused to put her up during our visit, so there were no visits with their great grandsons. No taking chances on my watch…
Keep dog out of area if child is present. Not all dogs are aggressive. So sorry about your son. My sister in-law crates her dog when people come to visit. Respect for everyone involved even the dog.
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Sorry but: They Should Pay in Full any hospital bills, or future plastic surgery you little boy may need…I would never set foot in the house if anyone’s animal bit my child. And sorry to say, I would have shot the dog…
Ask your parents to get a gate if the dogs isn’t crate trained. Cutting ties with your parents isn’t the answer. I wouldn’t want to get rid of my dogs. I would just keep them separate.
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We had a dog that snapped at my one year old and she was in the newspaper the next day free to an older person who wants a lap dog but doesn’t like kids. She went to a great family. Love my dog but kids and grandkids come first.
your child’s safety comes first
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Just put the dog in a crate when u go there.or just dont go not going dont mean u dont love your parents it means caring for your child
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If that dog bit my grandchildren the dog would be gone. I would make it clear as long as that dog is there we will not be visiting. You can come see us without the dog. End of story. I would be livid they did nothing and want to reintroduce that dog.
If they wont get rid of the dog or agree to lock it in a bedroom when you visit… dont go back! I know they love their dog but your child comes first! Poor kiddo. Of course she was traumatized. Just think it it bites a non family member? They can be sued.
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I went through this same thing. It was my husband’s parents house and their dogs were not disciplined. The biggest one jumped at my 2 yr old and bit her under the eye. They acted like “oh he just doesn’t know his size.” After that my child refused to go to their home without tears and being held the whole time. So we stopped going. I told them while they had that dog we’d have to stay away. I invited them to our home often so they could be in her life. Now my kid is 10 and loves dogs. She also visits her grandparents regularly and the one dog is gone now. Telling someone to give up their fur baby prob isn’t the best idea. Definitely talk to vet or trainers about how yall can make it work. Otherwise just STAY AWAY. It’s not worth the danger.
you know that is so sad if your parents keep that dog away when you are there i wouldnt take my child there with understanding they may come over to your home without the dog, but your child is more important to you then the dog and their feeling GOD bless you for taking up your child
I will say this, some parents don’t watch their kids and the kids grab pens or whatever then stab the dog. So it depends on the situation. I adopted a dog that was stabbed with a pen all cause the parents weren’t paying attention and the kid was 4 too. Other than that, the dog loves kids as long as you don’t hurt him.
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They should take action and place the dog in a kennel or bedroom until you leave. It would be ashamed to cut ties with your family but until they take action it may be your bedt option.
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Pretty sure you can call law enforcement/animal police about this. It could result in the dog put down, not sure if you’re okay with it.
If your son didnt provoke the animal I would not be okay with the dog staying and wouldnt take my child back there until the dog is no longer part of the family. We teach out children and dogs respect as well but I guarantee you if any of our animals were to bite our children there would be serious considerations of the dog no longer being in our family.
Each situation is different. You’re going to find a lot of different answers, do what you feel is best for you and your son.
When we were young my aunt’s dog attacked my sister and she needed staples in her head. They had the dog for around 10 years and put it down the next day. Not our parents… our aunt and uncle. If it happened once, it could happen again.
You shouldnt have your child around the dog, you knew it was aggressive…kids are scary to some dogs and kids dont realize when they scaring a animal… not the dogs fault…
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They probably love their dog and dog just doesn’t like kids. Keep the dog seperated or crated when you visit. I cant believe they would want them around each other again with out preventive measures
Honestly this grinds my gears 
to no end 
. People really choose their dogs over the safety of others . But the reality is yes …, you should cut off the family . Because if their going to not prioritize your child for their untrained dog
When I was a very young girl, (I was always taught to respect animals) a basset hound snapped at me and broke the skin. I cried and was scared of him from that point, but in all fairness to the dog, i was up in his face and all in his personal space, he was at his food and I was rubbing him and he broke blood. So when I went back they just put him in another room. Eventually we both existed in the same room. I just left him alone and he left me alone.
Don’t take your kid over there if they won’t put it in a crate or something. If the dog randomly just bit your kid,put it to sleep. Now, if your kid was stomping it,hitting it or in any way being mean to the dog, then its kind of justified. If they refuse, then keep your child at home
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