[TrishB]

My sister's dog nipped my niece in the face (didn't break the skin - but it was her face) while outside today. Here's some background:

Niece is 3, almost 4, nephew is 7. Sunny is a not-weiler - Saluki X Shep about 2 years old. They got him a year ago at about a year of age from the pound. He had been there for months (the pound got him at about 7 months of age) with a couple of littermates. He had no training, no socialization.

He's shy and is NOT food driven. He's built like a bullet and can run like the wind. The only time he's excitable is when he's in the yard at which time he completely ignores everyone. Professional training isn't an option for current financial reasons.

Situation: He was outside with the kids, my sister was with them. They were tossing around a frisbee and when it came to my niece, Sunny nipped her in the face.

I do NOT think this was an aggressive move on his part.

I do think that he's never been trained to have bite inhibition. I don't believe he's properly socialized. He's not a 'mouthy' dog - so it's very difficult to teach him bite inhibition.

Sadly, he might not be the best match for my sister's family at this time. Although the kids are good with him, he may have more special needs than they are equipped to deal with.

What do you all think? If you need more information, please ask and I'll do my best to answer.

Note: They will not dump him, but if the kids are at risk (they are in a very kid-friendly neighbourhood with lots of visitors), keeping him won't be an option. They'll take responsibility for him, but not at the sacrifice of their children's safety.