Are wolf-dogs legal?

[Arch]

Didn't take long for the hysterics to set in did it.

I think it's a perfectly valid fear. Any dog can be dangerous, if the muppet who owns it doesn't kow what they are doing, or doesn't realise there's even anything to know. With a bit dog, the risk is enhanced, purely because of the strength of the animal.

No one is saying all dogs are dangerous - it's the owners!

 

[summerdays]

My avatar is a picture of a Pyrenean Mountain dog that is a breed used to guard sheep. They are very large indeed - bigger than the sheep they guard - and some of them have eyes that look very wolf-like, a light yellowy colour.

Although not dangerous to passers by, they are apparently very protective of their pack. They do not make good pets because of their size and also they love to be outdoors and unconfined. The Pyrenean shepherds take them out with the flock and just leave them there knowing that they will be quite happy just staying with the sheep.

I'm sure I've said it to you before but a family friend has a Pyrenean Mountain (well I think they call it a sheep Dog), and she is one of the most lovely animals I've ever met. I often accidentally almost stand on her as she curls up beneath where we are sitting so quietly you forget she is there, and moves so quietly. She is very loyal though and always follows her owner, or tries to if he goes to get something from the car.

 

[Deb13b]

MichaelM, it's not hysterics setting in Ive had dealings with this type of dog, they need to be owned by someone who has had thorough alpha-male training and not some numpty who hasn't even had a yorkie dog before. I don't think dogs are born bad, owners tend to make them that way unfortunately.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

MichaelM, it's not hysterics setting in Ive had dealings with this type of dog, they need to be owned by someone who has had thorough alpha-male training and not some numpty who hasn't even had a yorkie dog before. I don't think dogs are born bad, owners tend to make them that way unfortunately.

If dogs aren't born bad why does the owner need alpha male training? Through inaction will the dog become bad?

 

[Deb13b]

Because they are pack dogs, they need a leader to " keep them in their place " so to speak.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Because they are pack dogs, they need a leader to " keep them in their place " so to speak.

Gotcha. At first reading the post seemed contradictory.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

If dogs aren't born bad why does the owner need alpha male training? Through inaction will the dog become bad?

They aren't born bad, but each breed has their own natural traits, meaning that some will be nice and cute, whilst others will need a firm hand. Like people's personalities really, and just like people, if the ones that need a firm hand aren't dealt with early, then it will only store up problems for the future.

 

[MichaelM]

MichaelM, it's not hysterics setting in Ive had dealings with this type of dog, they need to be owned by someone who has had thorough alpha-male training and not some numpty who hasn't even had a yorkie dog before. I don't think dogs are born bad, owners tend to make them that way unfortunately.

Which type of dog? The OP doesn't know what it is and describes it loosely as a Wolf dog.

Wolfdog is a generic term applied to a number of breeds - quite recent breeds not recognised by the KC - which are purposely bred to resemble a wolf - Northern Inuit, Utongogan, Tamascan etc. Typically, they are some variation of cross breeding Siberian Huskies, Malamutes & German Shepherds.

There are some breeds that did use Wolves in the origins of the breed - CSV, Sarloos - these are recognised breeds and are now many generations removed from the wolf.

As for the Alpha male training comment - treat a Sarloos in such a manner (cautious, reserved) and you'll never gain it's trust. Treat a CSV in such a manner, you'll probably come off second best.

 

[MichaelM]

Because they are pack dogs, they need a leader to " keep them in their place " so to speak.

Why not be a benevolent leader and train them to behave in an acceptable manner instead of this mach "keep them in their place "attitude" ?

What exactly do you mean by "keep them in their place" anyway?

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Why not be a benevolent leader and train them to behave in an acceptable manner instead of this mach "keep them in their place "attitude" ?

What exactly do you mean by "keep them in their place" anyway?

Think of them as being kids - you need to keep order with them otherwise they will just start playing up and ultimately walk all over you.

 

[MichaelM]

Think of them as being kids - you need to keep order with them otherwise they will just start playing up and ultimately walk all over you.

By showing them who is physically stonger? Give them a smack, a bit of a slap around the face?

 

[Zoiders]

By showing them who is physically stonger? Give them a smack, a bit of a slap around the face?

Yes Micheal he beats his children.

With his belt as he quotes the old testament at the sinful little bastards.

You are the light of the world and we are all the terribly right wing beaters of women and children.

Godwins - always funny.

 

[asterix]

WRT all this psychology stuff, anyone got the low down on why some dogs chase cyclists and others simply ignore them?

There are a few dogs - the small white yappy breed - round here and one of them, only one, dashes madly after me whilst the rest just stand and watch. It has also started to chase cars recently!

 

[MichaelM]

Yes Micheal he beats his children.

With his belt as he quotes the old testament at the sinful little bastards.

You are the light of the world and we are all the terribly right wing beaters of women and children.

Godwins - always funny.

They are your words not mine, though BMD seems dismissive of the idea of a benevolent leader and favours the Alpha male/dominance idea - which is based on physical superiority.

 

[MichaelM]

WRT all this psychology stuff, anyone got the low down on why some dogs chase cyclists and others simply ignore them?

There are a few dogs - the small white yappy breed - round here and one of them, only one, dashes madly after me whilst the rest just stand and watch. It has also started to chase cars recently!

Some dogs have certain instincts. Terriers were bred to hunt and dig out rats/squirrels/foxes. Many of these dogs are no longer given an outlet for their instincts. This coupled with a lack of training and/or socialisation leads to behaviour such as you describe.

There's an article in the Independent today which touches on dogs in modern society, dominance etc.