I think he was only pointing out that in general, all dog breeds make good companions. Most "bad" dog behavior is the result of improper care and/or abuse by the owner.

I don't believe he was trying to get into the semantics of absolute dog behavior...for as many dog owners have experienced, some dogs had to be "put down" as a result of a complete change in demeanor...

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First of all, dogs (and many animals in general) certainly do have a capacity to reason. The fact that their minds work somewhat differently that ours doesn't mean that you should simply discount their intelligence. The answer to your question is yes, just as humans have issues, individual dogs can have issues as well, and for many of the same reasons. Beyond that is the fact that humans have been selectively breeding dogs for thousands of years to heighten or lessen these issues (among other things). Some have selectively bred dogs with aggressive tendencies to create aggressive dogs to various degrees. But within each breed, a wide array of behaviors is clearly evident from individual to individual.

Ron
http://germanstar.net

You did write "do all animals get off the hook because they are only following instinct without the ability to reason", right? BTW, congrats on your degree.

Ron
http://germanstar.net

to answer some of your questions:

1) i do not live in a bad neigborhood. At least i dont think so. I get along with everyone here so there is no "need" for protection.

2) i am attracted to exotic and aggressive animals. BTW, i also keep piranhas as pets. I have 15 pirahnas. I am going to buy an alligator next.

3) why these dogs? because i like them. Just like how we mercedes owners are "attracted" to MBs. I really cannot answer this question because i dont know. Im just not big into poodles, labs, etc. although i did have a lab, german shepards, etc.

I must admit, i do liked the docet tail and the black and tan color of the rott and doberman. All my cars are black and most of my stuff is black colored. Maybe this has something to do with it?

So how did dobermans and pitt bulls get there reputations?

Oh go to www.re2.com look at the trailer for resident evil 2, there is a doberman in the commercial :-)

Dogs can't reason like humans do. They also lack the free will that humans do. The good thing is that they lack the ability to lie and premeditate so they can't really plan a murder. You can't fault a dog for doing what they're born to do, and you can't fault them for not doing what they can't. You can't make a huskie play catch and you can't make a bloodhound herd sheep. A greyhound may snap at an overly boisterous child or a golden retriever may knock one over... or you can't get a presacanario to.. oh, hrm, ok. Maybe I'll stop here.

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This is another one of those stereotypes I get for owning aggressive animals. Why is it that because i like big and powerful dogs, i get stereotyped as an irrisponsible owner? (those damn bad apples)

I AM NOT PICKING ON ANYONE IN HERE, i am just trying to make a point on the bad reputation thing.

In my AOL profile, i have piranhas, pitt bulls, etc. listed, and when i go into AOL chat rooms, people will IM me and ask if i am black or if i have a crackhouse, and other stupid questions, lol.

Its kind of like saying "you drive a mercedes because you are insecure about yourself and need to show off" blah blah.

I am sure i am going to get flammed here, but i am just being frank

No, no flames. You're pretty much right. gAny one of the above dogs would make great companions.

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

Just chain the 'gator up in your front yard. Forget about the dogs.

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Get a Rhodesian Ridgeback. My friend Nick from South Africa has one named Winston, it is kind to me, but that thing is intimidating as all hell and from what I hear they were bred to hunt slaves in the former African country of Rhodesia.

Careful to not read too much into what I was saying. My folks had a doberman, it was a cool dog. Unfortunately, it was too rough for my then VERY young brothers and kept drawing blood on them on what was simple playing in the mind of the dog. My folks are partly to blame for not having the dog taken to obedience training instead of getting rid of it. My folks had pit bulls as well. Their pit was as dumb as a box of rocks, and would invite the neighbourhood kids in the back yard to play. I never indicated that you were one of the typical people that was attracted to these types. The reality is, that there IS a group that buys these animals for no other reason but to make them as aggressive as possible. These are the types that have ruined the breeds so to speak for those who simply like the dogs for what they are, burly tough dogs. Since I don't know you personally, I literally have no right to assume that you do any form of questionable activity, and never once had such a though cross my mind. I've been arount Rotts as well, and think they are very cool dogs. However, my folks also had to deal with a lawsuit when their German Shepherd put one puncture hold in a neighbourhood kids leg removing them from the fence. They lost despite warning the kid repeatedly that he was to NEVER climb that fence. The dog was not acting aggressive. She knew that the fence was not a playplace, and was going to see to it, that this kid was not on it. It is due to this, that I will warn people of the extra liability that is incured with breeds that have a reputation for problems.

I like Pyrs for these reasons. They are one of the largest breeds you can get. Males can weigh as much as 125 pounds. They are VERY protective of their family, yet do this in a very elegant way. I can walk my Pyr, and meet you on the street. If she was unsure about you, she would simply park herself between you and me, and lock a stare on you. Due to her size, you WOULD immediately notice this, and SHOULD take the dog seriously. So long as you never attempted to reach out to me, or moved towards me in a threatening manner, you would never have a problem. If you DID, however, she has the power and will to completely subdue you. Once they learn that you are OK, they tun into a huge, laid back, and VERY unassuming loveable lap dog.

I go out to the back yard on occasion at night to check on the dogs, especially if they are acting particularly noisy. I have seen her comnig at me full steam, barking aggressively untill she realized that it was only me. Believe me, she is VERY intimidating in that response, and she is a "small" Pyr at only 76 pounds.

Hi dieselpower- I know you werent refering to me directly. Its cool we are still friends This is just a fun thread to talk about dogs and my "future dog". I am a very open and laid back guy. Do you have a picture of a PYRS? I have never seen one before.

My dogs are trained for protection mainly. If you were to shake my hand, sneek up behind me, pat my shoulder, or even point your finger at me in a threating way, my dog gets very upset. This is good for me and family members. NOT THAT I NEED IT, BUT YOUR DOG IS LOYAL TO YOU AND WILL DIE FOR YOU IF NESSESARY protecting its master.


W126- actually i am thinking of getting a tiger (seriously). I dont mind when they are young, but when they grow up, i need a place to house them. We do have gates and cages, but i dont think it will work because they are not strong enough.

I honestly do not mind being attacked by a tiger, because that is my hobby and choice, but if a family member or friend was to be attacked, then i would feel very guilty and problematic. So for the sake of housing and family, i cannot get a tiger at this moment.

Kyle- do you have a picture of a Rhodesian Ridgeback? I never heard of them before

BTW- did any of you guys check out the trailer to resident evil 2? www.re2.com

Heres a pic of my dog at work Shes Rottweiler/Akita

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I read the article. You know whats funny about all the news coverage about dogs attacking children? They never talk about when kids throw rocks at dogs when they are chained up or tease the dogs when they are chained helpless.

Next door to my business is a daycare. At home i live across the street from a elementry school.

I have almost gotten into fist fights with parents standing there watching there son throw rocks at my dogs! They just stood there and watched and didnt even tell the kids to stop!

The kids also like to take tree twigs and "poke" my dogs when they are chained up or barking on the other side of the fence. This really pisses the f*ck out of me.

And they wonder why dogs attack kids when they are loose

I snapped this photo just a few minutes ago. This is Snow, my "runt" Great Pyrenees. Pyr is often referred to them as an abbreviated name.

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OH! Liquor store! I get it now.

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman