Unfortunately, beautiful, loved and adored dog pets attack their rivals (the littlies) all the time.  Sometimes, the attacks are fatal and the story gets into the news.  It's always a terrfic surprise to the dog owner but, regrettably, too late.  Don't take chances.  You no doubt adore your dog but even with those strong emotions your instinct was to get rid of the dog.  I agree with you.  When your child is older then maybe bring the dog back (if you have that option) or get another one but a two year old is just too vulnerable in this situation.  

I'm the father, my child is a girl, and she lives with her mum about a five minute walk from my house.                                  
we spend a lot of time as a as a family unit and my daughter has been leading the dog and commanding him since she could talk clearly, during our nightly walks afternoons at the park or lazy afternoons at my house  . the dog understands he is at the bottom of the pecking order and only obeys commands from us. his commands are simple and direct. he was inside at the time and we were only a few steps away he became agitated when i intervened. I'm very disappointed in him and cant forgive him so i have decided its not fair to him and am seeking a new home for him. i believe dog owners should be licenced and should have to go through some sort of screening process as to whether or not they can own a dog and what bread would suit their lifestyle.

what alot of people don't understand is that a dog treats it family like an alpha pack you are the head female so the dog listens to you, hubby is the lead male so the dogs listens to him, if there are no other children, the dog is next in the pack and your toddler is last! For the most part he will accept your child, but when push comes to shove, he will push right back, and because to him your child is last in the pack, he will defend his position and not be bossed around by this newcomer. People do not seem to realize that because an animal is (Domesticated) this dosen't mean that it dosen't have the instincts of it primial ancestors, it does! So if you feel that you cannot control your animal and that your child may be in harms way, then perhaps you should get rid of it. If however you understand that his nose is out of joint because he feels that his position in the pack has changed and he is acting out because of that and you are still comfortable with him in your house and around your child under  your watchful eye, then keep him!  By you standing right over top of your dog when it has acted out, you are showing him that you are displeased with him,and as the alpha female any subservant animal will lay down as low as possible and often roll on their back to show their  submission to you! Please try to understand the thought process of your animal! We had the same problem with our dog when our son was younger, now they are best buddies, she still occasionally growls at him, but it is usually a food thing but she has never bitten him!

If you have had issues with aggression from your dog in the past, I would be wary.  However, from what you have said, it sounds as if he is generally a wuss.  This could be a reaction by your dog to your changed circumstances, and the lack of attention you described.  Reading your file, you said that your son was not living with you full time at the moment.  This could be upsetting and confusing your dog.  Any dog backed into a corner will growl - its generally just a "clear off" warning.

Supervise all time you dog spends with your son.  I would advise having the dog on a leash when interacting with your son. I would also suggest seeing a dog training specialist and getting their advice. It may also be time for your son to take some lessons in dog handling.  Taking the dog for a walk, with your son holding onto the leash (with you on the end of it), will re-inforce to your dog that your son is one of his Bosses.

 

follow your instinct and do what you first thouth of the situation. My uncle had a very good dog and too lazy to move his back side let alone attack, one day he scratch my nephew 9 days later it atacked my full on (still have scars on my nose, mouth and arm) and this from a dog that would not harm a fly. as much as we love dogs and trust them remember they are animals.

hi sorry to hear bout your troubles.its a hard question to answer it all depends on your views of dog i think.people may not agree with my views but as for the dog its the only way the dog can really try and say get off me or go away is by growling.have been brought up with many kinds off dogs and when being around children its just not easy for them.i know you cant always be there to see whats goin on but really should not allow for children to do that to any animal.the only person to decide on your question is you no matter what breed or size the dog is.i personally would just keep close eye on both dog and children and let them both know whats happened was wrong and not to happen agian.im sure if dogs could talk it would of only said leave me alone ive had enough.good luck.

Well it isn't really a matter of whether or not the dog has gone bad... Dogs are pack animals and as such, you are supposed to be the leader, then in his mind he would think he comes next - then your 2 1/2 year old.  Therefore, nobody should ever leave children and pets unsupervised. 

Your dog was merely asserting itself, and it probably felt challenged being backed into a corner.  If you could keep the dog outside most of the time, then socialise them as your child grows, (seek advice from a professional dog trainer and / or Vet), there is no reason to get rid of the dog.  The dog needs to realise that it is the lowest member of your pack, to be kept in it's place and all can still be well.

If you are not paying the dog any attention, this could also result in a change of behaviour in the dog.  Having a pet is a lifetime choice, and if you are concerned, that is great, however don't panic, check out other alternatives first.

Good luck with it, I hope you find a safe option to keep the dog, however make the decision that you feel is best.