jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Several recent posts and online articles prompted me to post this.

Everyone thinks it's noble to adopt a "rescue dog." While it's noble, you don't know the dog's history. Events in his early life could lead him to attack you if you do the wrong thing. This has actually happened with rescue dogs.

Children and dogs can be a dangerous combination. We've all seen pictures of little kids unknowingly annoying dogs, and the dogs tolerate that because they realize that they're just little kids. However, in many states, dogs are the most likely to kill, and their victims are usually little kids who are tormenting them. Just like people, dogs can take just so much abuse before they react.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Jerry, you are right. "Children and dogs can be a dangerous combination". There are some children that should be kept on a leash and muzzled today.

BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

Jerry:
I have "rescued" SIXTEEN (8 St Bernards and 8 Weimaraners) dogs from shelters over the past 55 years. Each required one to three months of "rehabilitation" to settle them in to their "escape" from previously dysfunctional "relationships." And, like any "new addition" to a family, the rescue requires "learning and patience;" AND, having the proper "environment" to accommodate the newbie.

I assume your post to be a "warning" to "Know what you're doing!" Same as if you are thinking of getting a new camera.

PS: I am NOT saying a dog is like a camera!

odujim Loc: New Jersey

Good points! I have been involved with fostering rescued greyhounds since 2004. They are generally known to be docile, relaxed and very sociable with people; some are antsy around small kids. My group and other greyhound rescue groups have had to occasionally put down a dog because of biting and attacking kids/adults in the house, even after doing all we can to address this behavior (consultations with behavior specialists, anxiety medications, etc. . .) Fortunately, such drastic action is quite rare. My particular group avoids adopting dogs out to families with small children because of the risks. We made exceptions for those families that were very experienced and followed our instructions that we outlined in a signed document about kids and dogs. We specifically stated that dogs should NEVER BE ALLOWED ON THE SAME FURNITURE THAT KIDS USE! Some dogs are very possessive and do resource guarding, making them dangerous to be around small children that might grab the doggy toys, jump up on the same couch that the dog is being allowed to use, or disturbing the dog while he/she is sleeping. I guess it mostly comes down to the dog's personality/disposition and constant adult supervision whenever smaller kids are present.

dancers Loc: melbourne.victoria, australia

100% correct.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

But one gives you an excuse to have the other. : )

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

My next door neighbor has a "rescue" pit bull. It doesn't like me, and has attacked me, also. I can put my finger on my thigh, where its tooth hit. It later made an attempt on our 11 year old grandson. I think Pit Bulls should not be allowed to be adopted out!!! Yes, I know some are OK, but they as a breed, are responsible for 60%~ of fatal dog attacks! The owner thinks of it as her child, sooo sweet...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Right! "Some" isn't good enough. I avoid dogs with tiny eyes. They tend to be the surprise attackers.

JeffL Loc: New Jersey

Yes, pit bull breeds can be aggressive, and are responsible for several injuries and deaths. However, historically, bully breeds were used as nannies to protect children. What happened is that they were trained to be used in dog fights and some jerks trained their dogs to be very aggressive guard dogs. Yes, pit bulls have become dangerous, especially around children, but it all comes down to how they were bred, trained, and managed. I have a lab/pittie mix who is obnoxiously sweet. She wants to be petted, belly rubbed, or given treats all of the time. My neighbor has a purebred pittie who looks dangerous but is very laid back. So, don't condemn a breed, condemn the humans who screwed them up.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

This applies to at least a million situations.

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

I grew up with pit mix, best dog ever. Docile, calm, easy going and friendly with everyone but a small select few. Around kids he was less agressive than any ankle biter I've ever known or seen. My neice and nephew rescued a pit mix and he is even more calm and relaxed than the one I grew up around. I have also seen and met quite a few other pit mixed dogs, all of whom were quite friendly and non agressive.

Dogs are inherently territorial and are a good detecter of fear. They will defend their area and their owners sometimes at all cost. In my experience, dogs also are a very good judges of character and will bristle at indications that danger is near.

OTOH I have hed more frightening experiences with doga of other breeds, spaniels, boxers, terriers, and many small breeds. I'll rescue a pit mix long before I'll adopt a chihuahua or a terrier. A dog's personality and attitude toward other dogs or humans is essentially based on the owner's treatment of the dog and the environment in which the dog is living.

Just my $0.02 worth of opinion.

Michael Sabetsky Loc: Rockledge, Florida

Jerry. My son wanted a puppy so they can grow up together with his son. I agree with you on rescuing a dog. We got a silver lab puppy from a breeder. The dog is a year old & about 70 pounds now. It's a good thing he is big because of the way my grandson pounces on the dog. My grandson Connor & Apollo love each other so much. When Connor comes over to the house (my son is divorced) he gets very very excited when he sees Connor. His tail goes a mile a minute. The way the two of chase each other around the family room & my grandson laughing is such a pleasure. What gets me worried is when Conner pounces on Apollo. I hope he is not going to bite him. But to my amazement the dog loves it. Not once has Apollo tried to bite Connor. They both love each by so very very much. The day before Connor comes over I say to the dog, "you going to see your big brother tomorrow", Apollo gets so excited. So I guess there are both sides to the story. I was bitten as a small child (don't remember why now) but I guess that is why I was afraid of dog when I met my ex wife.

dancers Loc: melbourne.victoria, australia

Sad to say....Here,this week ,a five week old baby was killed by the family dog. baby was in a "baby bounced and died from facial and head injuries.

my heart breaks.

Miquel99 Loc: Belgium

Hello,
I have a boxer (not the 1st one), and 3 grandchildren (6y, 2y, 6m). They all love the dog, and we never had an issue.
True, it’s not a rescued dog (I had her when she was 2.5m old), but I have hsd inthe past some rescued dogs from different breds, and we have 6 children. Never had a problem.
I think that 95% of having a “trouble free” dog is on the owner: hou need to dedicate a lot of time in their education, and a lot of people having dogs just don’t do it.
Regards,
Miquel

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

I am probably(?) biased, due to having been attacked by a Pit Bull. Then a grandson, also.
I just can't justify the risk to a family member, or me, for any aggressive breed pet. Which child can you afford to lose?
3 or 4 months ago, a family Pit Bull of 8 years(!) attacked, and killed a 5 month old, and 2 year old. It was a family pet.
https://darrellcastle.com/blog/posts/hospitalized-pit-bull-attack-in-memphis/