Randy makes a good point - that particular child will most likely never climb into the kennel again.

IMO some adult ACD bitches farm raised on home turf could nip even if they had spent 12 hrs on the treadmill, though exercise and a job would be great. Some ACDs control their environment that way, it's how some of the old bred ones interact. The only way some of them know.
People on this site can help you teach your dog other ways to interact. I have an ACD. They help me daily.

If she was "mean" you'd be at the ER. I bet she can become a safe dog if you use techniques you can learn here. Not so sure about strange children though...
Don't beat yourself up too much!

 Quote: steve strom

In all seriousness, you need to focus on the kid. She needs to know just how stupid that was. She's lucky all she got was a bruise.

I agree. It sounds like every precaution in the world was taken to keep kids away from the dogs.

This isn't about making the kennel bomb-proof. This is about making kids listen. It is OK to learn 'em. I LOVE roughin' up kids......and puppies.

Don't call SCAN. It's a joke.

Were these your kids? Kid's friends? Neighborhood crumb-snatchers?

Edited by Michael_Wise (08/31/2010 10:24 AM)
Edit reason: Nevermind. Just saw that it was a younger brother and cousin.

Thank you for all of the helpful advice. I really do appreciate the help.

Actually, around six months ago I did try to place her in a working home. The new owner proceeded to chain her in the front yard and not work her at all. I ended up just taking her back when the new owner admitted that he did not have time for her. It was hard to let her go in the first place, and do not want to do it again.

Also, I have looked into an agility club and plan on joining one in October. The herding clubs I have found only use ducks, sheep, and goats. I can imagine the damage she can inflict on one of these smaller animals should she get out of control. At least with agility, she has an outlet for her energy and I get a free workout.

I do have two children of my own. Ever since I had my first child, I have been ultra-paranoid about them around dogs. There have been two incidents where my two year old child almost got bitten. Once was when a friend allowed her to pet his Dalmation. The dog wagged his tail and licked her hand. Almost a minute later, she turned to walk away, and the dog lunged and barely missed her face. I was horrified. She did nothing to hurt the dog, and did not even look it in the eye.
The other time, another friend's dog came charging out of the house wagging its tail, then turned and nipped at my daughter.

I no longer trust any dog around my daughters, even my own. It should be that way.

What shocked me the most was that I was unable to read the dog each time. They seemed friendly, then snapped into Cujo mode within a split second. I was raised around Schutzhund dogs and had never witnessed that fast of a reaction.

In this case, I was responsible for watching two children- my brother and his cousin. Young children do not think too hard about the consequences- they act on impulse.