Cari, I also disagree with your statement. And I have a 5 year and a dominant female pup. I know what her triggers are, and firstly it's my job to make sure that my son is not placed in danger (by never leaving them unsupervised), and secondly to make sure that he behaves appropriately around the dog so as to not trigger her dominance.
Is it a challenge? Absolutely. Can I do it? Absolutely. And I think that Sarah is up to the challenge as well...

I'm not even going into the ludicrous 'known' facts of first taste of blood theories.
This is for Sarah, the original poster. I glad you've gotten your dog back (back, as in your own mind). It must be a relief and a joy. With patience and consistancy you should have a loyal and faithful companion for many years to come. I for one would like to applaud your decision and wish you the best of luck for the health and welfare of all concerned.
Have fun.

The journey is it's own reward.
Randy

Rick - I fully agree with you!

Jennifer - I didn't say the dog bit for NO reason, I said NO APPARENT reasaon, which means not knowing, or for no understandable reason. I never said the dog should be put down. I was simply saying what a couple other people said in thread one and two, find her a new home. Simply because she's not sure why it happened and a child is at risk.

Also, for Rick, the statement holds more true if somebody jumped in front of a bus to commit suicide and survived, they're more likely to commit suicide again in the future. Yes, duh they'll be sore!!

 Quote: Cari Hanson

they're more likely to commit suicide again in the future.

You can only commit suicide once....

 Quote: Cari Hanson

Once a dog bites and draws blood, they're never to be trusted.

That statement is complete and utter idiocy.

Lynn - Your dog never bit your 5 year old. I think you would feel differently if she did. I understand that you know what triggers her, and have it under control. Sarah didn't and doesn't know what triggered her dog to bite to control it. Just like Rick was saying. I agree with his statement.

Look, I just voiced my opinion on a dog that bit a child, and what I'd do. I guess I threw in a myth (maybe a myth), "that once a dog draws blood it will again," that got you guys going. Sorry! I've always heard this growing up. I think if Sarah wants to watch every move the dog and child makes to prevent it from happening again, who am I to say it won't work. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable with the situation of not know why it happened to begin with. AND once again, I never said the dog bit for no reason, APPARENT is the key word here.

The point is any dog and child should be watched at all times not just a dog that has bitten before. The only thing different about a dog that has bitten someone and one that hasnt, is that one dog had a chance to do it and got either afraid enough or agitated enough to do it, and one dog hasnt.

Anything with a mouth can bite and should be treated with respect keeping that in mind.

Will - OKAY, I give up! Forget everything I said, I know nothing! Although. there's a lot of people that already stated that it's true, once a dog bites (whether it draws blood or not), it's likely to happen again, especially it they don't know why it happened to begin with.

Andy - there are people who TRY to commit suicide and fail at it, and try again later. Sorry I left out the word "try" for you. I think most people knew what I was saying.

Please, continue on without me as the discussion. I just made a statement as my opinion, and it seems to me that it took over the discussion, that wasn't my purpose. I'll bow out now. Sorry for offending all of you

 Quote: cari hanson

One day, 10 months from now, your guard will be back down and the chances of your dog biting again are high. Once a dog bites and draws blood, they're never to be trusted.

Um, without knowing the "WHY" behind it, how can someone even make such a claim? That's like saying...sheesh...I don't even know where to start on that one.

 Quote: cari hanson

My uncle euthanized his LAB for attacking another dog because of the proof of the statement, "once a dog draws blood, they're never to be trusted." A semi stable dog will at least give a warning (growl), not a straight out attack. I would still find her a new home.

First beef-"LAB". What's your point? Second beef-your uncle's ignorance is some kind of proof of a statement? Third beef- I really don't think you are in any position to evaluate a "semi-stable" dog from a total nutjob, no offense. The only thing that has anything to do with breed in this whole scenario is the fact that there wasn't a lot (if any) of posturing or defensive behavior...because a genetically correct Pit Bull will not behave as defensively as a genetically correct other breed...it's neither here nor there...but it should be addressed because a Pit Bull displaying (or not displaying) certain characteristics normal for it's breed should not be deemed unstable. In fact, if I had a Pit who acted defensive, growling and posturing in warning, I'd put it down. Immediately. That's not stable, IMO.

And I don't think the situation Sarah described can really be called a "straight out attack." JMO. The child is in pretty good shape if she'd been ATTACKED by a Pit Bull. It was a bite. Sad, scary...needing to be addressed, but I think Sarah is committed and perfectly capable of doing justice to both her dog and her child. Kudos to her.

Edited to say I was typing too long and missed some posts. Sorry to be beating a dead horse!

Edited by Jenni Williams (02/17/2008 12:32 PM)
Edit reason: Missed some posts.