I'm afraid I am unable to read this dog properly. Some of you may have read my earlier posts about our new rescue GSD, Jack. Jack was formerly in a foster home with children where he was "excellent with kids". Knowing how unbelievably paranoid these people are (for good reason, I'm sure), I have no reason to doubt them.

Twice now Jack has semi bark/growled at my youngest daughter (20 mths old). Both times, it was in direct response to her either tripping or stepping on him. Unfortunately I didn't actually SEE either instances. I HEARD one (it was dark) . . . but I didn't see either to be able to gauge what happened and his demeanor during the response. My wife saw the first one and reported that he didn't snap at her, he just yelp-growled. After the second one, it was apparent that he hadn't bit her, just scared her with his response (her cry was short and mild - not like the type that would have occurred had she just been bit).

So, is it EVER OK for a dog to respond this way, i.e. when hurt or surprised (the first time he was asleep when she tripped over him)?

By no means an expert...When I have tripped over my dogs while they are sleeping and it's dark they have barked out of startlement, and they're not aggressive. So I would think if it's more of a "OMG what was that" bark then you're fine. Just my 2 cents. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Hopefully one of the mods will come along and give their more worthy 2 cents!!

just my 2 cents. Not an expert. I personally have not had this with mine.(APBT) my son has run stuff into him chairs ect.though I get after him and teach him that its not right. Though I never leave them alone. He stands on his head to get on the couch, rides him ect ect. He even has pulled his tail 2 year olds <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Its harder to train my son than my dog <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />Than again he could be the exception to the rule. Just my experience.

Considering you got this dog within the last week, there is no way I would leave a child unattended with him until you get to know him better.

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there is no way I would leave a child unattended with him

I totally agree!!

And, just for the record, my APBT is tougher than dirt and softer than a marshmellow and allows my kids to do just about anything to him too. BUT! I'd say that's the personality of a well-bred pit IMO. Other more sensitive dogs might say "Ouch" that comes out as "Woof". <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, yeah, we get it, Pits are good dogs. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

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Considering you got this dog within the last week, there is no way I would leave a child unattended with him until you get to know him better.

Understand, both instances occurred while either my wife, or I was present, just in a dimished capacity to actually see what happened (i.e., dark hallway). Like I said, the first occurrence was witnessed by my wife, ergo not while the dog and child were left unattended.

Just want to make sure that assumption is cleared up. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

For fear of being called a hijacker I will ignore that!!

Here is my suggestion ( we know you aren't leaving them alone). I would ensure that the dog is always in a crate if it's not attached to you via a leash. That way there is no chance of your kid stepping on him without you being there to immediately correct any bad behavior. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Yes . . . noted. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />