Would your dog protect you?
- Thread starter Tahla9999
- Start date
To answer the OP yes and no. Well, actually, yes and I don't know.
Both Maddie and Missy would make A LOT of noise, poturing, hackles up, teeth showing, walking toward the other person, threatening glares, etc
This happened once while I was walking Missy at the park, and this guy turned around and flashed me, and took like two steps toward me. I don't know if he didn't see Missy, or what. But she made herself heard, and he learned his leasson!
And with Maddie it was in my own driveway, when a man came out of the bushes and approached the car. She saw him before I did... TG
But would they go beyond that? I don't know. I could say yes (most owners like to), but its never had to escalate that far because the noise is enough to deter people - and that's all I expect.
I think its funny that people talk on the forum about how well socialized their dogs are and stuff, but then when threads like these pop up they've had soooooo many times when the dog has put there teeth on people
That is not okay in my book. We should learn to protect ourselves, if need be. And not leave it up to the dog
JMHO
Both Maddie and Missy would make A LOT of noise, poturing, hackles up, teeth showing, walking toward the other person, threatening glares, etc
This happened once while I was walking Missy at the park, and this guy turned around and flashed me, and took like two steps toward me. I don't know if he didn't see Missy, or what. But she made herself heard, and he learned his leasson!
And with Maddie it was in my own driveway, when a man came out of the bushes and approached the car. She saw him before I did... TG
But would they go beyond that? I don't know. I could say yes (most owners like to), but its never had to escalate that far because the noise is enough to deter people - and that's all I expect.
I think its funny that people talk on the forum about how well socialized their dogs are and stuff, but then when threads like these pop up they've had soooooo many times when the dog has put there teeth on people
That is not okay in my book. We should learn to protect ourselves, if need be. And not leave it up to the dog JMHO
Socialization - done right - doesn't destroy your dog's protective drives, though. What it does is allows your dog to have a broad base of experience so that he (or she) can discern between what is normal, acceptable behavior and when someone - or something - is threatening.
That's where I have a big problem with a lot of the Fila people. Too many of them have the notion that if your Fila can function easily in the modern world and move among normal society, you've either got a dog with a faulty temperament or you've ruined your dog. Totally untrue. These dogs are easily intelligent enough to live in society AND still retain their truly amazing capabilities as guardians. They know a predator when they come across one.
I suspect that is true for other guardian breeds as well. Or at least the ones that we haven't bred all the juice out of.
That's where I have a big problem with a lot of the Fila people. Too many of them have the notion that if your Fila can function easily in the modern world and move among normal society, you've either got a dog with a faulty temperament or you've ruined your dog. Totally untrue. These dogs are easily intelligent enough to live in society AND still retain their truly amazing capabilities as guardians. They know a predator when they come across one.
I suspect that is true for other guardian breeds as well. Or at least the ones that we haven't bred all the juice out of.
Theres some formula many Akita folks use...1000 people before 16weeks or something. It basically is that many people is what you should aim for to socialize and interact with, your dog.
ALL kinds of people of all sexes races attire ages habits ETC. It is THE best way to actually hone your dogs protective instincts...showing it all different novel folks...to help it be more discerning, less likely to be unsure and better equip it to have confidence in itself and you actually...in any situation.
I suspect that is a help to any puppy.
ALL kinds of people of all sexes races attire ages habits ETC. It is THE best way to actually hone your dogs protective instincts...showing it all different novel folks...to help it be more discerning, less likely to be unsure and better equip it to have confidence in itself and you actually...in any situation.
I suspect that is a help to any puppy.
R
I have always done intensive early socialization with my puppies. I also insist that my puppy buyers do the same.
IME, this is no way diminishes a dog's territorial or protective drives. Quite the contrary, I find it even intensifies the dog's urge to defend his turf, whether that be my vehicle, my property, or my grounds.
The dogs are most sociable and friendly in public. They enjoy meeting new people, are friendly with visitors in my home, and are absolutely reliable. I don't worry about any of my dogs biting someone if their toe is accidentally stepped on, if someone were to accidentally trip and fall in my house, etc.
Dogs socialized in this manner at an early age seem to understand in much greater depth what constitutes a real threat, and what does not.
I have absolutely no use to have any dog I can't take out in public and have fun with without worrying that it might behave in an inappropriately aggressive manner. Dogs who are not well mannered and friendly in public give a bad image to the general public, and contribute to the proposal of Breed Specific Legislation.
I much prefer to present my dogs in public as very well trained obedient friendly dogs who walk nicely at heel on a thin show type collar and lead. People may then form their own opinions about what ELSE they might be trained to do.
JMO as always.
IME, this is no way diminishes a dog's territorial or protective drives. Quite the contrary, I find it even intensifies the dog's urge to defend his turf, whether that be my vehicle, my property, or my grounds.
The dogs are most sociable and friendly in public. They enjoy meeting new people, are friendly with visitors in my home, and are absolutely reliable. I don't worry about any of my dogs biting someone if their toe is accidentally stepped on, if someone were to accidentally trip and fall in my house, etc.
Dogs socialized in this manner at an early age seem to understand in much greater depth what constitutes a real threat, and what does not.
I have absolutely no use to have any dog I can't take out in public and have fun with without worrying that it might behave in an inappropriately aggressive manner. Dogs who are not well mannered and friendly in public give a bad image to the general public, and contribute to the proposal of Breed Specific Legislation.
I much prefer to present my dogs in public as very well trained obedient friendly dogs who walk nicely at heel on a thin show type collar and lead. People may then form their own opinions about what ELSE they might be trained to do.
JMO as always.
Red Excellent post:But one exception you can train work socialize YOUR dog.
And along comes a dog LOOSE or on a flexi lead or on one of those "show leads" without the proper training and to pull your dog back after the other dog lunges can result in a rip in your skin with those leads.
I will not allow my dogs to be shown on show laces for that reason.
Ive seen a Sheltie woman standing next to a photo line. A dober lunged her dog tried to get out of the way .And her finger was ripped to the 2nd line of her finger.
I use heavy show chokes , with wide nylon or soft short leather leads .
My dogs dont start it they will finish it when it is clear the other owner has no control.
So I can give them a no but I need to be able to pull and move them to safety and lifting 150lbs around in 1 sec is not done easily on leads that can snap or injure.
When I got out in public I expect my dogs to react in a defensive way.
And I prepare for it each time with common sense and proper equip and a mouth to tell the other owners with no control to move their dogs.
And that is why I never have issues.I expect the worse each and every time .
When im not home not even my extended family( once in blue moon visitors my dogs know) is ALLOWED in my home.
They were told when they got their if they needed the bathroom the woods was there.
I trust my dogs and I trust myself I dont trust anyone else. SInce I make it a full study to know what my dogs like and dislike and how to read them and others.
Luck is when preparation meets opptunity.
And along comes a dog LOOSE or on a flexi lead or on one of those "show leads" without the proper training and to pull your dog back after the other dog lunges can result in a rip in your skin with those leads.
I will not allow my dogs to be shown on show laces for that reason.
Ive seen a Sheltie woman standing next to a photo line. A dober lunged her dog tried to get out of the way .And her finger was ripped to the 2nd line of her finger.
I use heavy show chokes , with wide nylon or soft short leather leads .
My dogs dont start it they will finish it when it is clear the other owner has no control.
So I can give them a no but I need to be able to pull and move them to safety and lifting 150lbs around in 1 sec is not done easily on leads that can snap or injure.
When I got out in public I expect my dogs to react in a defensive way.
And I prepare for it each time with common sense and proper equip and a mouth to tell the other owners with no control to move their dogs.
And that is why I never have issues.I expect the worse each and every time .
When im not home not even my extended family( once in blue moon visitors my dogs know) is ALLOWED in my home.
They were told when they got their if they needed the bathroom the woods was there.
I trust my dogs and I trust myself I dont trust anyone else. SInce I make it a full study to know what my dogs like and dislike and how to read them and others.
Luck is when preparation meets opptunity.
R
I agree with you in many respects.
My dog is at the end of a show lead ONLY when gaiting in the ring. I do use good size and strength nylon collars, esp. on males. When I have a dog out in at a show, my lead is folded down, and I hold the dog with my hand usually through the collar except when in the ring. I do not allow my dogs ANY LEASH at a dog show. Too many ignorant people with small dogs who don't pay attention. Too many people who let their dogs at the end of the lead to sniff around or whatever. I take no chances.
There is also a big difference with a dog who is 30 to 40 lbs heavier than most adult Rottweilers, even males. I do not tolerate dog aggressive or people aggressive behaviors with my dogs unless there is a clear threat. I would allow my dogs to defend me from a person if I felt in danger of bodily harm. I prefer to defend myself from other dogs whenever possible. Having Rottweilers, I understand that if there is ANY BITE INCIDENT involving my breed, no matter what the circumstances, it will end up being the fault of the Rottweiler. For this reason I much prefer to protect my dogs from ANY sort of incident if possible.
When out walking my dogs, I use leather leashes, and reasonable size chain collars. However, compared to what you might see most people using, they are very small and thin. Perhaps I should mention that I have 20 years in this breed without incident. There have been times when I have definitely PREVENTED an incident by fronting for my dogs, and intimidating a loose dog by whatever means happens to be available to me.
Here are a couple shots of some of my favorite equipment.
Favorite collars
Upper right is a braided nylon show collar. The rest are collars I use either for training or just when we are out walking.
Favorite leashes
Show lead is at the top. You can see it is an all in one unit. I don't like snaps in the breed ring.
This collar and leash is probably the pair I use most often. I have had this leash for about 15 years. It is a 30" length, my favorite for training.
My dog is at the end of a show lead ONLY when gaiting in the ring. I do use good size and strength nylon collars, esp. on males. When I have a dog out in at a show, my lead is folded down, and I hold the dog with my hand usually through the collar except when in the ring. I do not allow my dogs ANY LEASH at a dog show. Too many ignorant people with small dogs who don't pay attention. Too many people who let their dogs at the end of the lead to sniff around or whatever. I take no chances.
There is also a big difference with a dog who is 30 to 40 lbs heavier than most adult Rottweilers, even males. I do not tolerate dog aggressive or people aggressive behaviors with my dogs unless there is a clear threat. I would allow my dogs to defend me from a person if I felt in danger of bodily harm. I prefer to defend myself from other dogs whenever possible. Having Rottweilers, I understand that if there is ANY BITE INCIDENT involving my breed, no matter what the circumstances, it will end up being the fault of the Rottweiler. For this reason I much prefer to protect my dogs from ANY sort of incident if possible.
When out walking my dogs, I use leather leashes, and reasonable size chain collars. However, compared to what you might see most people using, they are very small and thin. Perhaps I should mention that I have 20 years in this breed without incident. There have been times when I have definitely PREVENTED an incident by fronting for my dogs, and intimidating a loose dog by whatever means happens to be available to me.
Here are a couple shots of some of my favorite equipment.
Favorite collars
Upper right is a braided nylon show collar. The rest are collars I use either for training or just when we are out walking.
Favorite leashes
Show lead is at the top. You can see it is an all in one unit. I don't like snaps in the breed ring.
This collar and leash is probably the pair I use most often. I have had this leash for about 15 years. It is a 30" length, my favorite for training.
I have three of their leather leads, once they get worn in they are comfy yet very strong. When you sign up for puppy/beginner classes for the first time at the club you get one, I love them! We have a bunch of shows coming up next month so I'm really looking forward to getting some GREAT new collars and such for (mostly) cheap.
I agree... just to clarify from my other post, that In My Opinion, tickling, horsing around, etc is not a serious threat, but that's just me
Personally, I think that people would much rather avoid messing with someone who's dog is walking nicely, responding to commands such as sit stay and heel. Those are the dogs people assume are trained to "attack on command"
Love those leads, Red
Personally, I think that people would much rather avoid messing with someone who's dog is walking nicely, responding to commands such as sit stay and heel. Those are the dogs people assume are trained to "attack on command"
Love those leads, Red
Ok is this the link ? I need to get some buyers some leashes and collars im running out.
http://www.jandjdog.com sorry for hijack
http://www.jandjdog.com sorry for hijack
*snort*
Aww. You caught it first. Meanie. I could have had fun with that.
Red.. I looove your sig. And I need to get myself a braided leather lead. And a regular leather lead.
Oh, I do believe that is called common sense. I can see how you would be mistaken, however, considering your ego is ever expanding with all of the "knowledge" protruding from your... well....
Meanie. I could have had fun with that.Red.. I looove your sig.
And I need to get myself a braided leather lead. And a regular leather lead.
ya well... call it what you want.
I remember one time when Brian and I had to live apart for a year, Teddy lived with me up in Canada. We lived in an apartment kind of close to the university campus and there were woods behind the apartment and taht is where we would take our long walks. Now in that area there have been more rapes reported than anywhere else in the city so this was never an area I would walk in at night or even during the day if I didn't have Teddy with me as a deterent.
Most of the time we walked WAAAY back in the woods where there wasn't a lot of traffic (mostly bikes) so that Teddy could be on an extended lead and explore without us being in people's way.
Well one day we were walking back in the woods and this guy came running out of the bushes out of NOWHERE. Looking back now I don't know if he was REALLY after me or if perhaps he was back there smoking a little something and didn't want to get caught (he kind of acted like he was jogging but his shoes were those kind that kids tuck the laces in and loosen then up so they just slip on and off (YES I notice these things. I could still tell you exactly what he was wearing) and I don't know anyone that jogs in shoes that don't stay on your feet. anywho...
So he came running out of the brush and he really startled me because I didn't see him before hand and heard no indication that he was coming up the path (AGAIN I was always on high alert when walking in that area and you can hear foot pounding coming up the dirt footpath) He came running out and was only inches away from Teddy before he noticed that I had a dog. Teddy immediately tensed up. the guy kept trying to go around Teddy and Teddy would cut him off. So I asked the guy to give me a second to reel in the lead but the guy just kept trying to get around Teddy. finally he thought he had faked Tedy out and ran around him. Teddy turned and grabbed the sleeve of the guys sweater. he never laid a tooth on but just held firm to his sweater until the guy stopped advancing. The guy stopped and at that point Teddy came to me as we moved to the side and the guy passed but Teddy watched him that entire time. As the guy passed he didn't so much as even glance at me. he kept his eyes on the ground and went on his way (perhaps another indication that he was smoking something he shouldn't have been)
Teddy did NOT bite him and made no attempt to. He grabbed the baggiest part of the guys sleeve and just held firm and that was it.
God I miss that dog
I remember one time when Brian and I had to live apart for a year, Teddy lived with me up in Canada. We lived in an apartment kind of close to the university campus and there were woods behind the apartment and taht is where we would take our long walks. Now in that area there have been more rapes reported than anywhere else in the city so this was never an area I would walk in at night or even during the day if I didn't have Teddy with me as a deterent.
Most of the time we walked WAAAY back in the woods where there wasn't a lot of traffic (mostly bikes) so that Teddy could be on an extended lead and explore without us being in people's way.
Well one day we were walking back in the woods and this guy came running out of the bushes out of NOWHERE. Looking back now I don't know if he was REALLY after me or if perhaps he was back there smoking a little something and didn't want to get caught (he kind of acted like he was jogging but his shoes were those kind that kids tuck the laces in and loosen then up so they just slip on and off (YES I notice these things. I could still tell you exactly what he was wearing) and I don't know anyone that jogs in shoes that don't stay on your feet. anywho...
So he came running out of the brush and he really startled me because I didn't see him before hand and heard no indication that he was coming up the path (AGAIN I was always on high alert when walking in that area and you can hear foot pounding coming up the dirt footpath) He came running out and was only inches away from Teddy before he noticed that I had a dog. Teddy immediately tensed up. the guy kept trying to go around Teddy and Teddy would cut him off. So I asked the guy to give me a second to reel in the lead but the guy just kept trying to get around Teddy. finally he thought he had faked Tedy out and ran around him. Teddy turned and grabbed the sleeve of the guys sweater. he never laid a tooth on but just held firm to his sweater until the guy stopped advancing. The guy stopped and at that point Teddy came to me as we moved to the side and the guy passed but Teddy watched him that entire time. As the guy passed he didn't so much as even glance at me. he kept his eyes on the ground and went on his way (perhaps another indication that he was smoking something he shouldn't have been)
Teddy did NOT bite him and made no attempt to. He grabbed the baggiest part of the guys sleeve and just held firm and that was it.
God I miss that dog