Genuine question: how do dog owners cope with the idea their dogs can turn at any time?

[Simblythebestie]

Have always wondered this and I'm honestly not attempting to be goady. Do you ever wonder about your dog - particularly a large breed - turning and biting you and causing damage to you or your kids? The idea of this would terrify me and is one of the reasons we'd never got a dog. Do you always know what they are thinking when they are looking at you? That's something else I've always wondered about. Or do you feel you know a dog after you've been living together for a period of time?

DH & I didn't bring a dog into the family until our youngest child was 4, I wouldn't have any dog with a baby or toddler. We picked a breed that his family has always had and that is known to be family friendly and gentle - springer spaniel. We are on our fourth of this breed now, we usually have two together but now have just one. The dog is 8, he's never growled or snapped, we can read his body language as well as he can read ours, off lead his recall is instant, he's good with other dogs. I feel totally safe around this creature, he's amazing.

I've got a little dog. I could take him in a fight. I wouldn't have a dog I was scared of.

I suppose you have to consider that unprovoked attacks are extremely rare. Dogs are only here because they’ve evolved alongside humans and were bred to work with us. But I have a large breed, trust him completely, and I would never leave him unsupervised with kids for example, because kids are daft and do silly things. I don’t leave him with some adults for the same reason. It’s not worth the risk.

I have known one previously nice dog turn suddenly on its owner, but that turned out to be due to a brain tumor.

I'm a fairly experienced dog owner, who has formally and informally studied animal behaviour, who has a good relationship with my dogs and has trained them reasonably well. Including that they are allowed to growl a warning that they aren't happy about something - I'd much rather them feel able to growl, than to suppress that behaviour so that if they were ever being really pushed they felt they had no options but to go directly to a bite without warning.

And I won't have anything to do with XL bullies.

We didn’t have dogs until our kids were older, we have never had a dog weighing more than 12kg, they’re trained well and we know how to read dogs body language. I’ve worked with dogs for many years.

With all that, I don’t think much about it because any risk is tiny and the benefits for us and the dogs having each other outweigh any risk. I think idiot breeders and owners of dogs like Xls have made some people fear/hate all dogs which I understand but think is unfortunate.

I wouldn’t leave any dog with a young child ever and keep them on lead at all times in public.

We had a lurcher and a terrier. Both were properly trained, so neither was any threat to a human. To anyone who had ever met them, the idea is silly. They were also scared of cats, having been repeatedly beaten up by one as puppies. Rabbits & squirrels, however, were fair game.

One of the reasons we have a daschund (with a little jack Russell) is that he can be scooped out the way when being a prat. And any puppy nibbling wasn't so harmful (he used to like to pounce on my wife's feet). Turns out the are totals idiots, rather bossy and a major challenge to toilet train. But both me and my disabled wife can handle him easily. We know more naturally calm dogs including big ones but we just aren't able to take the risk of a dog we can't have proper physical control over. Although they're stubborn at commands too!

It’s a good question. Sometimes I think how odd it is that we choose to leave with an animal that isn’t a human and yet it is part of the household. Or when stretched out on the sofa, dog head nr mine, sometimes I think dog could turn and inflict some serious damage on my face. But then I lean in to that reassuring smell of dog sleep (digestive biscuits??) and feel my blood pressure come down with the breathing of a dog next to me. So it’s a good question and my response isn’t rational but I’ve trusted any dog I’ve lived with.

Same reason I don't live in fear of most other animals/people.

I know them.

Do you have cats?

Sure they can't kill you but I've suffered much worse accidental/play injuries from cats than dogs ever.

Much sharper claws and teeth. If a cat 'flipped out' it could really do some permanent damage.

But I know mine and can read their body language etc. Same as my dogs.

Taught DC the same do they know when pets need their space.

Same. We have a lab cross (who is practically toothless now I come to think about it) and we're in no danger.

That said, I do have issues around dogs and babies - not that dogs and babies don't mix but when you see stuff on social media with small children sleeping with, petting, pulling around and just generally having free rein over a dog of any size... that's just not for me. Until you're old enough to read a dog's body language you need to be very carefully supervised and you need someone to act LIKE they're scared of the dog on the kid's behalf, if that makes sense.

Unless your dog suddenly developed rabies, it's just not something that would ever happen with your average golden retriever. It's a bit like asking a driver how they get in a car knowing the brakes might fail or how a horse rider gets on a horse knowing it might bolt or stamp on you. They're theoretical possibilities that experience shows you are so unlikely that the risk is negligible.

And I do think that if you lived in fear of everything that could damage you, we wouldn’t have relationships with other humans or ever leave the house. You have to keep perspective.

I have a large and not completely bomb proof dog. He is a flock guardian breed and he likes to guard so he barks and lunges very loudly at stuff he feels he needs to protect me from (motorbikes, cats, strange men with hats) and at things/ people he perceives to be invading his territory. It is mostly just noise and show but I don't underestimate that he probably could bite someone under the right circumstances. I don't think it's likely to be me or my family because he is very bonded and loyal to us. He has certainly never tried to bite anyone. Had I done my research better before we rescued him (he was just billed as large mixed breed) I might not have done but here we are. We don't have tiny kids. He's not a dog I'd have with small kids. He does have many good points too.

I know him very very well. I try not put him in situations that cause him to be stressed out. I know his body language and the stuff he is scared of and I actively manage that. I would never in a month of Sundays leave him alone with small children or people he doesn't know well. We got an outside mailbox to save the poor postie. I shut him away if any strangers come to the door. I would not let my dad or my MIL walk him as they would be pulled over if he saw a motorbike. I am also considerate of other peoples feelings and always call him back and leash him if anyone is anywhere near at all (unless we know them and have permission to approach) I have done a lot of training with him but it's never 100% so I take a precautionary approach.

I think I can tell what he is thinking actually from his body language. I don't push him about stuff he doesn't like such as grooming. I do a little bit at a time and bribe rather than force him.

Oh yeh and he can't eat me in my sleep because he's downstairs behind a stair gate.

I had a 45kg GSD. Trusted him 100% with my life which is more than I could ever say for a human.

Some people have phobias of dogs. You may, OP. So very much best not to own one, as your mental health is paramount. I can understand if being around other dogs might cause anxiety, too, and they can be impossible to avoid.

It is not an entirely rational fear, though. Compare the stats on serious injuries by dogs to those on car accidents, rape/sexual assault, domestic violence.

Dog attacks are not uncommon - true - but dog owners are usually aware of their dog's nature and their triggers. Dogs are animals, but very domesticated and generally very loyal. No one should leave young children unsupervised with a dog, for example, but with sensible precautions, it is pretty safe to own a dog.

What the cavvie currently asleep on my feet ?

whilst I am aware if he was in pain he could bite without warning he is not of a size or strength to harm an adult significantly.

i still wouldn’t be taking “ cute “ photos of a baby using him as a pillow etc though.

I have 4 large breed dogs and if they fancied it they could eat me! Never crossed my mind when they are all asleep with feet in the air snoring away.

Its a really thought provoking question, and never crossed my mind that my dogs would ever bite or hurt me or the family - if we had friends coming over with small kids I'd just put my dogs away, any guests we put them away, I know that my choice to have 4 huge dogs isn't everyone's cup of tea.

It's a reasonable question, especially given the recent sad news of the 8 year old little boy being injured. I can only say that I have a breed who is about to go for testing to be a therapy dog, and is in the top 4 breeds recommended to have around children. (Think guide dog but it's not in that sector). I made it my business to research the breed, find a reputable breeder who has bred her own bloodline for temperament, ensured both parents had the relevant health tests, and I have put my life and soul into training, studying canine behaviour and giving my dream dog the best life possible. She adores children and people, and would protect me with her life. To me it's like driving a familiar car (ie you just do things automatically). when she is on her lead. I can put slight pressure on the lead and direct her and she senses by my pace whether I want her to slow down or stop-I don't need a verbal command. It's an immense and powerful loving bond that we have. The easiest way to describe it is, if you've had children, you know how your own child is going to behave as a second sense. BUT-and here's the clincher, however well your dog is trained, it is still an animal, and I would never leave a child unattended-ever-with a dog.

I don’t have a dog. I did as a child. I trusted that dog more than my mother.
I do think it is very comparable with humans. Sometimes it’s just not their personality to attack. Sometimes there’s something wrong with them and they are violent. Often because of the way they have been raised.

My dog weighs a little less than 3kg. He is a bit of a twat but even if he were to turn on me I am reasonably confident I would come out on top. So far so good though.

The honest answer is I know I could overpower him. He’s 4kg and fits on my lap. I’ve only ever had small dogs so I know how to bring them up properly. He’s never alone with children and no child (even my own) is allowed to walk him because he’s so quick and can be unpredictable. He’s an absolute sweetheart that has literally licked my tears away. He’s quite wonderful.

You could ask the same question of women who are living with a male partner or husband. What if they turn?

Any living creature could harm me. You can't live your life in fear, and statistically I'm much more at risk from my male partner than a dog.

Additionally dogs don't tend to plan and manipulate - if they're going to attack you then 9 times out of 10 you've already had plenty of warning, or they're seriously unwell. If we could say the same about men, women would be a lot safer.

I think any dog is capable of biting, but breed traits and situation are huge factors.

I have two small dogs, so not the kind that could kill an adult, but could theoretically really hurt a child.

I am very familiar with my dogs, their body language and what will trigger their fear/anxiety, so I would have different levels of relaxation/vigilance depending on the situation.

For me, DH and our friends & family who know them (adults) the dogs will be calm and relaxed. If they are unhappy with a situation (for example, nail cutting) they will demonstrate clear warning signals well before they would show any aggression. An adult familiar with dogs would be easily able to read this and back off. Backing off would deescalate the situation immediately.

With DD (baby), they are familiar with her and far more relaxed than around children they don't know, but I'm always watchful of their interactions. I will intervene at the slightest hint of the dogs being uncomfortable, well before they start giving warning grumbles.

With children other than my own, or adults not familiar with dogs, I am hyper vigilant. I monitor their interactions very closely, and know from my dog's body language if they're not comfortable/get them out of the situation immediately.

I don't believe my dogs would ever hurt

i own an airedale, not a big or heavy dog by any means. dh and i pay very close attention to his behavior, not for aggression but for signs of illness and failing health.
i can only imagine an abused or sick dog turning, one with an untreated tooth issue, injured limb or cancer, back pain if another dog or person has jumped on their back.

i'm not sure i've ever been without a dog or a cat in the last 40 years.

You can read a dogs behaviour and the circumstances they’re in if you’re an experienced owner. I never allowed my children to pull at the dogs, sit on the dogs etc, likewise I never left my children alone with any of our pet dogs until they were 10/11. Our two pet dogs are very well trained and I’ve had that breed for over 20 years.

There are certain breeds we’d never have as pets although we do have 2 working dogs who are a different breed (separate to our pet dogs) who are trained for a specific job and they go to work with DH. All the dogs play together and have fun but one whistle will bring them all to a standstill. I’ve never felt scared of any of them and have always felt in control of all 4 of them if I have them out together. We do have a breed (the working dogs) that aren’t particularly suited to family homes imo.

I would never have something like an XL Bully, Cane Corso, Akita etc. Why anyone would choose these breeds for a family dog is very odd to me.