Replies to '03/30 Is This Normal?'

 I have a Dal.  I love that dog more than anyone can ever imagine.  My dog has bitten and it broke my heart.  I always said I would never own a dog that bite but because of my love for this animal putting him down was the last option.  Giving him away was not an option. It was just passing the problem on to someone else.  He could have gone to a home where he wasn't as loved and cared for as he is in my home.  This is very sad and this family needs to make a decision that is right for them.  None of you have a right to be so insulting and high and mighty!!   

My dog is created when we have company over.  When we need to introduce him to stranges we do it very slowly, we put him in the kitchen with a gate up and have the new person give him his favorite treat and some simple commends. (sit, paw, lay, wait) after a peroid of time we let him out of the kitchen and we watch every move he makes.  If we see the dog is uncomfortable in a situationwe take him out of that situtation. 

We take him to the beach early in the morning when very few people are there and we let him run loose. 

Also when I have to take him out in public I put a plastic muzzle on him. 

If I were this family I would buy gates and a create.  When the child is around I would keep them separted.  I would exercise the dog as much as possible. When the child is in bed or napping I would let the dog out to have the freedom of the house and some one on one attention.  I would seek out professional that can help you understand and teach you what you need to do.  If you find someone that tells you to put the dog down.  (which we did) Then find someone else.  consult you vet for information.  If you really want to keep this dog then you have to educate yourself.  It is a big responsibility to keep a dog that bites but I can tell you that it is worth it to me.  He is a great dog. He is funny, loving and sweet. 

I still have my dog and I am glad to say that it has been over a year since he has bitten anyone.  however I would not trust him 100% so I keep him safe from people and people safe from him. 

I understand how both the mother and father feel.  I am a mother and I love my dalmatian. 

Good luck, but be and take care, I hope your daughter is going to be ok