Dear P.P.,
I am the daughter of the zoologist mentioned by my husband in a previous posting. I am ambivalent at times about keeping our dog, but he has responded remarkably to our "treatment plan". We are guardedly optimistic that we can keep him safely in our home with a lot of work and patience.
The behavioralist we visit says that toddlers are especially threatening to a dog's pack mentality simply because of the way that they are built (all torso) often unsteady on their feet and unpredictable in actions. I was bitten in the face as a toddler by the dog I had until I was 16 years old, I had stepped on her swollen teat in my nice hard orthopedic shoes when she was sleeping. I would have bitten me, too! My father wanted to shoot her ... she lived until the age of 17 thanks to my mother, who was also nursing at the time and refused to allow the dog's demise.
Consider rescue agencies or childless couples who are knowledgable and willing to deal with a possibly aggressive dog. It doesn't sound like this is the case with your Rott, however.
I would encourage you, before making any decisions to contact W.S.U at 335-0711 (if that number is incorrect, call information for Pullman, WA and ask for the Vet Clinic). They do telephone consults for a marginal fee.
They have been helpful to us and our dogs. Our "problem" dog has been a delight since beginning this program, the onus, as always, is on us.
Good luck to you, I'm glad your son is going to be OK and I hope the same for your dog.
Tracy
Please contact us by email if you would like further info!
PPS. PLEASE go out TODAY and buy a "Promise" or "Gentle Leader" brand harness-type collar and put it on your Rott. Have the people who sold it to you help you fit it. It works as kind of a modified muzzle. The dog can eat, drink, fetch and all that good stuff but it does keep him from gaining a good purchase if he does bite again. Also reinforces his submissive position in the pack. Our dog HATED it for the first few days, but the change in his behavior was almost instant, (like within 10 minutes) he immediatly began responding to me in a more reasonable and submissive manner. It's a 10 dollar investment for peace of mind until you can place your dog. You can get them at most pet stores, possible grange supply stores.

[ 01-09-2002: Message edited by: JEB ]