Should I Move Out to Protect My Son from our Aggressive Dog?

Single mom considers moving out to protect son from aggressive dog after multiple incidents, torn between safety and love for pet - AITA?

Sophia

Published in Animals
14 Jan 2026

Should I Move Out to Protect My Son from our Aggressive Dog?

In today's fast-paced world, the bond between pets and their owners often takes center stage, but what happens when that bond becomes a source of concern? In a heartfelt Reddit thread, a single mother grapples with a difficult decision regarding her rescue dog, Max, who has displayed aggressive behavior towards her young son.

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The mother, torn between her love for her dog and her instinct to protect her child, seeks advice on whether she is in the wrong for considering rehoming Max. The situation escalated when Max recently nipped at her son's arm during playtime, leaving a lasting mark on the mother’s peace of mind.

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Despite her son’s affection for the dog and their playful interactions, the mother's priority is clearly her child's safety. As she navigates this emotional dilemma, she contemplates the implications of her choices on both her son and Max, illustrating the heart-wrenching nature of pet ownership and parental responsibility.

This thread invites a diverse range of opinions, from those who emphasize the child's safety above all to others who advocate for exploring training solutions before making any drastic decisions. As the discussion unfolds, it raises critical questions about the responsibilities that come with pet ownership, the complexities of family dynamics, and the difficult choices many pet owners face.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this challenging situation.

Original Post

So I'm a 34-year-old single mom to my 7-year-old son. Quick context: We adopted a rescue dog, Max, a year ago.

He's a lovable mix breed, but unfortunately, he has shown aggression towards my son a couple of times. Nothing too serious, mostly growling and snapping when my son accidentally startled him.

For background info, my son adores Max and is always playing with him. However, it's clear Max is not comfortable around him all the time.

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Last week, Max nipped my son's arm while they were playing, not breaking the skin but leaving a red mark. I was horrified and immediately separated them.

I've been torn since. I love Max, but my son's safety is my top priority.

I've started looking into rehoming him, but it's breaking my heart. I can't shake the worry that if I wait too long, something worse might happen.

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Yesterday, after a minor scuffle where Max snapped at my son over a toy, I realized I can't risk it anymore. I'm considering moving out and finding a new home for Max.

I just can't forgive myself if something happens that I could have prevented. Am I the bad guy here?

I feel like I'm failing my son, but I also feel like I'm failing Max by giving up on him.