Panicking

I can understand being stressed, I'm guessing usually the 2 are supervised when near each other? Was there teeth marks or did she just associate the growling and perhaps a headbutt with being bit? Was the dog unwell or being "pulled about" as I'm assuming he's normally good around her and this is out of character? Definitely a conversation needs to be had about respecting animals and a conversation with your mum about ensuring they're not left unsupervised together in future. I hope your daughter is ok and that you're feeling better

@Tamsine they’re always always supervised. She usually hugs him, lies on him and snuggles on his bed with him (she’s never rough with him but don’t doubt that she probably bugged him in some way). It’s so out of character and really shocked us and he usually encourages her so climb all over him and enjoys being all up in her face. We’ve spoke with my daughter and said the whole “kind hands” but this has never been a issue before 🤦‍♀️ It’s definitely a bite as there’s quite obvious teeth marks. It’s such an out of character situation as Finn is normally amazing with all the children. Hence why I’m assuming she did something to bug him 🤦‍♀️

@Poppy OK, only asking as you said a bruise (glad he's not drawn blood though) so definitely more of a mouth telling off which is very typical shepherd as opposed to a proper attack bite which obviously must have still been very scary for her. Maybe suggest to your mum to also keep a closer eye on him for the time being as there could be an underlying health issue which is sadly how these things start by them becoming less tolerant and you normally wouldn't think anything of it in terms of their health but something to bear in mind 💕

It is possible the dog play nipped her or accidentally hit into her with his mouth open? Also possible the dog may have corrected her. Maybe they were playing chase and the dog got too excited and nipped her. An actual bite with aggression would draw blood. Did you see the dog after she said this? What was the dog’s demeanor/reaction?

Aww this is so sad I’m sorry your daughter and even doggo went through this. Your reaction is so mature and understanding you’re so great for understanding the dog would have been in some scenario uncomfortable for them and it’s important their space is respected because these things do happen, every dog has the capability of doing it and accidents do happen unfortunately. it doesn’t mean they’re a bad dog you would be able to tell the difference between a correction/or accidental play bite and an aggression attack especially with a dog that size And strength it sounds like your daughter loves him a lot so I hope she’s doing ok ❤️

Don't let your daughter hug him, lie on him or be in his bed with him. I know you said the dog tolerates it but she needs to understand first that dogs are not people and you don't show them love in the same way. At this age she can't yet understand that and also she doesn't have impulse control. So yes, definitely 100% supervision but also establish new boundaries and keep your daughter farther away from the dog until she's old enough to understand how to properly interact with him. Also - so many dog trainers and behaviourists keep telling parents not to allow their children to hug and snuggle up to dogs as dogs only tolerate it, they actually don't like it. It's a recipe for disaster - please research how to teach children to safely interact with dogs and what not to let them do when around dogs

Hey it’s not your fault sometimes dogs accept the child and other days they have a bad day and snap