I would find out exactly how long they left a small child with a tired puppy. (assuming its the dog that is 7 months? Has just been to training so may need peace at that time) What sounds they heard etc. (If they heard growling, the dog did warn, not just suddenly attack)

Just noticed your further details. A male rott that has just reached the beginning of adolecence eating (high value treat) next to a small child (who won't know the warning signs) who is playing right next to the dog at the time. I think thats irresponsible and risky. Sounds like he was guarding his chew bone. I doubt the police would want a dog that has bitten a child to work for them. I do think that he needs firm rules. I think a home with someone who has a lot of experience of the breed would be his best option.


I agree with that, they went from hearing a growl, to being there. When you hear a growl near a child the dog would be corrected and the child dealt with that second. It just all sounds a bit patchy. If supervised then why would the child be right next to the dog who is eating a chew in the first place?

I'd ask what sort of routine he had too, did he get time in a crate, did he get sent to his own area, did he get to touch the childs toys, did he usually eat with the child so close, ask about every detail.

no argument from me

Sorry - but I'm on the side of the dog here.

A tired pup, just home from training, eating a highly valued chew, and who gave a warning growl

IMO this incident lies squarely in the lap of the owners.....

totally agree...

please gather all the facts before making any decisions, for the dogs sake and the childs. Yes children poke and prod dogs, nobody knows what this child has been taught regarding being around dogs, or what the dog has been taught around children.... well done for taking the dog back, its your chance to investigate fully and monitor his behaviour and hopefully give him a second chance, big responsibility hope all works out well x

i am too, and i agree completely with your post.

Having two toy poodles, I'm not sure how qualified I am to even post a reply here but it seems to me wrong that a dog so young be PTS because of a bite in these circumstances.

There is a large breed rescue society in Kent who have a website and I'm sure they could give you some advice.

Good luck

sorry but from what ive read this dog does no deserve to be PTS! you bred him and because of that you have a responsibility towards him, im not anti PTS where its warranted, but how could your vet assess a dog she/hes only seen once??! as difficult or inconvienient as it maybe for you, you took the dog back. if you now have him PTS then taking him back was pointless. please give him some time to adjust to his new enviroment and then monitor his temprement, as a Rotty owner/breeder you must have this ability? or at least give him time while you find a rescue for him. hes only a young and the fact that he growled shows he was warning, id be worried if he just launched into an attack but as this wasnt the case he deserves a second chance with the right owner.

From the actual scarce information here, it sounds like the adolescent dog has been poorly handled/raised and possibly has a healthy dose of food aggression. I would think the best place for this young dog is an experienced rottie/large breed person who knows exactly what they are doing.

Be careful about just offloading the dog also...he has to go to experienced people as opposed to a behaviourist. In experienced hands, the dog will very likely be fine once he is managed properly.

Just my 0.02.

not a rotty, but i have a 7 month old springer with me on foster at the moment who was left at the vets to be PTS because he had nicked a toy and the old owner went to force it out of his mouth and he bit, i have now lived with this dog for the best part of a month, and to be honest i have to take what the old owners said with a pinch of salt, yes he was very mouthy when he came to me, but no more than any other pup, and he had no manners and no boundaries (he was their first dog) , with routine and consistancy we have got over this.

I would suggest that you live with this dog for a while if possible and then decide what type of home is the right one for him, I wouldn't rehome Jake with Kids but i have no problem rehoming him with someone who has had springers before and knows what they need to be content, i suspect this BIG pup will be the same.