Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Aggressive Dog Breeds?

I am absolutely sick of hearing that such and such a breed is aggressive, this one is aggressive, etc., and today took the biscuit when I read that the shih tzu and llasa apso should be avoided as they ‘get cranky around kids’.  Hang on a minute, firstly, it’s my understanding that both these breeds are incredibly popular family pets.  Secondly, the reason a dog may get ‘cranky around kids’ is generally because a) they’re not used to dogs – owner’s fault or b) the kid is pulling at them or trying to shove stuff in the dog’s eyes or mouth – owner’s fault.  Either way, it’s not the dog’s fault.

As a puppy, any dog may have tendencies to be the more dominant or submissive in their litter, and either can result in an aggressive dog, either from dominance or fear, without the proper care and attention.  Some dogs have a tendency to be ‘one-to-one’ dogs, are loyal and protective to their owners but the owner should be taking care to ensure that the dog is socialised properly and learns that he can play and make friends with other people and other dogs.

Obviously, some breeds were bred for protection or fighting, but with proper breeding, care and training, there is not reason why they shouldn’t grow into loving and adorable family members.

All dogs can be provoked into biting and even the gentlest dog breed can become aggressive, especially without the proper socialisation or training.  You take responsibility for that dog the second you say you want him.  Dogs take time and attention and if you don’t have the time to bring him up properly, taking him out with you, meeting other people and dogs in dog-friendly areas or at training, then don’t get one in the first place!

In my opinion, all dogs should be trained to the basic commands: sit, come, down, stay, and as well as obedience training, they should all have one-to-one training between dog and owner at least five times a week.  Your dog should trust you implicitly and obey you without hesitation.  If he trusts you, then he will do what you say, even when he feels nervous or stressed but as his owner and ‘pack leader’ you should be protecting him from these situations.  If someone’s child is provoking my dog, then I’m going to stop that straight away, because if my dog is left in that situation and protects herself by nipping or biting, then it’s my dog in the s**t not the kid – and it would be my fault.