dog biting behaviour

Question
hello, my 3year old daughter has recently been biten by her grandmothers dog, the dog is quite old that i know of and is a male jack russell. she was in hospital having to have her mouth glued where the dog had got his teeth through her mouth just under her lip. the dog has not behaved like this in the past. and wasn't being harrassed or annoyed by my daughter.
what do you suggest about the behaviour of the dog could it be due to his age?

Answer
Hi Rebecca,

Im sorry your daughter was hurt by her grandmother's dog.

Age can certainly play a factor in unexpected acts of aggression. An old dog simply may not tolerate things she did when she was young.
Dogs don't see human children as "people". Your daughter is still quite small, may not walk or move as well as an adult, and may not smell like a adult (at least from a dog's point of view). Quick movements and sudden or loud noises a chid might make are scary for dogs, and they might bite to protect themselves.
A dog socializes in linear packs, which means it considers some family members as dominant to its own position and others as submissive. A dog can see a baby or young child as having a lower pack order, and may display dominant behavior towards it.
This dog might have had the same reaction if a strange dog came into her home.

Needless to say, the dog shouldn't be allowed in the same room as your daughter from here on out. Just the same, the dog was just being a dog. Not only isn't she dwelling on the fact he bit your daughter, she won't understand why everyone might be on edge the next time you and your daughter visit.

In the future, before you enter the home, she should be put in a room of the home where she will be comfortable, with access to water, warm bedding, and maybe a toy or treat to keep her occupied if she enjoys that.


Best of luck,
Patti