Lab/Chow mix biting

Question
Hi Kristin,

My 4 y/o Lab/Chow mix Lucky recenty bit 2 children on the face.  Enought to need a stitch per tooth mark.  Up to this point he has seemed like the perfect dog.  Listens very well, very friendly, not aggressive.  Hates to be called bad for doing something wrong.  Even now he seems no different than he ever was.

We were shocked when it happened.  Never would have suspected it.

It would be so hard to get rid of him.  Other than the 2 bites he still seems like the perfect dog.  Its hard to beleive it even happened.  Or would ever happen again.  But I really worry about it.  I can't really trust him.  Each time it was a little kid to close to his face.

Any advice on what to do?

Thanks,

Bob

Answer
Well first off you could try and find a dog trainer that deals with problem dogs,and they can do wonders for dogs-and until then keep him muzzled around kids or in public in general,just to be on the the safe side

Unfortunately,the only other option would be to put this dog to sleep-it's not fair to ask another family to take on a dangerous dog,it may once again seriously injure or even kill a child

Rescues will not take in biters because of this

I know this is a painful thing to do-but it's for the best for everyone,including the dog,because IF he does end up in a rescue or shelter esp a no-kill he will sit there forever because of his history,because a shelter/rescue cannot adopt out a biter without telling people the history of the dog

But again since it doesn't sound like he is like some dogs that bite all the time or randomly,I would only use this option if you have no other choice and it's not something to take lightly,but unfortunately at times esp when children are involved it's the only thing that can be done(but do try the training first)when all else fails