DISQUS

Steve, I'm curious what exactly and precisely you did to

"teach the child to leave the dog alone especially when he’s growling, and teach the dog not to growl at the baby"

What was your teaching method? I'm glad to hear that you had a successful method for your household, but I think Wally and Jen might benefit from a few more details.

Tim, no one suggested "to have it put down" in regards to Boone. So please don't accuse us of suggesting such extreme and outlandish measures. "To have it put down" would not be an appropriate or helpful piece of advice. This is a forum for all of us to help wahoodad's friend, not go on our own individual soap boxes issues. All the suggestions have been to find him another more appropriate home. One that doesn't have a newborn and 16 month old in it. The owners themselves have admitted that "Boone hasn’t been the easiest dog. He’s a prolific barker, jumps on guests, and he gets carsick." and "Boone is challenging and willful ". They've also tried dog trainers and this is still the result. They are clearly not lazy pet owners. They are concerned parents whom are also the owners of a difficult dog. Please do not distract readers with such incorrect quotes and statements.

Boone needs to go, and a smaller dog could be found. With two small children every precaution needs to me made to make everyone feel comfortable and safe at all times. Your home is your sanctuary, not a feared place. I'm assuming the wife is at home right now (since you mentioned a newborn of a couple weeks), and most likely often by herself with both children. She has every right to determine the layout of her home and those can reside in it. If she has any reservations about Boone, she is entitled to them 100%. The husband wasn't home at the time of the incident and therefore didn't see or even hear what she heard. Boone needs to go to a home that can handle him and his needs. And just because Boone hasn't hurt anyone yet, doesn't mean he might not one day. These could be the warning signs or something to come that need to be listened to. The article mentions "Jen doesn’t want to be that person on the news professing how her dog never hurt anyone before after he’s attacked her kid or someone else’s. "---Just because those people always say their dogs never hurt anyone, doesn't mean that there weren't signs along the way that they chose to ignore or just cope with. Find Boone a new home before the family becomes the evening news.

And let's not forget driving to CVS at 2:30 am for Motrin or Tylenol....or any other kid medication, could probably make the list as well.

I recommend saving the paint sample cards as your "reward" for a great trip out. This always bought us a couple extra aisles at the Depot. "If you don't get back here now, there won't be any Mickey cards at the end!". It's impressive what a little one will do for three lousy Mickey Mouse paint sample cards. I also recommend doing a clean sweep of those things every now and then through your house. They add up very quickly!