Tonight, somehow, my daughter and I screwed up. She moved in with her 2yo son (after I got Lucy) and we have been diligent about scheduling watching time, rotation time, etc. so my grandson doesn't get with the dogs.

I bought gates tonight to put between two areas so Austin (grandson) couldn't get to the dogs. My daughter and I each thought the other was watching Austin as we were figuring out how to install the gates. We heard Hambone snarl, Austin scream, and we found Austin with two small gashes on the side of his face -- one by his lip and the other down on his jawline. From the placement, it seems Hambone threw his head sideways and caught Austin with an upper and lower canine.

NOW! The reason I am posting this: There has been discussion of wanting dogs and children to mingle and get along. Hambone knew Austin from birth. That didn't stop him from losing his temper and smacking Austin with his teeth. It could have been so much worse.

The gates will be installed tonight. Hambone's crate is in my bedroom and he will be in his crate, bedroom door closed, and gate closed and locked when his eats. My daughter and I will HAVE to come up with a better MANDATORY schedule that is followed religiously. Hambone has never bitten a human until now. We know we screwed up and Hambone didn't. Hambone was protecting his food and he felt cornered. Austin knows how to open the crates, so I have find a way to lock or secure them so he can't open them even if he gets past a gate and a bedroom door with a handle he can't reach.

If anyone thinks their dog will behave regardless of what children do around them, you need to change your mind. Wishes won't remove scars.

And, Austin is fine. He isn't afraid of Hambone and the scars will fade. But the memory of it in my mind -- it is there for life.

i dont get it.you think this isnt going to happen again?how would you feel if you were behind a fence?your poor kid is going to be tramatized forever.imo,rehome the dog.dont wait till a face is ripped to shreds.

I'm so sorry this happened Jo , but thank you for posting and reminding us all about how important diligent watchfulness is regarding kids and dogs. I commend you for giving the subject so much careful thought and trying to put all of the correct measures in place to keep humans and dogs safe and comfortable... but accidents happen, and it sure sucks when they do. Thank goodness Austin only got a few nicks and will be OK - AND that he's remained emotionally friendly with the dogs... it's so easy to instill lifelong fear in little ones... you have a tough little cookie of a grandson!

~Natalya

I don't get that from Jo at all. I think she's admitted her mistake, been open enough to post it here, and is moving forward.

ok,i just am scared it may happen again or worse,thats all,i hate dog bite storys- kid ones anyway

I understand your concern and fear, Sue. I debated whether to post or not, but the only way I will remain a member of this board is to post triumphs, mistakes, and tragedies.

It was a mistake to assume someone else was watching my grandson. Hambone is my dog. I am fully aware of what he is capable of. He warned my grandson. If he wanted to rip him to shreds, we wouldn't be having a grandson right now.

Having said that, he did draw blood for the first time from a human being and a child at that, so I will have to be doubly alert. It is my responsibility to make sure Hambone is protected and my grandson protected.

Hambone is not gated forever. He is behind a gate and a closed door, locked in a crate for feeding only. He has two rooms he can wander through (actually 4 if you count bathrooms, 5 adding the utility room)while behind the gates. My grandson would be in the living room and kitchen and play room.

I am not putting my dog in a prison and I will NOT rehome my dog. I am doing what I need to do to make sure EVERYone is safe and content.

i am sorry this happened,and sorry for lashing out.
i used to work for a guy with a dalmation,he married a woman with 2 kids and an irish setter.the boy was maybe 5 or so.one day he was playing with a friend running down the hall with a ballon and -bam the dog almost ripped the little friends ear off.i was right there.he went to hospital for stitches
they kept the dog downstairs,behind gates for a while.had a new baby,the dog didnt get much attention anymore.they moved away and i heard of a few more bites and then they finally rehomed.sad story
i hope things go smoothly and stress free,with no more excitement

I understand where your fear is coming from. And, when I read your post, I knew you had seen something first hand.

I won't make the mistake of ignoring my dog. I've had him 10.5 years now and he will be loved, exercised, worked with, and taken of just the same as always...but with more "restrictive" measures in the house. The gates aren't just for him, they are also to keep a busy 2 year old where I can see him at all times.

Thanks for your concern and thank you for the well wishes.