My Cocker Spaniel Bit My Son

by Mark
(Ireland)

I have a Cocker Spaniel and he's one and a half years old.

He was sitting in the back of the car with my seven year old son. As he was petting him, my cocker spaniel got hold of my son's jumper with his teeth. Fortunately, he didn't bite through to his arm.

Am I right to get rid of my dog?

Can you please help me?

Reply from Pauline (Web Owner)

It's very difficult for me to comment on dogs and circumstances that I don't know well enough.

First of all, thankfully, your son wasn't harmed, but I wouldn't leave him alone or unsupervised with your Cocker Spaniel any more - just to be on the safe side. (Or any other children for that matter).

Several things to think about:

• Was your son annoying or fussing the dog?


• Did your dog react to something?


• Does your son know the do's and don'ts of dog ownership?


• Was your dog frightened?


• Has your dog ever done anything like this before?


• Does he normally mouth at clothes and hands?


• Was it a vicious attack?


• Does he growl at anyone near his bowl when he's eating?


• Does he ever growl at anyone at any time?

Consider the above questions carefully, jot down the answers, and make an appointment with an animal behaviourist. Your vet should be able to recommend one for you.

Personally, I think putting your pet down for one isolated incident may be an overreaction, however that's only my opinion - you need to decide for yourself what's right for you and your family.

I'm sorry I can't give you much more help with this one.

I wish you all good luck.

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