Training Services   

With IADS, your pup can receive one-on-one training with Jay Lowe, a professional dog trainer and The Knight of Dog Safety. Dog training isn’t simply about learning party tricks but also obtaining obedience skills to safely interact with their environment and improve their quality of life.   

By providing the best training techniques in the industry, we ensure that we’ll give you the best results. We offer training services that include obedience and discipline that will help them with their daily life. With nearly a decade of experience handling security, Jay can also bring out the protective instincts of your dog to keep you, your family, and the people around you safe from danger.  

If you need to know how to care for your dog effectively, we also got you covered. The Knight of Dog Safety can teach you the basics of proper care for your canine companion in his one-on-one or group classes. You can also learn basic first-aid training to prepare you for treating any dog-related injuries.  

Learn more about how to live a safer life with your dog from our blogs, news articles, and informative videos.  Visit The Knights of Safety Academy™ and take a look at our free courses on dog safety:  

• Introduction to Dog Safety  
• Dog-Related Dangers 
• Dog Safety Measures 

Animal welfare  

Ensuring safety for dogs is just as crucial as it is for safety around dogs, as mentioned under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act of 2006. In this law, pet owners must provide the following needs for all domestic animals, including dogs, or face prosecution for their pet’s suffering and lack of care.   

• Need For a Suitable Environment: Pets must be given a proper place to call home. This includes a clean and comfortable place to rest as well as enough space to exercise and explore.   
• Need For a Suitable Diet: Pet owners must regularly provide appropriate food and clean water for their pets to avoid suffering from malnourishment and dehydration.  
• Need To Be Able to Exhibit Normal Behaviour Patterns: Natural behaviour is different for every species. Most dogs are playful and sociable creatures, so they should have regular opportunities to express their natural behaviours, or they may suffer emotionally and physically.  
• Need To Be Housed With, Or Apart, From Other Animals: This refers to when a pet owner owns multiple pets. Make sure that the species that you are housing together are compatible enough to get along. Since dogs are usually friendly animals, they’re most likely to enjoy the company of other pets.  
• Need To Be Protected from Pain, Suffering, Injury and Disease: Pet owners need to provide suitable preventative measures to protect their health and well-being. This includes vaccinations, monitoring, visits to the vet, treating their injuries, and providing appropriate medications.  

Dog owners must meet the needs of the dogs in their care and protect them from unnecessary suffering and cruelty. This means steering clear of any equipment or actions that can hurt, injure, or harm them, including the following:  

• Electric shock collars: Some dog owners use electric shock collars to correct their pets’ unwanted behaviours.  These shock collars deliver pain and induce fear on their dogs, causing their ban in England and Wales.   
• Tail docking: Removing or causing the removal of a part or all of a dog’s tail was a practice to give a dog a certain look. However, removals have been banned in several places, including the U.K., except when tail removal is necessary for medical reasons. Although, this exemption only applies to certain breeds, which depends on the part of the U.K.  
• Ear cropping or docking: Like tail docking, ear cropping is a procedure done for cosmetic purposes but can also cause excruciating pain for the dog. Ear cropping involves cutting a part of the ear flap and is often done without anaesthesia or pain relief. It is illegal in England and Wales unless done by a vet for medical reasons.  
• Cruelty: This refers to deliberately hurting or do not properly care for their dog. Cruelty includes physical violence, neglect, or causing deliberate mental stress. It is considered a criminal offence whether you took part in the act, allowed someone else to do it, or refused to stop it from happening.  

Laws on Handling your Dog in Your Home, Private Property, or in Public  

The intent of section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act is to avoid the consequences of unrestrained, aggressive canines by making them a criminal offence. Any dog can be considered to be dangerously out of control regardless of its size or breed. They’re regarded as such on the grounds they injure others or make them feel at risk of being hurt.  

If a dog is found to be dangerously out of control, you can get an unlimited fine, be sent to prison, or lose your privilege of owning a dog in the future. Your dog can also be seized by the authorities and humanely destroyed.  

Allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control is against the law anywhere, including:  

In Your Home  

A loophole in the Dangerous Dogs Act made it difficult to prosecute dog attacks on the dog owner’s property. However, this was changed to make dog owners liable even if the dog attacks or threatens to attack a person happened on their property. This is especially important for postal workers, utility providers, and other authorised visitors who want to carry out their work without encountering or feeling threatened by dogs. The only exemption is when the attack happens to a trespasser entering or attempting to enter their home.  

• Dog Barking: Part of your responsibility as a dog owner is to control your dog who is barking excessively. Not only is excessive barking for long periods a nuisance to your neighbours, but it also means that your dog is in distress. Find out the trigger of your dog’s barking to help them find a way to rectify their barking problem.   

Someone Else’s Property   

When you are a guest on someone else’s property, you are responsible for ensuring that your dog is well-behaved. Make sure they don’t hurt anyone or the property owner’s pet, as you will be held liable for the injuries that your dog caused.  

In Public  

Public places have various sensations and individuals that are new and overwhelming to many dogs, leading them to become excitable, unruly, or disobedient. They can start acting out and hurt those around them. Before taking your dog out, socialise your dog to new experiences to make your dog comfortable around strange and unique objects. It is also important to keep them on leads at all times.  

• Cleaning up after your dog: With dog fouling being a common problem in public spaces, local authorities introduced protection orders by making it an offence not to clear up after their dog. Dog fouling creates a huge mess that becomes a nuisance to other people and a source of the spread of nasty parasites that causes illness to those exposed. There is an exemption for those who own assistance dogs with a disability that prevents them from cleaning up after their dog.  
• Dogs on Leads: While it’s unnecessary to keep your dog on a lead everywhere, certain places require them to be leashed. Dogs on leads areas include pedestrian zones, roads, sports pitches, children’s play areas, parks and benches. Keep an eye out for signage detailing restrictions, and check your local council’s websites for details of any restricted areas.  However, if your dog isn’t used to public spaces, it may be better to keep them on a leash at all times.  

Dog Identification 

Identification is important for the safety of your pet. Every day, there have been a lot of cases wherein dogs escape from their yard, slip out of their leashes, or go missing in any way. Without any identification, it will be harder to return a dog to its rightful owner. As such, the law required dog owners to get these forms of identification for their pets.  

• Microchip: Dog owners need to microchip their puppies and dogs over the age of eight weeks unless their pets have health conditions that prevent them from getting one. A microchip carries the I.D. number that can identify the owner. If a dog ever gets lost or injured, an animal shelter or veterinary hospital can scan its microchip to find the owner’s contact details and reunite them with their beloved pet. Make sure to keep your details up to date just in case.  

• Collar and Tag: Even when a dog has a microchip, they must have a collar and a tag if taken out in public areas. Their tags must display the owner’s name and address, including the postcode. Adding a contact number is also advisable. All of the information should be up to date and on the database, or the chip would be useless.  

Who Benefits from Dog Safety   

Dog-related incidents can happen to anyone at any time. Our ignorance of dog safety practices can hurt or traumatise a lot of people. By being aware and practising dog safety, we can protect those commonly at risk of these dangerous situations and ensure that their interactions with dogs are usually pleasant and rewarding:  

• Pet Owner: Dog behaviour problems are often ignored, misunderstood, or downplayed by their owners until they hurt another person or animal, which can land them in legal trouble. With dog safety, pet owners could better recognise any signs of trouble prevent them before the situation escalate.  
• Children: Children would usually have fun with dogs, but they are also at most risk of being attacked. This is because their natural behaviour, including running, yelling, and hitting, can startle or stress out dogs enough to cause them to attack. Teaching them dog safety would ensure they have the skills to behave safely around dogs and recognise the signs of trouble arising.  
• Community: When you take your dog to public areas, you can compromise the safety of your community. Not all dogs are naturally friendly. They can get scared and overwhelmed by interacting with the new scenery, sensations, and individuals. Dog safety can bring awareness to the dangers and encourage cooperation between other community members to conversation and action to increase public safety while keeping a pet-friendly atmosphere.  
• Dogs: Dog safety is not just about staying safe around dogs but protecting them as well. While dogs can hurt others, they can just as be harmed by humans and other dogs. We will be better equipped to create a safer environment to raise healthy and happy dogs with dog safety.    

Basic Dog Safety  

Whether you own a dog or not, it’s important to learn the right way to interact and respond to dogs. Most dog-related injuries happen from the lack of awareness and recognition of their warning signs and basics. Staying safe around dogs means knowing how to behave when interacting with them so you can enjoy their company while remaining safe.  

The following are the most basic guidelines to deal with dogs safely. This can go a long way in avoiding ending up in dangerous situations in the first place.  

• Get to Know Your Dog: Similar to humans, every dog has a unique personality. As such, you shouldn’t generalise their likes and dislikes as you might do things that you think they enjoy but annoy them. This includes hugging, dressing them up, or spraying them with strong fragrances. Do your best to get to know your dog to understand what they would like or what could irritate them so you can avoid upsetting them.  
• Understand Dog Body Language: Dogs can’t directly communicate the same way people do, but you can tell what they’re feeling just by looking at their body language. Look out for signs like pinned ears, growling, showing teeth, avoiding eye contacts, tucked tails, or trying to hide away to know if they are stressed. Awareness and recognition of these signs will allow you to determine when to remove your dog from the situation and prevent them from snapping.  
• Approaching Another Dog: It may be tempting to pet a cute dog, but do not approach a dog without its owner. Before petting someone else’s dog, you should always ask for the owner’s permission first, especially if it’s your first time meeting them. Strangers can be scary for any dog and can react aggressively if approached by them. With their owner there, the dog can be more relaxed when you interact with them. The owner can also give you a warning if their dog is naturally hostile to people other than them.   
•  Stay Calm When a Dog Approaches You: You may come across a stray or a dog without its owner. If they decide to approach you, stand still, keep quiet, and wait for them to go about their day. Keep your hands at your sides, and don’t let them feel threatened. Even if they seem threatening, remain calm and do not look directly at the dog’s eyes before slowly backing out of the area.  

• Don’t Run from a Dog That is Chasing You: Dogs would instinctively chase and catch anything running away. If you try to move faster, it would only trigger their reflex to race after you more excessively. Instead, slow down to a walk or standstill to make yourself seem less interesting.  
• Do not Disturb a Dog: Leave a dog alone whenever they are busy eating, playing with their toys, or resting. When you disturb them while doing such activities, it can trigger their territorial tendencies or irritate them enough to bite.  

Who is Most Likely to be Bitten by Dogs?  

Dog bites are a public health concern around the world. It leaves victims injured, disfigured, and traumatised for a long time. In some cases, these incidents can even lead to a fatality. This is why education about dog safety is imperative.  

One of the most important things to know is the most at risk of dog bites. While anyone can be attacked and bitten by dogs, some people are more likely to be bitten than others. This information can help identify the factors that make them a target and take the necessary precautions to avoid these incidents.  

Some of the most common victims of dog bites include the following:  

• Postal Workers  

Dogs have always been aggressive towards postal workers that they have become a well-known occupational hazard to postmen and postwomen. For dogs, their behaviour is fulfilling their guard dog duty. They might see postal workers are intruders who pose a threat to their territory. As they come back daily, the dogs might resort to more aggressive actions to drive away from the intruder away from their home, resulting in devastating injuries and endless suffering for these people who were only doing their job.  

• Strangers  

Some people believe that all dogs are sociable and friendly creatures. However, approaching every dog with that mindset can put you at risk of dog bite injuries. While some dogs are open to meeting new people, others get scared of a stranger. This fear would mostly manifest in aggressive behaviour.  

They’re even more likely to bite strangers who enter their territory. Many would get a dog for their protective and territorial nature as extra protection against intruders with nefarious intentions. However, this can be a problem if they start biting every person they are unfamiliar with, including visitors you invited.   

• Babies  

Interactions between babies or toddlers and dogs are adorable. However, you shouldn’t blindly trust your dog with your baby, especially if they haven’t had much contact with babies. For dogs, babies are strange creatures that bring about novel sounds, smells, and movement. The unpredictable and startling actions can prompt them to go for an attack.  

As long as you supervise your dog and baby, they can be the absolute best of friends. No matter how well-behaved and trained your dog or how close their bond is, your dog should never stand in as a babysitter.   

• Children  

Children typically love dogs since they’re cute, cuddly, and fun to play with. However, dogs can also pose a danger to them. Most dog bites occurred in young children of five to nine years old. Children of this age can startle and scare dogs with their erratic behaviour, unpredictable movement, and loud and safe noises. They also fail to recognise when a dog is showing signs of fear or aggression. As a result, they would touch or bother them at the worst possible moment and get bitten.   

Parents can’t supervise their children’s actions all the time. So, it would help if you taught them how to interact with dogs properly and respect their boundaries.  

Injuries And Hospitalization Due To Dog Attacks   

Dog attacks and bites have become a common cause of injuries and hospital admissions in the U.K. The severity may differ depending on how hard the dog bites. Some dog bites barely break the skin, while others can cause life-altering injuries or even fatalities.  

As of January 2021, adult hospital admissions due to dog bites in England has tripled in the last three years. However, it’s even more common for children who are at higher risk when it comes to dog attacks and bites. An article from The Guardian reported that children under ten years old were most likely to be admitted to a hospital from dog attacks. Emergency hospital attendance for dog bites to children during the first COVID-19 lockdown even tripled, with 1,700 kids bitten and 37 babies mauled. Cooping up children and dogs inside the home together for long periods had only increased the risk of being bitten. As such, you should never leave your child with a dog.  

A study conducted by the scientists at the University of Liverpool showed that annual hospital admission rates in England increased three times more in the last twenty years, rising from six people per 100,000 in 1998 to 15 per 100,000 people in 2018. Due to these incidents, health care costs associated with dog bites increased, peaking at an estimated £71 million.  

As dog bite incidents continue to increase, debates over the effectiveness of current measures to address irresponsible ownership and protect the public has surged as well.  

Dog Training and Its Importance

Most dogs aren’t naturally well-behaved and obedient like we see in films or television. Fortunately, they can develop these skills through training. Dog training can teach a dog to react to commands and cues. Not only can they learn party tricks, but also specific tasks that can help you and your dog communicate for a better life together.  

Importance of Dog Training  

Owning a dog includes the responsibility of ensuring your dog is well-trained. Dog training heavily contributes to safety. When you train your dog, your dog is more likely to listen and obey your command. This will ensure that they avoid creating trouble and running into danger. For instance, if your dog tries to chase after people or attempt to run away, you can call them right back.  

Training can also provide opportunities to connect and encourage positive interaction with people and other animals. You can include socialisation during training, which can help them become confident and sociable dogs.  Plus, it can be a fun bonding experience for the two of you. 

Investing your time, money, and energy to training your dog can bring more benefits that make it all the more worth it:   

Benefits of Dog Training  

• Learning Better Household Manners 

You and your dog will be living under the same roof for years to come. When their antics become destructive, they can create problems in your household in the long run. They can damage your home and personal belongings. Dog training can help deter these unwanted behaviours and turn them into perfect housemates.  

• Understanding your dog better  

While training your dog, you might find that you’ll be learning as much as they would be. By training your dog, you will be able to understand them and their needs better. As a result, you can handle them better and grow closer to them at the same time.   

• Avoiding Conflicts    

When your dog is unused to socialisation, it’s easier for them to get into conflicts. Some dogs might not be comfortable around others, which can get anxious and aggressive when approached by people and other dogs. While you can try to avoid conflict by keeping them away from others, your band-aid solution would fall apart once people visit your home. Through training and socialisation, you can ensure calm interactions with others and avoid conflicts and injuries.  

• Behaving When Left Alone   

One of the most challenging aspects of dog ownership is their disruptive or destructive behaviour when left alone. They might try to bark, howl, chew, urinate, defecate, dig, or try to escape. While this might indicate the need for housetraining, it can also be a sign that your dog suffers from separation anxiety. Dog with separation anxiety would become agitated before their owner leaving or after they have left. Training your dog as soon as possible can help reduce or resolve this problem, saving you from the need to replace your furniture and noise complaints that your neighbours would file against you.  

• Ensuring Safety for Your Dog   

Dog training won’t just save others from getting hurt by your dog but also save your dog’s life. The world is full of hazards that can harm your dog. If they aren’t trained to listen to commands, they are more likely to run into situations that could hurt, injure, or even kill them, such as running into the road freely and getting hit by a car. With dog training, you can lead your dog away from danger.  

• Do It at Any Time  

People who adopt older dogs tend to forgo their training, thinking it’s too late to teach them. Despite the old saying, a dog is never too old to learn new tricks. While it’s better to train your dog while they’re still young, you can still make up for lost time and start training them regardless of their current age. It will take more effort and patience as older dogs already have years of habitual responses ingrained in them. Correcting and adjusting these behavioural issues may be challenging, but the rewards will be worth it.  

Training Methods  

Some of the most basic dog training commands to consider for their safety and to create a solid foundation of behaviour to build on include: 

1. Recall training to teach the dog to come on command  
2. Sitting training wherein the dog learns to sit on command.  
3. Walking or heeling training to train the dog to walk on or off the lead with the handler.  
4. Staying training to instruct the dog to not stray on command;  
5. Sociability training teaches dogs to be more friendly and comfortable with humans, other dogs and animals.  

 

There are many popular ones to choose from regarding training methods, and a dog may respond differently to each of them. As their guardian, you are the best person who can tell which one would work for your pet. That being said, here are seven of the most popular training methods used today. Find out which one is perfect for your pup.  

• Positive Reinforcement 
  Using positive reinforcement means rewarding dogs for their good behaviour to encourage them to repeat their actions and removing or withholding rewards or acknowledgement after showing bad behaviour to correct them. Reward the desired behaviour with treats or toys within a few seconds after associating the specific behaviour with the reward.  
• Scientific Training  
  Scientific training can be difficult to define as it relies on information that is building and changing constantly. However, its main goal is clear: to understand dogs’ nature and condition their ability. Scientific training also measures the effectiveness of rewards and punishments.  It leads to new studies and experiments that will help better understand dog psychology and serve as a guide for dog trainers and owners who want to train their dogs.  
• Clicker Training 
  In addition to positive reinforcement, this method lies in using devices that make a quick and sharp noise similar to whistles to signal to a dog when they accomplish the desired behaviour. This can also be used for adding verbal commands and shaping new behaviours.  
• Electronic Training 
  In contrast to positive reinforcement, electronic training works by punishing bad behaviour. Instead of using rewards, this method uses devices that emit electricity like shock collars to discourage them from repeating bad behaviour. This relies on classical conditioning, where the learning process happens through association. The dog will likely learn that their actions are wrong and should not be repeated by punishing their bad behaviour. However, electronic training collars have been banned in large parts of the U.K. as they were deemed too cruel.  
• Model-Rival or Mirror Training  
  The main idea of this method is to teach the dog the desired behaviour through mimicking their trainer’s actions. Model-rival or mirror training relies on the fact that dogs learn by observation. Owners are required to be responsible leaders and shape their pet’s behaviour. In this method, the dogs are a reflection of their owner’s actions. As such, if their dogs did something wrong, they must look within themselves and determine what they did wrong.  
• Alpha Dog or Dominance  Dominance training is a popular form of dog training that relies on its instinctual pack mentality to rule over them. As descendants of wolves, dogs follow a social hierarchy in which an “alpha” rules above the rest of the pack. In this method, it is believed that the dog and its owner are constantly struggling with dominance, and you need your dog to submit to gain their respect. Some people avoid this training method as they deem it to be harmful to the dog-human relationship.  
• Relationship-Based Training 
  In this training method, the owner’s bond with their dog is the central and key point. Every step must be taken for building and foster a trusting and cooperative relationship with your dog to gain the right amount of love and respect. It’s a method often used for dogs with separation anxiety.  

Dog Groups  

Bringing a dog home is bound to bring endless joy into your home. They’re fun and loving companions that will keep you company for a long time. However, finding your next pet can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start.  

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. These differences come with different grooming requirements, temperaments, and exercise needs. Before choosing one, you need to evaluate the qualities you want in a dog as it can lead to heartbreaking situations if you realise you made the wrong choice.   

Dog Groups   

One of the first things you need to know to make choosing easier is the breeds you are adding to your family. More than 190 dog breeds and varieties are registered with the American Kennel Club. The association placed each one into different groups. Each dog is classified according to its characteristics, temperament, and purposes which can help you narrow down your choices.  

Here are the seven major dog groups to help you understand your four-legged friend’s behaviour.   

• Working   

In general, breeds from this group are known for their loyalty, intelligence, large stature, and massive muscle mass. Because of these qualities, they are recognised as the blue-collar workers of the canine community.  

Dogs in the working group excel in completing laborious tasks that help their human friends in some capacity. These tasks include guarding flocks and homes, pulling sledges and carts, and performing water rescues. More recently, they often served as service or guide dogs. Some would even work for security, police, and military.  

This category includes Akitas, Siberian Huskies, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, and Rottweilers.   

• Pastoral Group  

Dogs in the Pastoral or Herding group are just as hard-working as any breed in the working group. However, unlike the previously mentioned group, pastoral breeds’ main and only objectives were to gather, herd, and protect livestock. Depending on their size and skills, they would look after cattle, goats, sheep, or in some cases, even deer.   

While there may not be as many job openings for pastoral groups, some still retain their herding instincts and even herd humans at times. They would mostly do this to small children with whom they project their protective nature.   

Along with their intelligence and protective instincts, they also have abundant energy. So, they might need regular exercise as an outlet for their excessive energy. Old English Sheepdogs, Belgian Malinois, and Corgis are some breeds included in this category.   

• Toy  

If you want a pet but are worried about your living space, dogs in toy groups are the perfect choice for you. This category includes Maltese, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, or just about any pocket-sized pups you can carry around anywhere.   

While other breed groups have many small dogs, toy breeds are usually much smaller than them. They are small enough to be excellent cuddle partners or lap warmers on chilly nights. Some are even small enough to fit in purses.   

Besides solving your space problems, going for pocket-sized pups also brings many benefits, including less shedding. They tend to shed less on the breed, which means fewer fur-pick-ups and mess to clean up. The cost would also be the least of your worries as these small dogs don’t need as much food and supplies. Plus, their veterinary costs tend to be lower than medium and large breed dogs.   

• Hound   

Hounds are a diverse lot, but most of them share a love for hunting. Dogs from this group were bred to pursue a quarry and bring it down without any assistance from their human companions. However, they use different methods to accomplish this.   

Some hounds like Bloodhounds and American Foxhounds may utilise their acute sense of smell that makes them ideal for tracking scents. Other hounds like Greyhounds and Basenji may use their heightened sight and remarkable stamina that lets them run around relentlessly to wear out their prey.   

They might need some exercise to ensure they burn off energy and avoid displays of any destructive or antisocial behaviours.   

• Gun Dogs  

More often known as Sporting dog groups, gun dog groups were bred to be a hunter’s best partner. The term ”gun dogs” references their purpose to assist hunters in capturing and retrieving game, both on land and water. They are quite different from dogs in the Hound Group, who track and catch their prey independently.   

Breeds in this group often possess water-repellent coats that are resistant to harsh hunting conditions. They are also athletic, so they excel in running, jumping, swimming, and diving. On top of these characteristics, sporting dogs are also agreeable and highly trainable. Now that hunting has become a sport rather than a necessity, their talents are more utilised as service dogs.   

Labrador retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, English Cocker Spaniels, and Pointers all belong in this category.   

• Terrier  

Terriers are a specific group bred to hunt and kill vermin like rats, foxes, and badgers above and below ground. Many continue to project the attitude as they tend to have a high prey drive and an energetic nature with a strong personality to match.    

They’re usually active dogs and often make great companions for their owners. However, be prepared to match these dogs’ lively characters. They have high energy levels and expect you to live up to that end of the bargain. You might also find them doing some landscaping in your yard. This might have been helpful with their past work, but it can create trouble for your prize flowers.  

Having a terrier in your home is a delightful experience. However, owners need to have a basic understanding of these breeds characteristics to be trained properly at a young age.   

• Utility Group  

The most diverse among these groups, Utility or Non-Sporting Groups, don’t group dogs by any features or characteristics. It’s more of a classification for a group of dogs that don’t fit in with other groups. Therefore, all dogs in this group do not share any mutual characteristics.   

They can be in various sizes, possess different coats and personalities. Still, they make great companions and loving pets. Utility breeds include Japanese Shiba Inu, Dalmatians, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Poodles.  

Breeds in each group have similarities that can help you determine general criteria on the kind of dog that suits your lifestyle and requirements. Despite their common traits, remember that no two dogs are entirely the same.   

It’s essential to look more into the breed you’re planning to bring home. Do plenty of research regarding traits such as personality and temperament. Like humans, dogs can exhibit different behaviour. Some are lively and playful, while others usually like to chill out and relax.   

However, some dog breeds have been found to exhibit aggressiveness as well. Any dog breed can show aggressive behaviours, but some dog breeds are likely to be more aggressive than others.  

Most Aggressive Breeds  

Dog aggression refers to any behaviour related to an attack or an impending one. In truth, all dogs can be aggressive in some circumstances. They may suddenly exhibit aggression due to fear, frustration, dominance, or protectiveness. Nevertheless, dog aggression is a massive problem for owners, especially if they decide to take it out on a person or another animal.    

Still, some breeds are more likely to show aggressive tendencies. Other professionals may have different opinions, but the ones listed below had some of the lowest passing rates in the temperament tests conducted by the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).     

• Chihuahua   

Chihuahuas are small dogs that belong to the toy group of dogs. They may be the tiniest breed around, but don’t let their size fool you— this breed can be extremely fierce and temperamental.   

Owners can find a loyal and devoted pet in Chihuahuas. However, they can get jealous or protective towards any stranger that comes too close to their owners. They would exhibit aggressive behaviour like barking and even biting.  

While they can get along with older children, they may not always be the ideal pet for young ones. On the other hand, their temperament makes them effective alert dogs and watchdogs.   

• Dachshund  

A breed that originated in Germany, Dachshunds are known for their long body and short legs. They are primarily on the smaller size, but like Chihuahuas, they are prone to have ”small dog syndrome.” This means they make up for their small size with a big attitude.   

Their natural aggression may also come from their hunting instincts. Dachshunds are part of the hound group, so they are genetically predisposed to be aggressive to subdue prey. That is why it is best to keep them away from smaller pets like hamsters or mice.   

• Chow Chow  

The distinctive-looking Chow Chows are medium-sized breeds that belong in the non-sporting or utility group. Despite their teddy bear-like appearance, Chows are rarely interested in being hugged or cuddled. However, they can get protective and devoted to their family.  

Chows are highly territorial dogs. They tend to be aloof towards strangers and aggressive with other dogs and animals they don’t know. If any stranger or intruder gets too close, they would be warned with a deep growl and get attacked if they can’t take the hint. It’s also not a good idea to sneak up on Chow Chows as their excellent peripheral vision causes them to startle easily.  

They usually require firm training and guidance to change their infamous aggressive behaviour. As such, Chow Chows are not recommended for first-time dog owners.   

• Doberman Pinscher   

Like Dachshunds, Doberman Pinschers were originally bred in Germany. These medium-sized dogs are part of the working group of dogs. Dobermans were developed to be a protector and companion for tax collector Karl Louis Doberman.   

With their intelligence, courage, protectiveness, and trainability, they are the ideal family protectors. They also make excellent police and military dogs. However, Dobermans tend to become irritable or aggressive when they don’t get much exercise. Make sure they receive obedience training, especially if they would interact with children often.   

• Dalmatian   

Last on the list are Dalmatians, who are famous for their spotted coats and unique job description. A breed that belongs in the working group, they mainly worked as coaching dogs who guard passengers and cargos.   

Since they were initially bred to guard, some of the old protective instincts remained. Dalmatians are especially ideal for children as they have a lot of energy for playing. However, they need to socialise at an early age to help them adjust and be accustomed to children. They also require a lot of attention from their owners and could develop behavioural issues if left unattended.  

While they are labelled to be more aggressive than other breeds, it doesn’t mean that they are evil breeds that should be avoided. Like humans, every dog has their own personality and individuality. Plus, most dogs are not going to lunge at you for no reason.   

Unfortunately, when they do exhibit aggressive behaviour, not all dogs will be “all bark and no bite”. Biting is the most problematic action your pet can take during their aggression. Some dog bites may barely break the skin, while others can be strong enough to kill a person. It can also cause medical and legal problems.  

Knowing how much power is behind your dog’s bite can help you fully understand the responsibility that comes with the dog that you’ll be taking home.   

Bite Force by Breed   

The strength of a dog’s bite is referred to as Bite Force. The measurements are expressed in Pounds per Square Inch (PSI), telling the amount of force exerted per square inch of space. The pressure can vary based on the dog, what gets bitten, and their feelings or mood during the bite.  

For context, the average strength of a human bite is 162 PSI. Meanwhile, the highest reading for Saltwater Crocodiles that ranked first for the strongest bite is 3,700 PSI. While dogs can’t compare to Saltwater Crocodiles, the force of a dog’s bite can still cause some damage.   

This list of dog breeds breaks down the bite force of the most aggressive breeds mentioned earlier.   

• Chihuahua – Multiple online sources claimed a Chihuahua’s bite force in pounds is 3,900 PSI. However, it’s difficult to comprehend that a Chihuahua can have a stronger bite force than an actual crocodile. These dogs can’t simply apply this amount of bite force with their tiny jaw. Their actual bite force is likely to be around 150 PSI.  
• Dachshund- Like Chihuahuas, there are no official numbers for the bite force of Dachshunds. However, we can speculate that it’s around the average that ranges somewhere around 150-180.   

• Chow Chow- As a guard dog, Chow Chows have one of the strongest jaws with a pound-force of 220 PSI straight from the jaw.   
• Doberman Pinscher – There are reports of Doberman Pinschers having a bite force of 600 PSI, which is the equivalent of the bite force of a lion. Looking at the difference in the size of their skulls and jaws of these two animals can show you why this is impossible. However, their jaw is still a bone-breaker with a forceful bite of 245 PSI.   
• Dalmatian – Hardly any information is given about the bite force of Dalmatians. However, some speculate that their bite is around 170-200 PSI because of their big, wide, and strong jaws   

Remember to take this information with a grain of salt. Most online sources can’t even agree on the measurements, and you can’t blame them. It’s not easy to get a consistent measurement of the dogs’ bite force as they won’t bite as hard every time. The only time they will bite harder is if they are provoked.   

Owning a dog may sound like it has risks and dangers, but this can be said for any animal. Giving your pet a proper environment and consistent training can ensure that even the most aggressive breeds flourish into loving and gentle companions.  

Canine Psychology: Getting to Know Your Dog Better  

Like humans, dogs have their own thoughts, feelings, and personality. The only difference is that they can’t express them as we do. Understanding canine psychology can help you know your dog better and learn what drives them or triggers specific behaviour. As a result, you can build a positive and stronger relationship with your dog while having the opportunity to develop a safer, more effective strategy for overcoming their undesirable behaviour.  

Many have attempted to understand the canine psyche, but the three primary theories on them include the following:  

Pack Mentality  

The pack mentality is a concept coined by Rudolph Schenkel after observing the behaviour of wolves in captivity. This theory believes that wolves follow a social hierarchy and constantly compete to become the pack leader through aggression and intimidation. As a distant relative of wolves, people assumed that the same concept applies to dogs.  It became a part of the training for dog owners to establish themselves as the leader or the “alpha” of their household to assert dominance and get their pet’s respect.  

However, many modern behaviourists and trainers saw flaws when it came to this theory. One of these studies that debunked these findings was Dr David Mech, who replicated the research in the wild. His research, along with many others, discovered that organic wolf packs are a family. As such, they interact more like a family. By contrast, wolves in captivity are not related but forced to live together, creating tension between them.  

Yet, it became such an ingrained concept that people still practice it in dog training to this day.  

Classical Conditioning  

Classical conditioning refers to a learning process where learning occurs by associating naturally occurring and environmental stimuli. Dog trainers teach dogs to associate a certain signal with an event. Physiologist Ivan Pavlov discovered this form of learning by training his dogs to associate the ringing of a bell with the presentation of food, making them salivate with only the sound of a bell. His study has led to expanding the tools to conditioning dogs with the help of whistles and clickers paired with rewards like food, treats, toys, and affection.   

Operant Conditioning and Positive Reinforcement   

In operant conditioning, learning is achieved by employing rewards or punishment for certain behaviours. According to this principle introduced by B.F. Skinner, behaviour followed by pleasant results is likely to be repeated, while behaviour that results in unpleasant consequences is less likely to be repeated. For instance, a dog given a treat immediately after learning a new command is more likely to do it again. In contrast, taking away their toy as punishment after a destructive behaviour would reduce the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated.  

Understanding Your Dog  

A huge part of canine psychology is understanding how dogs think, interact with other dogs, form bonds with each other and humans. Hundreds of studies around the world have been published about various canines to help people understand a dog’s behaviour and how their minds work. With that said, here are some concepts that you need to grasp why your pet does something.  

The Minds of Dogs  

While many dog owners treat their pets as human equals, dogs are still different from how humans think and feel—expecting them to have a similar understanding can cause miscommunication with your dog, resulting in various behavioural issues. Dogs cannot be expected to portray certain human emotions like guilt or revenge, so they must be taught specific actions as they often learn by repeating behaviours that lead to good results.   

What Drives Your Dog 

Dogs possess three primary drives, including prey drive, defence drive, and pack drive. The prey drive represents their innate desire to search and capture their prey, fixated on it as if in a trance. This can be helpful when training for search and rescue. When dogs have a defence drive, they can be pretty protective of themselves and their possessions. Anyone or anything that gets too close will be seen as a threat, and their fears will be manifested through barking or biting.  

Lastly, the pack drive is their desire to be a part of a group or a family. A dog with a lower pack drive is more likely to be independent and guarded. In the other extreme, dogs with high pack drive are more likely to experience and suffer from separation anxiety. Although, they can be easier to train.  

When you understand your dog’s drive, you will effectively communicate with your dog and handle them better.  

Canine Psychology Through Dog Play  

Dogs are usually attentive to their environment when they play, so this is the perfect time to analyse their behaviour with their play partners. Animals like dogs typically follow four basic aspects of fairness during play: follow the rules, be honest, ask first, and admit when you are wrong. When they play, they use different gestures to state their intentions clearly. They can even use these gestures to keep things under control after their plays get too rough. 

A Dog’s Loyalty 

Loyalty is a natural behaviour for our canine companions. As social creatures, dogs want to bond and interact with a group. Before dogs were domesticated, they formed a pack with other dogs to defend themselves against larger threats and capture larger prey while hunting. They form strong bonds with their group, and this loyal behaviour is passed down as time passed.  

Loyalty can also mean overattachment to their owners, leading to separation anxiety and growing distant from other family members. It’s important to put in the work to ensure your dog feels like they feel like a full member of your pack or family, not just you.

Making an Informed Decision   

The type of dog to bring to your home is something that needs considerable thought. When a dog doesn’t fit into your household, you can’t simply return them like you would with clothes or shoes. However, finding the right dog is not an easy task. It requires a lot of research and thought.   

• Determine your Needs: Take the time to consider what you need from your dog, like the activities you want to do with them. Choose a dog breed that will enjoy the same activities as your dog. This would ensure that you don’t push them past their limits or force them to do activities that they don’t want to do.   
• Choose a Dog Breed That Will Suit Your Lifestyle: Your lifestyle contributes to the success of your pet ownership. As different dogs require different levels of care in terms of feeding, exercising, grooming, socialising, and companionship, how you live your life can affect your ability. Make sure that you choose a dog that can handle your lifestyle and the amount of care and attention you can provide for them.  
• Consult with a Veterinarian: Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced one, you can benefit from consulting with veterinarians. These professionals have extensive knowledge regarding dogs, so they can explain a breed’s behaviour, temperament, and all potential medical problems that you might want to know about before adopting one.  
• Assess your Living Environment: The owner’s living situation can affect your choices as different dogs need different amounts of space. Larger dog breeds need big areas where they can run around, play, and do some exercise. If you don’t have that kind of living space, smaller breeds may be the ones for you as they tend to be more tolerant of staying indoors and living in smaller spaces like apartments.   

• Decide Whether You Want a Young or Adult Dog: Most people usually go for puppies as they are incredibly cute and fun to be around. However, their high levels of energy require them to have more training and supervision than mature dogs. Those who adopt older dogs might like their more mellowed personality, and they tend to learn faster than puppies. However, you might need a bit of patience when teaching them to unlearn established behaviours since they are already used to them.  
• Prepare Your Dog Selection Checklist: A checklist can help you narrow down all the choices you have in mind while doing your research. You might have some requirements that are unique to your situation that you would want to consider when you’re looking for a dog. Make sure you include everything you need on this list to avoid regrets when you finally bring the dog home.   
• Bear in Mind Any Additional Needs: Don’t assume that a dog can do everything that you want to do with it and give it everything you want. Dog breeds are part of different categories with their characteristics and special abilities. For instance, breeds in working groups are more talented in specific jobs like guarding or performing rescues, while breeds from toy groups are best companions.    
• Visit an Animal Shelter or Rescue: While research is important, getting first-hand experience can help you become fully aware of the dog you are getting. This can help you finalise your decision and find your forever dog.  Shelters are the best places to find a new canine friend. Besides lower adoptions fees, choosing a dog from these shelters would help homeless or abandoned dogs get a new home and part of a family.   

Preparing your Home for Your New Dog   

Now that you have decided what kind of dog you want to get, your job is far from over. You need to apply all the necessary changes to your home before bringing them in make sure they are as safe and comfortable as possible.  

Start by prepping all the basic items such as food, bowls, bedding, and toys. Then, puppy-proof your home by taking away everything you do not want to chew, lick, or eat, like wires and clothes. For your dog’s safety, you should also make the necessary adjustments to your yard and fences to avoid giving them a chance to run loose around the neighbourhood.   

• Raising a Dog Like Your Own Child   

There’s a reason why dog owners are usually referred to as dog parents. Dogs are generally treated as family members, similar to how they would treat a human child. Like children, dogs need love, care, and guidance from the people taking care of them. Aside from that, their well-being becomes the number one priority before making all decisions like moving to a new location or taking on a new job. However, they won’t be moving out for college, so you’re stuck with each other for the rest of their lives.  

With a long life together, it’s important to foster a deeper connection with your dog. Forming a great bond and nurturing your relationship can be accomplished through the following steps:  

A great bond will strengthen and nurture the relationship with your dog. If you want to foster a deeper connection with your dog, the following steps can help: 

• Spend Time with Your Dog: Look for any possible ways to enjoy your time together. This can be taking a walk around the neighbourhood, going to a dog park, or going for a car ride. Any activity where you both have fun together is already a great bonding activity.  
• Do Some Tricks: One of the reasons why dog training is highly recommended is the time you spend during training strengthens your relationship together. But if you think your dog already has the basics down, you can refresh their memory or even teach them new party skills like rollover or play dead. Not only will it be fun to show off at a party, but learning them can also give your dog a mental workout while enhancing your bonds together.   
• Exercise or Go for a Walk with Your Dog: Walking and exercising with your dog is a good way to improve their physical activities and bring the two of you closer. Going out and doing physical activities together gives you time to spend together and strengthen your bond by increasing confidence and trust.  
• Encourage the Behaviours That You Like: Rewards and acknowledgements like verbal praises, affection, and a few well-earned treats are great motivators for dogs. By giving them rewards after demonstrating good behaviour, they will be encouraged to repeat them and familiarise themselves with the rules that you established. At the same time, you’ll be gaining their affection and bond together.  
• Play Games and Give the Dog Some Reward: Playing is crucial for their entertainment, getting mental stimulation and directing their energy away from destructive behaviours. The time you spend having fun together also allows you to grow closer.   

When the Going Gets Tough  

One of the main reasons dog owners give for returning their pets to the animal shelter is the dog’s problem behaviours. Many dog owners expect to solve their dog’s unwanted behaviour through training, so they become frustrated if they don’t make immediate progress or regress. But what you need to remember is that training requires a lot of time, repetition, and reinforcement. Be patient and give them enough time to remember each behaviour by heart and consistently incorporate them into their daily routine.  

However, training requires a lot of time, repetition, and reinforcement. It would help if you gave them enough time to establish each behaviour to a level of fluency and consistently incorporate that learned behaviour into daily routines.   

If you think you are ready to own a dog, read more of our content to prepare yourself for the responsibilities of dog ownership. This Ultimate Guide for Dog Safety only covers the basics. Learning more information about dog safety can contribute to preventing more people and dogs from dog-related dangers.