What makes one dog breed get a reputation for being more dangerous than others? Should you be more cautious around specific breeds? And does a dog’s breed even matter, or is it always a case of bad training?
Let’s explore some of the world’s most dangerous dogs together. You’ll also learn about what makes us think of certain dog breeds as dangerous. Additionally, we’ll cover the role and history of dog training in building these reputations.
There are a number of reasons people tend to think of certain dog breeds as more dangerous than others. Not all reasons are valid in the same way: Some are hard statistics, others are personal experiences. But they all can play an important role in our understanding of these animals and our discussion about what might make some more dangerous than others.
Here are some of the reasons we tend to consider certain dogs to be the most dangerous dog breeds:
Let’s focus more on that last reason, as I believe it can have the most impact.
Whether it’s right or wrong for us to judge a dog breed based on our limited experiences and the stories we hear about them, it’s something most of us do on some level (myself included). So I’d like to share some personal stories and how they’ve affected me (or not affected me, though you might think it should have).
We saw this in your comments on the original list. For example, we had people saying Pit Bulls aren’t dangerous because their own experiences with the breed have been pleasant. Others shared experiences on the other side of the spectrum.
Personally, I come in somewhere in the middle. I’m not naive enough to think that breed alone makes all pit bulls dangerous or more vicious than other dogs. But I’m also not naive enough to ignore the evidence that this breed has a history of causing more frequent and more serious injuries than most, if not all, others.
Clearly the breed plays some role. Some breeds lean toward different temperaments, or have different loyalties. These might make them great with their own families but naturally suspicious of strangers or other animals or even small children, who have less self-restraint than adults.
Personal experience is also a factor, though. My brother has a small dog. He took the dog outside at his apartment building into the parking lot. Another neighbor was outside with their Pit Bull. It wasn’t on a leash (while this is a requirement, going unleashed isn’t terribly uncommon around here). By all measures the dog would have seemed like a normal, calm family pet.
Until it saw my brother’s dog.
It immediately charged at them and grabbed his dog by the throat. There was no provocation, no unusual noise, and they were across the lot — not close to the pit bull’s owner in any way. My brother was able to rescue his dog by lifting the Pit Bull and literally prying its mouth open (which, by the way, is a stupid thing to do — please don’t ever follow that example). The dog let go and his dog was okay after being treated for its injuries. The Pit Bull then latched onto my brother’s arm though. Again, he was okay after being treated, but the wound wasn’t insignificant. It could have been far worse.
That puts me in that middle ground territory I mentioned before. Personal experience with this breed is terrible. There was no warning sign that the owner trained this dog to attack or fight. In fact, the aggression caught its owner completely off-guard. It just snapped at the sight of a smaller dog. That kind of sudden reaction is far from unheard of with this breed.
But that said, I don’t fault an entire breed (in the case of Pit Bulls, actually three different breeds) for the actions of that single dog. The lack of predictability of some breeds would make them “more dangerous” in my view. But the same goes for poor training and bad behavior by an owner (like allowing any breed with known issues with children or other animals to run free without a leash).
This is far from the only example I could give. Saint Bernards are also sometimes cited as some of the most dangerous dogs. But they’re also known for being calm-tempered and being good with kids. It’s their fierce loyalty that can be an issue.
A family member had one years ago. That dog was a great dog for most of its life. It even helped to stop a burglar in the family’s building. But years later it lunged at another family member who the dog knew for its entire life. They came to visit, and out of the blue the dog lunged and went for her eye. She’s still terrified of the breed to this day (and understandably so after an experience like that).
We can’t explain the unprovoked attack. It might have been a breeding issue. The dog might have been having a bad day in some way. We just don’t know. I understand her fear of the breed. But it’s not one I hold myself as a result — perhaps because I didn’t see it first-hand.
I personally own a mixed breed dog — Border Collie mixed with a Lab. At this stage in her life, I would also consider her to be a dangerous dog, especially around children. She is in no way violent. She’s great with cats and other dogs.
She’s still at that point where she’s young, wants to play all the time, and she doesn’t realize her own size or strength. The hyper aspect is specific to breeds. Both Labs and Border Collies can be very high strung, especially in their first couple of years.
Neighbors and family members don’t want her playing with their tiny dogs, and I think that’s understandable. And I wouldn’t take her out to play with small children for fear that she’d accidentally hurt them by jumping up or knocking them over as she tries to play. Being dangerous isn’t always a case of being naturally vicious, and that’s why so much falls onto the owner. It’s our responsibility to make sure our dogs aren’t put into situations where they’re more likely to cause harm.
If you’ve had experiences that have shaped your own views of what makes for a dangerous dog breed, let us know in the comments. Tell us what happened and whether or not you think it’s a fair way to judge a larger group of dogs based on the action (or actions) you’ve seen first-hand, and why.
Now let’s get to our original list of some of the seemingly most dangerous dogs, based on breeds. Now that you know why certain breeds have earned their “most dangerous dogs” reputations, can you think of others that might also have a similar history? Tell us in the comments.
Every person that I know deeply cares about his or her pets. They are their best friends. They tenderly love each other. Sometimes they eat together, sleep together, and go for walks together.
I’m more of a cat person, but I can’t sit still when I see little puppies or big dogs with big soft fur. I want to hug them, play with them, and give them some of my love and tenderness too. I’ve also seen many adult dogs of different breeds worth praise and true admiration. They are clever, sociable, and funny when you want to play; calm and patient with kids.
And they’re something I can’t credit cats with: They are faithful.
Personally, I don’t know any dog that would bite without warning or just snap. It’s my firm belief that behavior of the dog doesn’t depend on its breed so much as it being the right training and the “master” that matter. In my opinion, humans are most often responsible for dangerous dogs. That said, there might be some truth in the idea that some breeds have more unstable temperaments than others. Knowing this, we should never provoke them.
Think for a minute and analyze your own life. Are we always polite? I can think of several situations when I would have gladly slapped a man in the face, but thank God I’m weak enough and I can control myself (at least I think that I can). Now think about animals. They have instincts too, and they may forget about good manners. It’s not as if they understand them in the same ways we do.
It’s also important for dog owners to protect both other people and their dogs from unexpected circumstances and thus the unpleasant situations. For example, when going outside, they could always use a dog-lead and a muzzle. They could be careful and not let the dog play on its own without a leash, especially when there are other people around. When you have a dog, you become forever responsible for the animal you’ve trained and tamed.
In any case, it’s good to know what breeds of dogs might be most dangerous, just to keep yourself safe. Sometimes the danger in a dog isn’t even a nasty personality, but a matter of them not knowing their own strength.
Even though I personally still find it hard to believe that breed alone determines whether a dog is “dangerous,” you never know what a dog’s owner has taught it. Reliable research into the most dangerous dogs included below comes from the American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, and the Humane Society of the United States.
We’ll start with least dangerous of the bunch. Sorry, but there won’t be any terrifying photos today.
Read Also: Ready for a Dog? What Breed?
Origin: Croatia, Middle Ages
Weight: 40-70 lbs
Height: 20-24 inches
Dalmatians are active and energetic dogs, and love to be outdoors. They are very playful and love running.
There’s still no definite info about what this breed was originally bred for. What is known is that it is the oldest spotted breed in Europe, Asia and Africa. They were serving as warriors, hunters, and shepherds long before finally becoming the symbol of the US fireman.
Origin: Germany, 1850s
Weight: 50-64 lbs
Height: 20-25 inches
The boxer is a very strong “square” dog. Boxers love to walk, but the owner should never forget the leash. It’s also better to refrain from aggressive games. Still, boxers recognize all members of the family and can play well with the children.
The boxer breed has its origins in feudal Germany and dates back to the line of bulldogs that existed in Europe in the 16th century. These ancestors lived for hunting wild boars and other big wild animals. The first puppy in the new breed received the name “Box”. Boxer’s qualities, such as their strength, were highly valued by farmers and shopkeepers.
Origin: Canary Islands, Africa, 18th century
Weight: 100-125 lbs
Height: 25-26 inches
The Presa Canario hails from the Canary Islands. Dogs of this breed had two jobs: Hunting – and war. During the 18th century, English traders and merchants came to the Canary Islands, bringing with them their working and gladiator dogs, notably the Mastiff of England and the bulldog. Englishmen also brought with them their traditions of pit fighting for which their breeds and the island dogs were inevitably mixed and eventually bred to produce the ultimate fighter. Nowadays the breed finds use in guarding, handling, and driving cattle.
The dogs of this breed can be gentle and noble with their families, showing great affection to their owners, but are highly suspicious of strangers.
Origin: Switzerland, Middle Ages
Weight: 110-180 lbs
Height: 24-29 inches
Saint Bernards are amazingly big and easygoing dogs, but due to their impressive size they can look a bit awkward. They are quiet and peaceful, love children, and are not inclined to active and rapid games. A Saint Bernard will need all of your attention, so if you spend days in the office, this dog is not for you. They are tremendously strong and, of course, they require a good bit of space.
Most likely, the ancestor of the Saint Bernard was the Alpine Mastiff, a pretty aggressive breed. The original Saint Bernards were working dogs and scouts. They were also much calmer than their Mastiff ancestors. For that reason, they make for excellent home companions today.
Origin: Germany, Middle Ages to 19th century
Weight: 90-120 lbs
Height: 27-32 inches
Great Danes are beautiful and majestic animals, with a gentle and loving nature. They love to play with children and participate in all family events and activities, especially in the outdoors. They are happy to go for a walk and don’t mind the company of other dogs. Despite their gigantic size, Great Danes can even feel quite at home in a city.
In the Middle Ages, these dogs earned their living in dog fighting and by hunting big mammals.
Origin: China, Antiquity
Weight: 40-65 lbs
Height: 18-22 inches
The chow chow is an independent dog often focused only on its own needs. Chow chows need constant physical activity and communication, even if they don’t seem to like being disturbed much.
The chow chow’s original purposes were hunting and helping shepherds.
Origin: Germany, 19th century
Weight: 65-90 lbs
Height: 26-28 inches
Doberman Pinschers (often just called Dobermans) are dogs whose traits emphasize protecting and defending instincts. It is important to avoid any type of aggressive play and struggle with these dogs. Instead, use the games to develop the Doberman’s intelligence. Even though they aren’t small dogs, Dobermans can adapt to life in a city and become a perfect companion for an experienced, physically active owner.
This breed has its roots in in Germany. The breeder Louis Doberman decided to combine the qualities of guard dogs and and the terrier. Luis was a policeman, and so saw the need for a dog that would devotedly defend its owner.
Origin: North America, Ancient times
Weight: 80-110 lbs
Height: 23-28 inches
The Malamute is a friendly dog, but it has rather an independent temper. It’s better to keep this dog in a village, far from the city. Sometimes violent and energetic, they constantly need to move or play.
Note that Malamutes are a working dog breed from a colder climate. So, if you don’t live in the deep north, make your Malamute a nice playground. That’s because they are always in need of physical activity.
The name of the breed comes from a local North American tribe. They used the Malamute to transport goods on a sleigh.
Origin: Siberia, Ancient times
Weight: 35-55 lbs
Height: 20-24 inches
Training a Husky is not that easy. For these reasons, breeder don’t recommend this dog for beginning owners. Initially, these dogs transported goods on a sleigh. Not afraid of cold weather, they’re very active and loving dogs. Huskies love to get together with other members of their breed and howl at the moon.
Origin: Germany, 19th century
Weight: 70-85 lbs
Height: 22-26 inches
German Shepherds are very beautiful dogs, distinguished from other breeds by their reliable and obedient temper. They are in need of constant and serious physical activity though, and they seem to prefer long walks and active games.
Originally (as obvious from the name), the dogs guarded grazing sheep. They are great home guards and often participate in programs for the disabled.
Origin: Germany, 1820s
Weight: 85-110 lbs
Height: 23-27 inches
Rottweilers are powerful dogs with strong jaws, primarily meant to protect. Their original breeders selected those traits especially for that purpose. They often don’t like strangers and other dogs — they are guards at heart, and the dog owner should always remember that.
Origin: US, 19th century
Weight: 30-55 lbs
Height: 18-22 inches
The Pit Bull is named after its original purpose: The questionable amusement of dog fighting in pits. Sad as it is, that bloody tradition has survived in places, and Pit Bulls still have to take their part in it.
Photos source: Flickr
Origin: Southern U.S., 17th century
Weight: 60-120 lbs
Height: 20-28 inches
The American Bulldog is descended from the now-extinct Old English Bulldog, which was bred for farm guarding, livestock herding and bringing down game, and blood sports such as bull-baiting.
Today’s American Bulldog arose from any such dogs brought to America by working-class immigrants, many of them former farmers. In the South, these dogs were an important line of defense against feral hogs.
By the time of World War II, the American Bulldog almost went extinct, but was saved through selective breeding.
These dogs are large, heavy, and have powerful jaws with a typical overbite. They were bred for aggression and protection instincts. While they are suspicious of strangers, they are also very loyal and family-friendly. However, they need lots of space and attention.
Origin: England, 19th century
Weight: 100-130 lbs
Height: 24-27 inches
Bred around 1860 by English gamekeepers, the Bullmastiff’s job was to guard game preserves. They caught poachers, holding them until they could be arrested. They emerged from a cross of the large but non-aggressive Mastiff with the aggressive but smaller, lighter Bulldog.
Starting in the 20th century, they became a distinctive breed.
Today, Bullmastiffs are typical watch and guard dogs. They are fiercely loyal and love their families, but they have an extremely strong territorial instinct, and can be stand-offish towards strangers. When they’re properly trained, Bullmastiffs are also frequently used as gentle therapy dogs.
They are easy to groom, doesn’t shed, but are very prone to drooling. Bullmastiffs generally don’t need too much attention or movement.
Note that this dog was bred to be very quiet, so it won’t audibly warn when it’s startled or otherwise in a bad temper. In combination with their strengths, this makes Bullmastiffs one of the potentially most dangerous dogs.
Note: This post was originally published on April 1, 2009. It has since been updated with a new introduction and further background on the history of dangerous dogs.
View Comments
for me i think pitbulls are thee best dogs to every have. I have a rednose pitbull, and he is thee biggest baby every...hehe i love it, but anyways :)
You were a bit wrong on quite a few dogs histories and a little off on other's personality traits. That was somewhat upsetting.
Luis Doberman wasn't a police officer. He was a tax collector and sometimes a night watchmen.
For Dalamations, did you wonder why they became mascots for the fire dept.? They were actually used to guard the horses and the carriages and clear paths. Actually vicious tendencies were bred into them and encouraged at least during this phase. Add in that a lot of people didn't know about their tendency towards blindness and you have instability.
The Chow is "aloof" but not selfish. They are extremely devoted to owners they respect and will do anything for them. Many world leaders have owned Chows including Sigmund Freud.
Rottweilers were originally bred not as a guard dog as you are implying. Actually, they are a herding breed. And sometimes their side job was as a makeshift draft horse. They were only used as guard dogs later in life during WWI and WWII. So that isn't their "heart"
So yea, if you're going to write about dangerous dog breeds. Please do your research properly. Either that or just stick to being a cat lover...
Enjoy a “CUP of Blended T’s” With Your Dog and Enhance Both Your Lives
Training dogs is about Communication; it is an intentional act to modify their behavior.
Communication’ is an intentional or unintentional act which conveys information. Clear’ intentional communication is the essence of any enduring relationship.
Whether human or animal there are three innate mediums of communication: visual, sound and tactile. When it comes to training animals…, communication …..When understood, leads to predictability.
The sound’ medium of communication (For the most part the spoken word) of humans is complex and perplexing to learn; as we have so many tongues and dialects spoken through out the world. Therefore animals are not able to understand the intimacy we can create with words.
However animals cannot comprehend our sounds of spoken words to the aforementioned degree, therefore we minimize use of our individual spoken word communication and maximize our use of Visual and Tactile communication. However we do embellish the sounds of our spoken word with tone, energy and when possible conjoin them with communication in Visual and tactile. Animals easily recognize visual and tactile communication of nonthreatening, friendly, unfriendliness or hostility from other species as well as their own, such as a dog bearing its teeth and chasing a strange dog out of their yard, has does a burro to protect the sheep it is roaming with.
We humans are able and apt at learning to recognize signals in all three mediums of communication the animal’s uses to convey their intent to each other. We are so apt at reproducing their sounds of communication; that the animal thinks we are one of them; perhaps not to the profound intimacy as would be between two animals of the same species, but close enough in likeness that we can call that animal to us.
Dogs use the same signals in their communication, no matter where in the world they are located. I do not think it is possible for a normal dog to misinterpret the communications of another normal dog.
An interesting note; dogs are not able to lie. On the other hand, we humans are not only able, but apt at lying, misleading or deceiving each other; and, we do so using all three mediums of communication.
As a practicing trainer, I learned early on; in order to develop a mutually respectfully relationship with a positive, residual affect; the animal and I must experience each other face to face.
I want to communicate to the dog, my true intention; that being I mean him no harm. I in turn, will interpret his conduct looking for any behavior modification and determine if it is positive or negative. During the initial stages of our encounter, I consider his tolerance of my closeness a positive impact on his behavior.
During training; one of us (the dog) is teaching, the other (me) is training. However, we are both learning to trust. With mutual trust established; I enhance my efforts of ground training him; which is the foundation his performance training; in riding or driving as well as work in- hand or at liberty.
My nomadic life style, has allowed me to experience and learn from many people, and dogs. This opportunity led me to create an aphorism, titled: A CUP of Blended T’s for which I created the letters C. U. P. an acronym for Communication, Understanding, and Predictability. The Blended T’s, segment is stated below. I found keeping this in the forefront of my thinking, keeps me looking for new or more subtle communication of animals, as well as people.
The letter C = Communication’ through the mediums of Visual, Sound & Tactile, which also are three of the dogs’ five senses. The mediums of communication listed below are not prioritized. The first medium of communication is: visual I call it visual because one must use their eyes to understand the communication being conveyed to them by the body movement in whole or in part of the origin, as occurs with those of the deaf community when signing.
Dogs’ when communicating visually with but not limited to, their eyes, ears, bearing of their teeth, raising of their lips, movement of the head, tail, and the lowing and rising of their frame/body and over all demeanor . The signals may be presented individually or in correlation. This visual medium of communication is also similar to the hand signals a traffic cop uses when directing traffic. Using our entire body or using our extremities individually or in correlation; we are able to develop signals which we display to incite the dog to perform a certain action or movement. These signals, when presented consistently and frequently allow the dog to learn to respond with the action or movement we desire.
The second medium of communication is Sound. Dogs use various noises made with their breath flowing from the lungs, through the nose and mouth. The sound might be, a slight “whine/whimper, to low humming sound which increases to a growl, a yep which increases to a howl in pain or in letting other know where they are or perhaps calling for others to come to them, and the bark.ive alarm to his herd as to the presence of a threat. During training we use sounds (sit) to direct our dogs. Our dogs can just as easily be trained to sit’ when they hear other sounds, such as a whistle; if we consistently associate that sound with the act of sitting.
The third medium of communication is tactile: Tactile communication between dogs would be when a dog bumps another to incite it to play, or when they put their head on the top of another dogs back as a sign of dominance, or licking in or around the mouth
Another tactile communication is a “seeing eye” dog leading a blind person who is holding the harness handle. The dog’s movement is communicating a message to the person as to what the dog wants the person to do. When we pet and rub and scratch our dogs we are communicating peace, friendliness, which brings comfort.
Example of Tactile; if the guide dog of a blind person refuses to walk upon command; the dog could be telling the person there are dangerous or undesirable conditions ahead in which case the person will heed the dogs communication. Brail’ is another form of tactile communication; where in the reader must use their sense of touch with their finger tips upon an array of raised dots on a brail board. The arrangement of the dots, convey the message. Another application of tactile communication is when a man and woman holding each other while dancing; both are communicating in tactile.
U = Understanding: When we recognize, learn and understand the signals dogs uses to communicate; we know the generality of message they convey.
P = Predictability: This means when we observe the dog communicating, we are able to forecast the outcome of various circumstances and consequences.
Blended T's = Training & Trust: The sequence is definitely training first, and if done humanely, kindly, consistently one will earn a certain amount of trust. Trust between an animal and a person is simply: willing participation in degrees without fear. Trust between animals and people come only from good training. I must mention the absence of fear, does not necessarily reflect the presence of trust. The Lion in the wild having never seen me certainly does not fear me; he may move away from me until he discovery what I am about.
The bottom line in training is; I am always training for more trust. In addition, remember both fear and trust are learned and earned.
Training is an intentional effort to modify a behavior. Training can be accomplished two ways. One way is face to face, where we train the animal to trust us. This training begins at the first encounter when both parties are present and aware of each other. With a psychologically sound dog; humane, good training will produce trust. With this trust I will train him first for obedience, and continue on for performance in herding, pulling, agility, and retrieving, hunting, search and rescue and guard work, both alarm and attack (I personally do not train dogs for Guard or Attack service.
The more I train him the more trust he will extend. The other way to train a dog is through Pavlov’s involuntary response to a stimulus. Where in, without the dog having ever been aware of my presence; I will train him to open a gate or lick something up. In either case he will develop trust for the environment……, but he will not develop trust for me; I wasn’t in his presences, so how could he.
In closing, may I suggest; while incorporating a "Cup of Blended T's" will not make one a trainer, it certainly is a fundamental aspect of good training. Perhaps we should start every day with a "Cup of Blended T'S"
Footnote: Oder
Communication conveys information; therefore Oder’ is a medium of communication. However with humans it can be intentional or unintentional, with animal it is only unintentional.
With dogs Odor’ is a non-cognitive, biological, involuntary function that communicates status or presences, therefore it is unintentional communication, as is the message a lame horse (visually ) communicate to a predator or a bitch in heat (odor) conveys to a male dog.
Well said MR. Z Perhaps the person misstating information about dogs and their traits could;
Enjoy a “CUP of Blended T’s” and Enhance Both Your Lives
Training dogs is about Communication; it is an intentional act to modify their behavior.
Communication’ is an intentional or unintentional act which conveys information. Clear’ intentional communication is the essence of any enduring relationship.
Whether human or animal there are three innate mediums of communication: visual, sound and tactile. When it comes to training animals…, communication …..When understood, leads to predictability.
The sound’ medium of communication (For the most part the spoken word) of humans is complex and perplexing to learn; as we have so many tongues and dialects spoken through out the world. Therefore animals are not able to understand the intimacy we can create with words.
However animals cannot comprehend our sounds of spoken words to the aforementioned degree, therefore we minimize use of our individual spoken word communication and maximize our use of Visual and Tactile communication. However we do embellish the sounds of our spoken word with tone, energy and when possible conjoin them with communication in Visual and tactile. Animals easily recognize visual and tactile communication of nonthreatening, friendly, unfriendliness or hostility from other species as well as their own, such as a dog bearing its teeth and chasing a strange dog out of their yard, has does a burro to protect the sheep it is roaming with.
We humans are able and apt at learning to recognize signals in all three mediums of communication the animal’s uses to convey their intent to each other. We are so apt at reproducing their sounds of communication; that the animal thinks we are one of them; perhaps not to the profound intimacy as would be between two animals of the same species, but close enough in likeness that we can call that animal to us.
Dogs use the same signals in their communication, no matter where in the world they are located. I do not think it is possible for a normal dog to misinterpret the communications of another normal dog.
An interesting note; dogs are not able to lie. On the other hand, we humans are not only able, but apt at lying, misleading or deceiving each other; and, we do so using all three mediums of communication.
As a practicing trainer, I learned early on; in order to develop a mutually respectfully relationship with a positive, residual affect; the animal and I must experience each other face to face.
I want to communicate to the dog, my true intention; that being I mean him no harm. I in turn, will interpret his conduct looking for any behavior modification and determine if it is positive or negative. During the initial stages of our encounter, I consider his tolerance of my closeness a positive impact on his behavior.
During training; one of us (the dog) is teaching, the other (me) is training. However, we are both learning to trust. With mutual trust established; I enhance my efforts of ground training him; which is the foundation his performance training; in riding or driving as well as work in- hand or at liberty.
My nomadic life style, has allowed me to experience and learn from many people, and dogs. This opportunity led me to create an aphorism, titled: A CUP of Blended T’s for which I created the letters C. U. P. an acronym for Communication, Understanding, and Predictability. The Blended T’s, segment is stated below. I found keeping this in the forefront of my thinking, keeps me looking for new or more subtle communication of animals, as well as people.
The letter C = Communication’ through the mediums of Visual, Sound & Tactile, which also are three of the dogs’ five senses. The mediums of communication listed below are not prioritized. The first medium of communication is: visual I call it visual because one must use their eyes to understand the communication being conveyed to them by the body movement in whole or in part of the origin, as occurs with those of the deaf community when signing.
Dogs’ when communicating visually with but not limited to, their eyes, ears, bearing of their teeth, raising of their lips, movement of the head, tail, and the lowing and rising of their frame/body and over all demeanor . The signals may be presented individually or in correlation. This visual medium of communication is also similar to the hand signals a traffic cop uses when directing traffic. Using our entire body or using our extremities individually or in correlation; we are able to develop signals which we display to incite the dog to perform a certain action or movement. These signals, when presented consistently and frequently allow the dog to learn to respond with the action or movement we desire.
The second medium of communication is Sound. Dogs use various noises made with their breath flowing from the lungs, through the nose and mouth. The sound might be, a slight “whine/whimper, to low humming sound which increases to a growl, a yep which increases to a howl in pain or in letting other know where they are or perhaps calling for others to come to them, and the bark.ive alarm to his herd as to the presence of a threat. During training we use sounds (sit) to direct our dogs. Our dogs can just as easily be trained to sit’ when they hear other sounds, such as a whistle; if we consistently associate that sound with the act of sitting.
The third medium of communication is tactile: Tactile communication between dogs would be when a dog bumps another to incite it to play, or when they put their head on the top of another dogs back as a sign of dominance, or licking in or around the mouth
Another tactile communication is a “seeing eye” dog leading a blind person who is holding the harness handle. The dog’s movement is communicating a message to the person as to what the dog wants the person to do. When we pet and rub and scratch our dogs we are communicating peace, friendliness, which brings comfort.
Example of Tactile; if the guide dog of a blind person refuses to walk upon command; the dog could be telling the person there are dangerous or undesirable conditions ahead in which case the person will heed the dogs communication. Brail’ is another form of tactile communication; where in the reader must use their sense of touch with their finger tips upon an array of raised dots on a brail board. The arrangement of the dots, convey the message. Another application of tactile communication is when a man and woman holding each other while dancing; both are communicating in tactile.
U = Understanding: When we recognize, learn and understand the signals dogs uses to communicate; we know the generality of message they convey.
P = Predictability: This means when we observe the dog communicating, we are able to forecast the outcome of various circumstances and consequences.
Blended T's = Training & Trust: The sequence is definitely training first, and if done humanely, kindly, consistently one will earn a certain amount of trust. Trust between an animal and a person is simply: willing participation in degrees without fear. Trust between animals and people come only from good training. I must mention the absence of fear, does not necessarily reflect the presence of trust. The Lion in the wild having never seen me certainly does not fear me; he may move away from me until he discovery what I am about.
The bottom line in training is; I am always training for more trust. In addition, remember both fear and trust are learned and earned.
Training is an intentional effort to modify a behavior. Training can be accomplished two ways. One way is face to face, where we train the animal to trust us. This training begins at the first encounter when both parties are present and aware of each other. With a psychologically sound dog; humane, good training will produce trust. With this trust I will train him first for obedience, and continue on for performance in herding, pulling, agility, and retrieving, hunting, search and rescue and guard work, both alarm and attack (I personally do not train dogs for Guard or Attack service.
The more I train him the more trust he will extend. The other way to train a dog is through Pavlov’s involuntary response to a stimulus. Where in, without the dog having ever been aware of my presence; I will train him to open a gate or lick something up. In either case he will develop trust for the environment……, but he will not develop trust for me; I wasn’t in his presences, so how could he.
In closing, may I suggest; while incorporating a "Cup of Blended T's" will not make one a trainer, it certainly is a fundamental aspect of good training. Perhaps we should start every day with a "Cup of Blended T'S"
Footnote: Oder
Communication conveys information; therefore Oder’ is a medium of communication. However with humans it can be intentional or unintentional, with animal it is only unintentional.
With dogs Odor’ is a non-cognitive, biological, involuntary function that communicates status or presences, therefore it is unintentional communication, as is the message a lame horse (visually ) communicate to a predator or a bitch in heat (odor) conveys to a male dog.
Hello does anyone know what the Dogo Argentino Uhh yeah it was pronounsed the ultimate dog by NAT GEO. It was bred by the Martinez bro for 25 yeah it has the Great dane, Bull Mastif, Pitbull Terrier, English Bull Dog ,Great Pyrese , Boxer.
which the outcome was the fighting dog of Cardoba which was too aggressive for humans often when a male and female we put to mate they fought to the death instead. So the brothers added The english pointer, re-entered the Boxer and Mastiff,Irishwolfhound for instint, Dogue de Bordeaux for powerful jaws, Spanish Matsiff for power, and pit bull for fearlessness.
So the outcome was the dogo argentino a white dog with the head of a huge pitbull Size of a mastiff leaner ang hieght like a Great Dane Instint like a Irish wolf hound Friendliness of a Boxer fearlessness of a bull terrier and amazing sense of smell like a English Pointer.
so How what did the dog do well they hunted, One could kill an adult puma and a pack of three could kill 8 boar in a single hunt Soo why isn't the Dogo Argentno such a popular dog. Beccause people are scared of its phyiscal capablilty dont beleive me Talk to Nat Geo and My 115Lb Dogo Argentino Juno.
your right mans fault not dog fault i think too :]
Pit Bulls were NOT bred for fighting. They were bred to be "nannies" for children. Maybe you should look into facts before being like other dumb Americans and bashing pits.
and to all of the people that believe that pits have a "locking" jaw. It's not true. Do your research people.
got to say it is down to the owner, i have a dalmation and a malmut/husky (escuse my spellin) perfect dogs! they know im the boss thats the only way u can have a dog is to be the pack leader! got to add i have 3 children 4 and 3 years old and a 20week old baby! im very carefull and watch them with my kids id be stupid not to!!! x
This Dogs are not all Aggressive Dogs,not all Dogs could be trained to be loving some have the instinct to be aggressive.
Just like teaching a Lion how to Love some day nature would teach it how to suck-lmao.