The kicker for me is that you said that you do not know how tolerant he would be if really pushed by a toddler. Time for him to go if there is any question around children!
The kicker for me is that you said that you do not know how tolerant he would be if really pushed by a toddler. Time for him to go if there is any question around children!
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We got him years before we had a child and although he is very tolerant, we do often wonder how he would behave if an older toddler really pushed him. )</font>
This would be the decision maker for me. I just couldn't risk the possibility of an injury to a child or non-threatening person (I'm not sure anyone can in the litigious society we live in today.) I dog should be able to clearly differentiate between a nuisance and a true threat. I watch my yellow lab as my 2 year old tugs his tail, pulls his ears and climbs on his back (she gets scolded for picking on the dog). He's tolerant and will get up and walk away when he's had enough, as should be his reaction. If thought there was even the slightest chance of a different reaction, I'd dispose of the dog.
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We got him years before we had a child and although he is very tolerant, we do often wonder how he would behave if an older toddler really pushed him. )</font>
This would be the decision maker for me. I just couldn't risk the possibility of an injury to a child or non-threatening person (I'm not sure anyone can in the litigious society we live in today.) I dog should be able to clearly differentiate between a nuisance and a true threat. I watch my yellow lab as my 2 year old tugs his tail, pulls his ears and climbs on his back (she gets scolded for picking on the dog). He's tolerant and will get up and walk away when he's had enough, as should be his reaction. If thought there was even the slightest chance of a different reaction, I'd dispose of the dog.
Frankly, I don't think he'd hurt our son. My gut tells me that he just wouldn't do it because he has taken a fair amount of abuse from him already. Our 12# dog is probably the least tolerant but that is easier to manage and less a concern.
The one that has the most worry about Maverick and the boy is my wife. Founded or un-founded it means he is going away somewhere. She is pretty tore up about it (nothing like being on vacation, having something like this happen, and 1st trimester hormones and morning sickness all at once)
He's leaving our farm for greener pastures somewhere else beit earthly or heavenly when I get back.
He really is very good with people he knows. He knows the handyman and let the handyman open his mouth and inspect it to see if there was any weirdness going on in there as well as look at his paws and such yesterday when the handyman used my tractor to bury the sheep and cat.
I'm grilling up steaks for all the neighbors and friends that helped us while we were gone. Thanks for the words of wisdom internet friends!
Frankly, I don't think he'd hurt our son. My gut tells me that he just wouldn't do it because he has taken a fair amount of abuse from him already. Our 12# dog is probably the least tolerant but that is easier to manage and less a concern.
The one that has the most worry about Maverick and the boy is my wife. Founded or un-founded it means he is going away somewhere. She is pretty tore up about it (nothing like being on vacation, having something like this happen, and 1st trimester hormones and morning sickness all at once)
He's leaving our farm for greener pastures somewhere else beit earthly or heavenly when I get back.
He really is very good with people he knows. He knows the handyman and let the handyman open his mouth and inspect it to see if there was any weirdness going on in there as well as look at his paws and such yesterday when the handyman used my tractor to bury the sheep and cat.
I'm grilling up steaks for all the neighbors and friends that helped us while we were gone. Thanks for the words of wisdom internet friends!
Maybe I found this post to late but I can't let it go by.Why do we hold a stupid animal to a higher standard than a thinking human being?we get a dog bred to fight and kill and then want to kill him when he's left on his own and then follows his instincts.There seems to be alot of killer instinct on this thread too.Shoot him twice in the head and expect him to twitch?My God!!!!You don't have to shoot him,though it seems you really want to.You can send him to a rescue group.The vet can give you a sedative to give him before you bring him in for a KINDLY death.You owe him that.Remember you left him in charge.Or is it the $? God help us all.
Maybe I found this post to late but I can't let it go by.Why do we hold a stupid animal to a higher standard than a thinking human being?we get a dog bred to fight and kill and then want to kill him when he's left on his own and then follows his instincts.There seems to be alot of killer instinct on this thread too.Shoot him twice in the head and expect him to twitch?My God!!!!You don't have to shoot him,though it seems you really want to.You can send him to a rescue group.The vet can give you a sedative to give him before you bring him in for a KINDLY death.You owe him that.Remember you left him in charge.Or is it the $? God help us all.
