Agressive Dogs

Jack's Dad · 09-07-2011, 08:14 PM

Some say that the threads posted here about aggressive dogs are the minority. It has been said that people whose dogs behave aren't likely to post and tell folks what a wonderfully behaved dog they have.
Even if that is the case I believe ther are too many aggressive dog situations these days.
Too many people make excuses for the behavior.
In my opinion, regardless of how a dog gets that way there is no excuse for the dog to be allowed to be in a position to harm someone and they should not be around the general public.
There are lots of opinions on what to do with these dogs.
I'm sure others will disagree but I think there are only several options. Get whatever help is needed to train and socialize until the dog is trustworthy, confine the dog for life maybe so that it never has the opportunity, or if those two things aren't possible then unfortunately euthanize.
The last may seem wrong to some but I believe all people have a right not to be attacked or to suffer a bite just because someone does not want to be responsible.
There are some dogs with such bad nerves that trainers and behaviorists may not be able to help.
I live in California and we are getting real close to breed bans. Homeowners insurance is either denied or very expensive if you have a GSD and some other breeds. So everytime another story comes out about GSD's we are that much closer.
A little off topic but they are also making life tougher for reputable breeders. If it's this way in Calif. I'm sure other areas are looking at these issues too.

wyominggrandma · 09-07-2011, 08:25 PM

Well said JacksDad. I agree and wish more would realize their "little nips" turn into bites and more aggressive GSD stories.
Used to live in California, still have lots of family and friends there and it seems to be getting worse and worse with dogs and breed bans.
How sad.

sagelfn · 09-07-2011, 08:30 PM

Most bites are IMO not aggression cases but fearful behavior combined with clueless dog owners.

IMO bite/nip #1- immediately begin working on issue with a trainer/behaviorist, a vet visit wouldn't hurt, always have control of the dog, muzzle if taken in public... remove all chances dog has to bite and make a plan to be diligent at all times to keep your dog safe and others safe.

If bite #1 is severe (mauling) then the owner has probably failed to notice warnings long before then and sadly the dog should be put down.

If a person puts down a dog for a minor bite/nip without trying to work on the dog's issues and was not forced to by legal action then IMO that person should not own a dog again.

Bite/nip #2- should never happen. If the owner has been following rules from bite #1 then they need to figure out if they are in over their head or not and re evaluate the situation. Putting the dog down may be the best option but I would not think less of them for trying and failing.

Obviously if this was a good bite (protection from a real threat) none of this applies. I would make sure there are no negative effects on the dog after though.

debbiebrown · 09-07-2011, 08:41 PM

i also agree people really need to face reality and start being responsible with these dogs..........

i do think there are just as many irresponsible breeders as responsible ones out there, and breeders that really don't know enough about pairing lines and the results are nervy, fearful, unstable dogs...........

on the other hand there are people out there that want a pet in this breed and are not responsible enough or are ignorant of the importance of training and socializing and proper care of a dog, and are not educated in the lines they are getting........so, pair together a genetic dud with one of these folks and disaster happens..........

not everyone out there is a seasonaed dog trainer and or behviorist, so i can see why people come on here and are devistated when their dog has bitten someone............some of these people might have had gsd's all their lives and were lucky enough to have stable temps and easy going dogs, then they get a fearfully aggressive dog bring it up the same way, little or no training and do not recognize the signs until something happens.......also, alot of people just don't want to put the time, training and money into a problem dog, its a huge commitment that not everyone wants.....

its really sad for this breed to gain a bad reputation, and i certainly hope the ban never somes to my state..........

Jack's Dad · 09-07-2011, 08:45 PM

sagelfn.

Yes I agree. Most are probably fear based but regardless of the cause your suggestions are very good.

PaddyD · 09-07-2011, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sagelfn

Most bites are IMO not aggression cases but fearful behavior combined with clueless dog owners.

IMO bite/nip #1- immediately begin working on issue with a trainer/behaviorist, a vet visit wouldn't hurt, always have control of the dog, muzzle if taken in public... remove all chances dog has to bite and make a plan to be diligent at all times to keep your dog safe and others safe.

If bite #1 is severe (mauling) then the owner has probably failed to notice warnings long before then and sadly the dog should be put down.

If a person puts down a dog for a minor bite/nip without trying to work on the dog's issues and was not forced to by legal action then IMO that person should not own a dog again.

Bite/nip #2- should never happen. If the owner has been following rules from bite #1 then they need to figure out if they are in over their head or not and re evaluate the situation. Putting the dog down may be the best option but I would not think less of them for trying and failing.

Obviously if this was a good bite (protection from a real threat) none of this applies. I would make sure there are no negative effects on the dog after though.

I agree. So many are in denial about the danger their dog is to the public. Either that or they believe they can fix it by throwing enough money at the problem (trainers and behaviorists). There are bites and there are nips and they should be evaluated differently. Bite #2 could be bite#1 if the first one was a nip and the circumstance were different. Each case is unique and you have to be honest about the dog's potential for harm as compared to his/her potential for rehabilitation.

wyominggrandma · 09-07-2011, 08:51 PM

A person has to be honest about the bite or nip or whatever. Honest, not half truths or leaving out important parts of the bite. I think many come on here talking about a bite or nip as if it is not significant, just something that happens and blames the person getting bit for whatever reason.
A bite to a human is not acceptable.

chelle · 09-07-2011, 09:00 PM

Umm yeah hey, you're making some kind of insane assumption here that people CARE. That they'll take the TIME and EFFORT. Crazy you!

Most won't bother, they just want a strong studly dog. THOSE people you will never see here or any forum UNTIL maybe that studly dog bites their child, the neighbor child or some awful thing. But, probably not even then.

Trainers cost money, so forget that option. Obedience? Really? Nah. You do that in the back yard with fear-training. **** you're lucky if they attend to basic veterinary needs.

C'mon now, the majority of people get a dog and expect it'll just sit there, look cool, eat a lil bit, run around a lil bit, guard the house and go to sleep.

I'm new here and frustrated with some posts, but they're reaching for help. That's more than a LOT of idiot dog owners do. So many run around oblivious to the fact their dog is a frikkin wild bully! Just saw a guy like that at the park a few weeks ago - CRAZY dog and the owner is like DUH, letting this neurotic lab pup go insane on a retractable, jumping, lunging, going NUTS and the high owner just smiling... I was getting ready with what I was gonna say if he even tried bringing that dog close to us.. (he didn't)

In my area, the dog to watch out for is the Pit. We have a LOT of scary Pits and Pit mixes here. I hope and pray the GSD doesn't earn a spot on a dog ban list... but there actually aren't many in this area. Keeping fingers crossed.

I feel your pain, JacksDad, but so many just can't/won't put the intense time, energy, money into any of it. The ones who make it here actually care, even if some of us are misguided at times.

sagelfn · 09-07-2011, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyominggrandma

A bite to a human is not acceptable.

Totally agree. I do not think it is an automatic death sentence either.

**ETA** adding to someone's earlier comment
I would not treat a bite vs nip any different. Both are serious. To the person nipped it is probably a bite to them.

When I was a kid a Dalmatian bit/nipped me. Broke the skin but not a gripping bite. Back of my ankle and my butt as I rode by their house on my scooter. Back then it was my fault for being so close to the dog. The dog was later put down for attacking the mailman for a second time.

wyominggrandma · 09-07-2011, 09:37 PM

Just depends on how far the owners keep playing the hide their head in the sand game when their dog bites or nips before they accept what is happening and quits making excuses.
Nephew is scarred for life, his ear is partially gone to make a new nose, his face is scarred. Dalmation bit or should I say mauled him at his friends house. Kids had been around this dog, in the yard, playing with him many many times. Only after the dog was destroyed did the family admit it had 'nipped" a few times before, but not a big deal. Bet my nephew wishes he had been told the dog just "nipped" a few times.
Sorry, a biting dog usually starts out with a nip or growl, then progresses to biting and mauling.

09-07-2011, 08:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jack's Dad Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 1,351	Agressive Dogs Some say that the threads posted here about aggressive dogs are the minority. It has been said that people whose dogs behave aren't likely to post and tell folks what a wonderfully behaved dog they have. Even if that is the case I believe ther are too many aggressive dog situations these days. Too many people make excuses for the behavior. In my opinion, regardless of how a dog gets that way there is no excuse for the dog to be allowed to be in a position to harm someone and they should not be around the general public. There are lots of opinions on what to do with these dogs. I'm sure others will disagree but I think there are only several options. Get whatever help is needed to train and socialize until the dog is trustworthy, confine the dog for life maybe so that it never has the opportunity, or if those two things aren't possible then unfortunately euthanize. The last may seem wrong to some but I believe all people have a right not to be attacked or to suffer a bite just because someone does not want to be responsible. There are some dogs with such bad nerves that trainers and behaviorists may not be able to help. I live in California and we are getting real close to breed bans. Homeowners insurance is either denied or very expensive if you have a GSD and some other breeds. So everytime another story comes out about GSD's we are that much closer. A little off topic but they are also making life tougher for reputable breeders. If it's this way in Calif. I'm sure other areas are looking at these issues too. __________________ Andy

09-07-2011, 08:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
sagelfn Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 3,748	Most bites are IMO not aggression cases but fearful behavior combined with clueless dog owners. IMO bite/nip #1- immediately begin working on issue with a trainer/behaviorist, a vet visit wouldn't hurt, always have control of the dog, muzzle if taken in public... remove all chances dog has to bite and make a plan to be diligent at all times to keep your dog safe and others safe. If bite #1 is severe (mauling) then the owner has probably failed to notice warnings long before then and sadly the dog should be put down. If a person puts down a dog for a minor bite/nip without trying to work on the dog's issues and was not forced to by legal action then IMO that person should not own a dog again. Bite/nip #2- should never happen. If the owner has been following rules from bite #1 then they need to figure out if they are in over their head or not and re evaluate the situation. Putting the dog down may be the best option but I would not think less of them for trying and failing. Obviously if this was a good bite (protection from a real threat) none of this applies. I would make sure there are no negative effects on the dog after though. __________________ -Brandi Sage 6-5-09 Facebook

09-07-2011, 08:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
debbiebrown Crowned Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: maine Posts: 7,598	i also agree people really need to face reality and start being responsible with these dogs.......... i do think there are just as many irresponsible breeders as responsible ones out there, and breeders that really don't know enough about pairing lines and the results are nervy, fearful, unstable dogs........... on the other hand there are people out there that want a pet in this breed and are not responsible enough or are ignorant of the importance of training and socializing and proper care of a dog, and are not educated in the lines they are getting........so, pair together a genetic dud with one of these folks and disaster happens.......... not everyone out there is a seasonaed dog trainer and or behviorist, so i can see why people come on here and are devistated when their dog has bitten someone............some of these people might have had gsd's all their lives and were lucky enough to have stable temps and easy going dogs, then they get a fearfully aggressive dog bring it up the same way, little or no training and do not recognize the signs until something happens.......also, alot of people just don't want to put the time, training and money into a problem dog, its a huge commitment that not everyone wants..... its really sad for this breed to gain a bad reputation, and i certainly hope the ban never somes to my state.......... __________________ url

09-07-2011, 08:45 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jack's Dad Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 1,351	sagelfn. Yes I agree. Most are probably fear based but regardless of the cause your suggestions are very good. __________________ Andy

09-07-2011, 09:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
chelle Knighted Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 2,829	Umm yeah hey, you're making some kind of insane assumption here that people CARE. That they'll take the TIME and EFFORT. Crazy you! Most won't bother, they just want a strong studly dog. THOSE people you will never see here or any forum UNTIL maybe that studly dog bites their child, the neighbor child or some awful thing. But, probably not even then. Trainers cost money, so forget that option. Obedience? Really? Nah. You do that in the back yard with fear-training. **** you're lucky if they attend to basic veterinary needs. C'mon now, the majority of people get a dog and expect it'll just sit there, look cool, eat a lil bit, run around a lil bit, guard the house and go to sleep. I'm new here and frustrated with some posts, but they're reaching for help. That's more than a LOT of idiot dog owners do. So many run around oblivious to the fact their dog is a frikkin wild bully! Just saw a guy like that at the park a few weeks ago - CRAZY dog and the owner is like DUH, letting this neurotic lab pup go insane on a retractable, jumping, lunging, going NUTS and the high owner just smiling... I was getting ready with what I was gonna say if he even tried bringing that dog close to us.. (he didn't) In my area, the dog to watch out for is the Pit. We have a LOT of scary Pits and Pit mixes here. I hope and pray the GSD doesn't earn a spot on a dog ban list... but there actually aren't many in this area. Keeping fingers crossed. I feel your pain, JacksDad, but so many just can't/won't put the intense time, energy, money into any of it. The ones who make it here actually care, even if some of us are misguided at times. __________________ Dolly Eskie 6/03 Suri Shiba 10/07 Bailey WGSD/Husky x 5/11 Bailey's brother Tucker (rescue/foster dude) Tiger kitty '96 Information is power

09-07-2011, 08:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
wyominggrandma Master Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 983	Well said JacksDad. I agree and wish more would realize their "little nips" turn into bites and more aggressive GSD stories. Used to live in California, still have lots of family and friends there and it seems to be getting worse and worse with dogs and breed bans. How sad.

09-07-2011, 08:51 PM	#7 (permalink)
wyominggrandma Master Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 983	A person has to be honest about the bite or nip or whatever. Honest, not half truths or leaving out important parts of the bite. I think many come on here talking about a bite or nip as if it is not significant, just something that happens and blames the person getting bit for whatever reason. A bite to a human is not acceptable.

09-07-2011, 09:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
wyominggrandma Master Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 983	Just depends on how far the owners keep playing the hide their head in the sand game when their dog bites or nips before they accept what is happening and quits making excuses. Nephew is scarred for life, his ear is partially gone to make a new nose, his face is scarred. Dalmation bit or should I say mauled him at his friends house. Kids had been around this dog, in the yard, playing with him many many times. Only after the dog was destroyed did the family admit it had 'nipped" a few times before, but not a big deal. Bet my nephew wishes he had been told the dog just "nipped" a few times. Sorry, a biting dog usually starts out with a nip or growl, then progresses to biting and mauling.

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
German Shepherd Advertisement