Should We Rehome Our Dog After Biting Neighbors Child?

AITA for insisting my wife rehome our dog after a biting incident with a neighbor's child, sparking a debate on prioritizing safety over emotional attachments.

Jesse

Published in Interesting
14 Jan 2026

Should We Rehome Our Dog After Biting Neighbors Child?

In the complex realm of pet ownership, balancing the well-being of our furry friends with the safety of those around us can lead to difficult dilemmas. A recent Reddit thread captures this tension perfectly as a husband grapples with a heart-wrenching decision following an incident involving their rescue dog, Max.

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After Max bit a neighbor's child during a playdate, the neighbor understandably requested that the couple rehome the beloved pet. While the wife clings to the belief that this was an isolated incident and insists on keeping Max, the husband feels a heavy responsibility to prioritize safety over sentiment.

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The debate has opened up a floodgate of opinions, with commenters weighing in on both sides of the issue. Some emphasize the need for immediate action to prevent any future harm, while others argue for the importance of exploring training solutions and considering the emotional toll of rehoming a pet.

As the couple navigates this emotional landscape, the Reddit community dives into discussions about responsibility, safety, and the lasting bonds we form with our animals. What do you think?

Is it fair to ask a family to part with their pet after a single incident, or should all alternatives be explored first? Join the discussion and share your thoughts!

Original Post

I (34M) and my wife (32F) got a rescue dog, Max, a few months ago. Max is a sweet dog and quickly became a part of our family.

However, last week, Max bit our neighbor's child when they came over to play with him in our backyard. Thankfully, the child's injuries were minor, but our neighbor was understandably upset.

They are now demanding that we rehome Max to ensure the safety of the neighborhood kids. My wife is devastated at the idea of giving up Max, but I believe it's the responsible thing to do to prevent any future incidents.

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She's adamant that Max is not aggressive and it was just a one-time thing. I suggested training or muzzling Max, but our neighbor is insistent on rehoming.

I feel torn between my wife's emotions and the safety of others. So AITA?