I have two rescue dogs... the ChiX is 5yo and we have only had him for 3 1/2 months or so. I have 2 little girls who are 3 1/2 and 21 months.
The 21mo just loves the dogs, and helps me feed them, get them water and loves to cuddle them.
Squishy (ChiX) was great with the kids when he first arrived, but in the last few weeks he has been getting increasingly grumpy, he now growls at my youngest daughter whenever she starts to head in his direction. I monitor her with him and I am trying to teach her to be gentle but even when she is being gentle and stroking his back or his belly he still growls at her
2 weeks ago when my Grandmother babysat my girls, Squishy bit my youngest daughter on the hand He did break the skin but it wasnt a bad bite IYKWIM, she didnt need stitches or anything. Then just before, she was cuddling him (and not too tightly, I was right there) and he bit her again on the face, just below her eye. He didnt break the skin this time but it really scared me and of course she screamed.
So I know he is probably scared and wary of her but what can I do about him? I will admit my first reaction is that he has bitten my daughter twice, he needs to go. But he is a lovely little dog apart from this, he just doesnt seem to like my daughter very much and now I am scared that he will not only bite my kids again, but Im not sure if I can trust him around other children...
Anyway. Long story, but what is the best course of action? Can I fix this problem, or am I going to have to rehome him (which I dont want to do, but I will if there is the chance he will bite again)
?