Our English Springer Spanial, which we have had since she was six weeks old, attacked my daughter yesterday. We have owned Molly for the past seven years; she has been a beloved member of our family. Her shots are up-to-date so there is not too much to worry about with rabies.My daughter had to undergo emergency plastic surgery.
The dilema is that we are still very much attached to this dog and would like to avoid euthanizing her if it is possible. Of course I have a moral and legal obligation to inform anyone who might want to adopt her of this biting incident. I fear that I will not find any takers once they know this. Does anyone have any ideas for a solution short of euthanizing the dog?

So sorry to hear about your daughter. I have had two Springers and thought both were exceptional howeverr no matter how much I like an animal if he bites once he will bite again. My opinion is that it be put down. They are beautiful dogs but if you can't trust them with your kids or grandkids then it is definitely time for them to be put down.

I had a Springer that went after my wife.The 1st time,I thought she might have startled him or something and it was just a reactionary bite but the 2nd time I was there and seen him actually bite her unprovoked.There wasn't a 3rd time.It's a shame-he was a beautiful dog and a great hunting buddy but I lost my trust in him .I will not have a dog that bites or is aggresive to family.

Dear emlaur; First let me say that I know how troubling this dilema is for you and yourr family. I hope your daughter is OK and your concerns are real and serious. I don't know if your springer has demonstrated previous aggressive behavior, or what the nature of her aggression is. But, due to the seriousness of the attack if you are not going to euthanize the dog, you need to seek professional help for this problem. There are vets who specialize in behavioral problems in dogs and I would seek there advice. Springer "rage" has been described in veterinary literature as seemingly unprovoked aggression and in one study elevated levels of serotonin metabolites were found in these dogs. Additionally it could be due to territorial or dominance based aggression. Typically therapy includes medical and behavioral modification. I would not recommend adopting out Molly. Consulting with a veterinary behavior specialist would be my only alternative to euthanasia for you.

Give it to Peta.<img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle> No, seriously, sorry to hear about your daughter. Hope she's okay. I would see if anybody want her. Or give her to the pound. At least give her a chance before putting her down. Of cource, inform any future owners of what happened.

Nic

There are rescue groups around for different breeds and they will take dogs regardless of the situation. Inform them of your situation and they will take the dog and place it in an appropriate foster home and then make arrangements for a good permanent home. My wife works for a weimaraner rescue group.

Sorry to hear about your daughter and I hope there will be no scars. I have a daughter also. I think the dog should be put away or kept in a cage where it can be safely kept from other children if you want to still keep it. Don't put it up for adoption or anything like that as you may be endangering another little girl and besides it may open you up for some future legal trouble also. The dog can never be trusted again even if some dog shrink says he is cured. You have alot of things to think hard about but be glad and thank God your daughter is going to be ok.

Molly is 7 yrs old springer; rage or cannine aggression syndrome usually begins at an early age as it is a genetic mental defect.It is not only found in springrs but can affect any breed of dog.I would check medical problems first and also the dogs pedigree contact your breeder and ask them if any other of their dogs has shown this problem.Most rage in springers is in the show and or half show half field lines it is very rare in 100%field lines.There is no cure for rage and no amount of trainning can eliminate it a dog that is properly diagnosed with rage can not be trusted and must be put down.In over 25 yrs of guiding,trainning,hunting,judging and trialing springers I have only encountered 2 rage springers one was a 6 mo old show prospect the 2nd was about 2yrs old show dog and the third was a half show/field dog that I refused to train all three dogs were eventually put down.The springer is esentially 2 breeds the field style(which is the best) and the show or conformation type which sometimes gets too closely bred to conform to the breed standard for show springers.But as I said earlier get the dog checked out first then if rage is the blame put your heart away and do what must be done.Fielddog(Mike) Byonderbrae fielddogs

By necessity I follow a good dog;by choice we share the hunt and a sandwhich.....O'Brien

emlaur, Prayers to your daughter that she recovers fast with minimal scaring. You didn't say how old you daughter is, but if she's older than three, she is probably going to be scared of Molly. I'm sure Molly has had a life full of love and affection with you and your family. Your daughter shouldn't be forced to live with a dog who has caused her so much trauma... nobody should.
I am looking at this situation from the outside, of course which makes my opinion easy to express. I was too bitten by a dog, on my face when I was a child (the scar is hardly noticable now). I had played around this dog for 2 years before the incident. Sadly, it could of all been avoided because THIS DOG HAD BITTEN BEFORE.
It has got to rip your heart to make such a decision with the life of your companion of seven years, make it wisely.

Iam very sorry about your daughter and hope her recovery is a swift one. I must say that I would put the dog down myself.I will not have a dog I couldnt trust,and I have a lot of dogs.I could understand if it was a stranger that the dog bit but not a child it has been around for some time no matter what the reason the dog bit her. I wouldnt give the dog away even if the people knew its history, this may seem harsh to some of y'all but I just wouldnt want it to happen to another child.

If Hunters Dont Stand Together, We Wont Be Hunters Long!!!