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The Aggressive Behaviour Dog Guestbook

From the lens Aggressive Dogs.

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  • keepingscore May 27, 2012 @ 7:36 am | delete
    Great lens and information.
  • kindoak May 12, 2012 @ 1:34 am | delete
    Awesome lens and info. Aggression is often a result of insecurity, in humans as well as dogs.
  • bloomingrose Apr 24, 2012 @ 1:20 am | delete
    Back again to social bookmark this to other sites - this is such important information. One tool that I have used with great success when Buckwheat got an attitude - is only hand-feeding. I got this from Dr. Stanley Coren - his great series "Good Dog" is available for free on Hulu. The idea is this, if the dog wants to eat, he gets fed from the hands of the person who is working to be alpha. No more bowls of food. Dogs change around quickly!
  • bloomingrose Mar 16, 2012 @ 8:52 pm | delete
    Excellent lens - Angel Blessed. When it comes to breeds, I think that people need to really get to know the breed of their dog - and work with them. For instance I have a ball obsessed border collie - german shepherd mix that has almost drown three times chasing balls into the ocean. He started herding the water, swimming round and round in circles, and looking like he was going to get exhausted. Border Collies herd, and Border Collies can get obsessed
    Because of that, and the danger involved - he is not allowed off leash by the ocean. Similarly pit bulls are being bred for aggression by backyard breeders, and the angel that adopts that wonderful breed needs to know that. I believe people should have to take more training to have a pit bull, in Berkeley you do have to go to the training called Bad Rap. We love our dogs, but we cannot afford to be sentimental about them, the stakes are too great.
  • Pangionedevelopers Jan 28, 2012 @ 4:57 pm | delete
    Great info
    I will be reviewing all of it now
  • girlfriendfactory Jan 20, 2012 @ 9:12 pm | delete
    Sadly so much of this is very misleading because that's what statistics do. The lens itself is very well presented and I probably wouldn't have paid much attention except you hit a sore spot when you said, "Guard dogs such as Dobermans, German Shepherds and Akitas were bred to be more aggressive than the hunting and companion breeds." Well I own a Doberman and I believe they were the only breed specifically bred to be protection AND companion dogs (I was also raised with a Doberman). Even the report you quote from states (the 2011 version anyway), "Individual dog owners are also getting clobbered,either with liability premiums so high that no one can afford to keep pit bulls or Rottweilers, or by inability to find an insurer willing to cover anyone who has such a dog--or any other dog breed with a bad reputation,whether or not the reputation is deserved. (Compare attacks by pit bulls with attacks by Dobermans on the chart above.) I really don't think Clifton would have grouped Dobermans (with 15 attacks, 7 deaths and 7 maimings) in with Akitas (65, 8 & 47 respectively) or German Shepherds (89, 12, 54 respectively) or Huskys (66, 22, 18 respectively) or even those lovable favorites the Labrador (45, 3, 34 respectively) because again, statistics don't tell the entire story. Like the fact that this report itself is very interesting if you actually read it and what went into it to begin with, how the figures were collected and what Merritt Clifton's notes are on some of the cases, what he doesn't collect, etc. etc. etc. Plus the fact that the CDC, Clifton and everyone else gathering info tend to have different figures because they all have different ideas about what to include and not include (which is how it always is when gathering data and why apple are never apples with statistics lol).

    Anyway, I don't mean to bash, I just don't like it when people try to further poor reputations that were unearned by Dobermans. They are wonderful dogs! Our vet recommended one to my mom when I was young and I've never met one that was aggressive. It's worth saying that out of balance owners are often the cause of messed up dogs. :) You do have a lot of helpful material here! ~Ren
  • flowergardener Jan 21, 2012 @ 10:10 am | delete
    Thank you Girlfriendfactory! I absolutely agree with you from my personal knowledge of the Doberman Dog breed, and also agree that certain breeds attain a high reputation of being aggressive that's unfair. 'Gideon' was the sweetest dog, although his size was very intimidating. He had been through abuse from a previous owner, and ended up in the dog pound, but STILL had a trusting and loving attitude towards everyone. In the 6 months that my brother's adopted Doberman 'Gideon' lived at my house with my other dogs I grew to love the breed, and would to this day recommend one to a responsible friend.

    I personally feel the same way towards Rottweilers. This page on aggressive dogs has certainly raised a few hackles in the 5 years that it's been published. I try very hard to not take the criticism's personally, because the contents are known and published statistics. When researching this topic, I tried very hard to present a balanced view of the whole topic, but inevitably, those who love the dog breeds that others have referred to as having the tendacy towards aggression stand up in defense of their favorite breed.
  • girlfriendfactory Jan 21, 2012 @ 12:40 pm | delete
    I've never had an issue with any dog either, but I have no problem asserting myself either. ;-) Like you, I do feel different breeds are suited to different people which is why it's important to inform people of the actual traits of each breed, not on biases.

    When the reputation of a dog is built upon incorrect associations with other dogs merely because of looks, because someone "guessed" (regardless of the truth) that the dog was created using genes from aggressive dogs more than 100 years ago, because of people owning the dog along with owning other aggressive dogs, or because the dog is protective and may act in an aggressive manner (a relative term) but is well trained and has never bitten anyone or wouldn't unless the situation warranted it (e.g. an intruder).

    So that being said, we'll always have people like us who get along with all the dogs and others who thing they're all vicious. Numbers being numbers, when people think that Dobermans are aggressive and only have 15 attacks, but the beloved Labrador has 45, yet someone as educated as yourself is continuing to lump them into a group with German Shepherds (who have a better reputation) and Akidas, then I think we're still promoting an undeserved reputation. Sure, Rotties are awesome dogs, but they also have a reported 481 attacks (78 deaths and 268 maimings) which is a rather large difference. Again though, it's the person behind the dog to begin with (breeder, trainer, owner, whoever).

    When you consider official numbers, in the United States alone...55 million dogs and we're looking at less than 5500 serious attacks/death total in the US and Canada from 1982 - 2011 (that's the report I looked at from Merrit Clifton) and when you look at the explanations he gives you realize that several cases hardly involve what you would call an aggressive dog. A suspiciously large number involve elderly victims and infections, being knocked down, broken bones, or rabid dogs. In perspective, over a 29 year period, I personally think the entire thing is the insurance industry trying to get out of paying claims.
  • bloomingrose Apr 24, 2012 @ 1:25 am | delete
    I think it is important to be realistic about breed characteristics before you chose a dog. Dogs are absolutely bred for personality, and physical strength is a factor. That is why I think breed rescues are so great, besides saving dog lives, they will help you know the characteristics of the breed so you can make good decisions. I am glad this page has been controversial - a sign of good writing. :)
  • Edutopia Jan 15, 2012 @ 3:13 pm | delete
    No dog is ever too aggressive that you can't bring them back down. Its always important to remember that.
  • Thrinsdream Dec 28, 2011 @ 8:33 am | delete
    Interesting lens. Love the point out that you cannot stop a dog from being aggressive/annoyed, just as you cannot stop a human. Great tips am off to go and tell my German Shepherd that her number is up and time to stop being aggressive (she is curled up on the floor next to me just now think I 'll wait till she wakes up! )
  • NickTheCarGuy Dec 15, 2011 @ 8:46 am | delete
    Nice Lens. I didn't know a lot of this about aggressive dogs.
  • Todayhaspower Dec 7, 2011 @ 10:35 pm | delete
    Great lens, thumbs up! My mother has two pit bulls, and although I know that they are not all aggressive, I do know to be very cautious no matter what, because they are still animals, and you have no idea what one will do. :) Thanks for this high-quality lens!
  • desa999 Nov 20, 2011 @ 6:53 am | delete
    I am really careful when approaching these type of dogs, as we don't have any dogs at home. Nice lens with excellent detail.
  • Kbarbre Nov 19, 2011 @ 9:46 pm | delete
    I like the lens! I have a pit bull who is the sweetest big baby in the world, but I am always careful. I was bitten by a Chesapeake Bay Retriever as a child and almost lost my eye. I find that the breed doesn't matter as much as the care and training. Though medical issues can be a problem also. The dog that bit me had a brain tumor!
  • bames24 Nov 15, 2011 @ 3:27 am | delete
    we have an aging Pomeranian who gets aggressive with out younger (but much bigger) Lab... we have learned to recognize the signals and we are able to manage quite well.. :)
  • TransplantedSoul Nov 11, 2011 @ 4:23 pm | delete
    This is a very well thought-out description of aggressive dogs. I had a Germann Shepherd that was great with family, but not so great with others. It is important to know your dog and to work to get it to work within your parameters. You are the boss, not the dog!
  • DogsEatingGrass Nov 10, 2011 @ 5:36 am | delete
    Great Lens, really enjoyed the read
  • Taylor Scott :) Nov 9, 2011 @ 5:31 pm | delete
    This person who wrote this article has the idea but is only about 75% of the way there. I am a really big fan of Cesar Millan and his tv series "Dog Whisperer" and I know that his philosophies, having studied dogs in their natural, large pack-environments ever since he was a very, very young boy, are very refined when it comes to dealing with aggression. I believe that dog owners, dog trainers, and all animal-lovers together can learn a great deal from him. He has also written about 6 books, all explaining his three-rule philosophy to keep your dog happy, healthy and calm with out having to drug them with anything other than peace-of-mind. If you are researching how to avoid getting a agressive breed, dog individual, or prevent your dog from becoming/correct your dog out of being agressive, Cesar Millan is your one-stop shop for a calm, peaceful, and fufiled relationship with your dog (even if he's been labled as "dangerous" or "vicious" by authorities! I know that because he has actually done it and gave back a "vicious dog" his - and his owners' - peace-of-mind)! <3
  • aquarian_insight Oct 16, 2011 @ 8:46 am | delete
    Excellent lens. I love dogs and growing up, we had the best German Shepherd Dog - he was just perfect. Now my parents and sister have another German Shepherd, who has many of the issues you have outlined in this lens. Unfortunately a lot of the fault lies with them because they have not managed his aggressive behaviour properly.
  • Dog_Guy Oct 13, 2011 @ 1:33 am | delete
    As a dog walker, this is one of the main things I have to look out for (other peoples aggressive dogs). We all learn our own techniques of handling it, but it is great that you have highlighted the ways you can spot it.
  • TheGourmetCoffeeGuy Oct 9, 2011 @ 3:20 am | delete
    Enjoyed reading your lens very much. Experienced a recent situation with a neighbor's aggressive dog behavior that was very scary and unpleasant, especially when the dog was loose wondering the neighborhood and the neighbor absent for hours... A shame people allow this to happen as it poses real bodily harm to people and pets. Your lens was very informative, thank you for sharing your insights.
  • AmyTK9 Sep 8, 2011 @ 6:46 pm | delete
    Great Lens!
  • renstar Aug 11, 2011 @ 7:01 am | delete
    Nice Lens I be leave that all dog are born the same its the upbringing, in the first 8 months of the dog’s life the owner makes the dog soft, or aggressive, It’s not the breed
    I have a Rottweiler crossed with Staffordshire bull terrier called Kingston and he does not have a bad bone in his body, he’s a gentle giant
  • flowergardener Aug 30, 2011 @ 8:39 pm | delete
    I agree renstar. I certainly don't want to 'pick on' any particular breed and label them 'aggressive', as I've personally known of many breeds the behavioral studies state as having a tendacy to become aggressive - that are perfect wonderful companions - they wouldn't hurt anyone! I've received many angry dog owners' replies stating their dog is not aggressive. Please don't shoot the messenger, I've only stated on this page what the so called 'experts' are claiming :)
  • yanastenson Sep 29, 2011 @ 12:45 pm | delete
    I agree to that. Dogs are like kids the way you nourish them the same way they grow up. I have friends who bought a dog never cared to training when he was small now it is little difficult to train them.
  • BuddyShearer Aug 6, 2011 @ 5:01 pm | delete
    Thanks for sharing. Keep em coming.
  • TrainMyPitbull Aug 6, 2011 @ 4:16 pm | delete
    I am the owner of three pit bulls and they are not aggressive. Too many people misunderstand why certain breeds of dogs have aggression or are aggressive. It is the owners who have allowed this to happen. Not that I am comparing, but when there are children running around getting into trouble and such, first thing asked--where are the parents. Well owners are parents for their pets. Let them do what they want and they will. Correct the behavior and guess what--your dog will behave. No formulas needed, just training.
  • Props-n-Frocks-Fancy-Dress Jul 11, 2011 @ 12:02 pm | delete
    Dogs are great. Most aggressive dogs are caused by the humans who look after them. People have no idea how much of a commitment owning a dog is.
  • Cinnamonbite Jun 2, 2011 @ 9:31 pm | delete
    So let me get this straight. People, instead of recognizing that if they're away from home all the time, a dog will grow bored and destroy things. Or worse, if lack self-discipline (and therefore can never properly discipline a dog) they create a dangerously aggressive dog and instead of being responsible and deciding that they simply shouldn't have a dog (much less 5 or 6), instead are...DRUGGING DOGS? Wow. Entitlement much? I think that's horrible and sick.
  • Jerrad28 May 23, 2011 @ 11:58 am | delete
    I have to disagree with you about the predisposition towards aggressive behavior in certain breeds. I can't speak personally for all breeds because I haven't owned them all. I have owned an American Pit Bull Terrier, or Pitbull, for over 4 years and she has never been aggressive towards humans, even when my 3 and 4 year old niece and nephew beat on her and pull her tail, she just licks them and looks at me like "please help". I have spent a lot of time with a large number of Pit Bulls and know they are not naturally aggressive
  • flowergardener May 23, 2011 @ 11:50 pm | delete
    Hi Jerrad :) You're not disagreeing with me or my opinion; the predisposition towards an aggressive behavior in certain breeds was a bonified study. I hope you noted that I also stated that any dog....no matter what breed they are, can become aggressive? I'm very glad that you're happy with your Pit Bull!
  • sebastian1234 Apr 10, 2011 @ 2:00 pm | delete
    very informative lens, i'm lensrolling you to my dog bite lens
  • DogToys Feb 6, 2011 @ 1:59 am | delete
    I think mental health is over looked too much in aggression.

    Any dog that bites, has mental issues.
  • DogAnxiety Dec 26, 2010 @ 9:04 pm | delete
    WOW a really big lens. Thanks for sharing all of this information and giving all the helpful tips.
  • chrissuard Dec 11, 2010 @ 12:50 am | delete
    Thanks for these helpful tips, blessed by an angel.
  • Spook Nov 19, 2010 @ 2:35 pm | delete
    You sure found your niche Debs. Merry Xmas. Blessed by an Angel.
  • OhMe Sep 11, 2010 @ 9:26 am | delete
    We have a precious 9 wk old English Bulldog pup and I am in the process of trying to train him. I found out that I was doing some things right and some things wrong so appreciated this great read and will be back to study some more. Lensrolled to Petowners Should Leave Their Pets At Home. The story of the Uncle and the baby was so sad and so unpredictable. This lens is blessed by a Squid Angel.
  • nukemdomis Sep 9, 2010 @ 1:56 am | delete
    Funny how any size dog can be aggressive.
  • Ramonailona Aug 17, 2010 @ 6:00 pm | delete
    Fantastic lens. I have never owned an aggressive dog, unless commanded to do so. I never knew their was medication for that! Great Lens. Thanks for sharing.
  • JaguarJulie Jun 15, 2010 @ 5:50 am | delete
    Gosh, we are blessed that aggressive dogs don't roam our neighborhood. At one time though, a neighbors white Korean dogs did kill one of our black feral cats and left it in our front door. Those type of dogs, I understand, are instinctual for taking down wild cats.
  • Alexandra :) Apr 19, 2010 @ 2:50 am | delete
    Kewl!!
    Really helpfull!!
    :)
  • WeddingZazzle Apr 12, 2010 @ 3:45 pm | delete
    Lots of great information on this lens. Nicely done! Angle Blessings :)
  • happydogbeds Apr 11, 2010 @ 8:25 pm | delete
    More often than not, an aggressive dog can be a result of mistreatment, or improper training. Luckily, our dog is on the opposite end of the fence and is very gentle and submissive.
  • Trainmydogeasily Mar 15, 2010 @ 5:35 pm | delete
    Its always best to be wary about dogs, but not frightened of them, because they can sense fear, and they sometimes seem to exploit it.

    True, you never know when a dog is going to become aggressive. But it does happen. I have only been bitten once in a lot of years, so that's not so bad.

    Interesting and informative lens.
  • JackieLanier Mar 12, 2010 @ 12:59 pm | delete
    Wow a lot of great info. I truly enjoyed reading your lens! I have a short hair chihuahua myself, Just wanted to complement you on such a great job! Have a super doggie day!
  • BigGirlBlue Feb 18, 2010 @ 3:29 pm | delete
    I think one of the biggest mistakes pet owners make is assuming that their dog would never bite. Under the right conditions any dog will bite, even a beloved owner.
  • rzukic Nov 8, 2009 @ 6:56 pm | delete
    Great Lens! Five *****!
  • DogBehaviorHelper Oct 9, 2009 @ 6:34 am | delete
    Great Lens :)
  • Ramkitten Sep 10, 2009 @ 4:47 pm | delete
    What an extensive, excellent lens with loads of great information. We're lucky to have a very NON-aggressive dog, but I certainly know many owners who would benefit from reading your lens.
  • kiwisoutback Jun 8, 2009 @ 10:28 am | in reply to kiwisoutback | delete
    I'm glad the link from Squid Angel lens has brought in a hit or two. It's a great example of a blessing worthy lens!
  • aj2008 Jun 8, 2009 @ 6:18 am | delete
    Yep, dogs need to know that they are last in the pecking order. Our German Shepherd knows exactly where her place is in this family (usually at my feet when I am squidooing) and it is NOT on the bed or the chairs!

    Very knowledgable lens.
  • kiwisoutback Apr 8, 2009 @ 9:59 am | delete
    Excellent work, this is outstanding! I know a lot of people I'd love to forward this lens on to, but they'd be pretty offended. It's pretty bad when you stop visiting someone because of their dog. Thanks for the tips, Squid Angel blessed!
  • MusicMadness Sep 14, 2008 @ 4:22 pm | delete
    Wow! What an incredibly thorough lens on aggressive dogs. There is often so much misinformation about this somewhat sensitive topic. Thanks for a well researched lens.
  • ThomasC Jul 2, 2008 @ 2:25 am | delete
    This is a great lens about Dogs! Very useful! Great job!
  • totalhealth Jul 1, 2008 @ 9:08 am | delete
    excellent lens, thanks for the tips, I really find it very helpful since we have one at home.
  • amandaquerque Mar 28, 2008 @ 7:03 pm | delete
    Now if they would only make a medicine for dogs who take off and run from you! Excellent lens and valuable addition to the BIG LENSES group!
  • JohannTheDog Oct 15, 2007 @ 8:45 am | delete
    Excellent, four paws up! Woofs, Johann
  • K.Samuel-Stevens Sep 24, 2007 @ 12:30 pm | delete
    This is an excellent lens. Full of information and a good read for any dog owner. 5*
  • Lady_Gotrocks Sep 22, 2007 @ 7:40 am | delete
    Great lens! 5 Stars!

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flowergardener

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