Dogs Turning On You...

[Willow Tree]

Why can dogs suddenly turn on you for no reason, even when it is their owner?

[gessoo]

I suppose for the same reason that people can turn on you as well. Something just triggers it off. Sometimes it can happen in old age and/or their could be neurological reasons. If a dog has never been aggressive and then suddenly turns I would be inclined to think it would need to be checked over. It could be physically ill and in pain.

Also dogs that are tied up, such as guard dogs, can become aggressive towards their owners.

[drgnrdr]

It depends on the circumstance...dogs don't usually just turn on thier owner they always give off signals..but allot of people don't see the signal. The only time I know of where they would lash out is if they were in a fight or frustrated trying to get to another dog/person and you came up to them, they would redirect it at you and bite..called "redirected aggression" out of fear or frustration. Most dogs biting at someone is domination thinking they are boss/alpha or fear based. But they always give a slight cocked head look, or the whites of their eye shows or they growl or turn their head and tilt up, or get stiff legged and head down and tail up, weight on the front of their legs etc...you just have to read it. That's why most of the time it's children that get bit they don't see the signs to back off and the dog bites them.

[dan no1]

Thanks gessoo and drgnrdr, thats really helpful. I always wondered why, cos Im afraid of dogs, especially rottweilers and other big dogs. Plus, Im new to the AB and this is my first question. Thanks again. :)

[Willow Tree]

dan no1 is my sister - it wasn't logged in on the correct name!!!

[gessoo]

Welcome Willow Tree. We are pleased to have you with us. Enjoy the site. In general everybody is great.

[commoner]

..Dogs are pack animals and live by observing the "pecking" order rule..........Normally you the owner, are the leader and at the top of the pack. Don't be fooled by all that tail wagging, face licking rub my tummy stuff...it doesn't really mean he/she loves you. The animal is merely showing it accepts you as the boss dog and grovelling is the way to go in the pack.............FOR THE MOMENT..........any sign of weakness and you will be put down a peg or too with the only means dogs have....a nasty vicious attack.

[TheRealMez]

Heat will get a dog agitated really badly. They get snappy when they're too hot. Also, it's true what they say about staring dogs out... if they win, they'll feel they're in control.

[lankeela]

Temperament is something that comes from the parents and from the way a dog is socialised. If you buy a well bred puppy from well socialised parents with a good temperament and do all you can to socialise the puppy then it should be perfectly alright with people.

Many temperament problems also stem from people buying the wrong breed for their lifestyle and not training/exercising it enough.

Wow commoner, you really have got a poor regard for dogs haven't you?

[lankeela]

Willow Tree, you should not be afraid of dogs just because of their breed (or size!). There are many big dogs that are friendly and you should try to approach their owners to allow you to get to know some. On the other hand, I know some small dogs that can not be trusted with people (in particular I know a chihuahua which would bite anyone who touched it). There is an organisation called Pets as Therapy who take dogs into schools, hospitals and old peoples homes, and their dogs are tested for temperament before they are allowed to be signed up for this work. I am sure if you contacted them they would arrange for you to meet some dogs that were known to be friendly and good with people, and their owners would be more than happy to help you overcome your fear.