Dog Rage and Dog Breedism

Like road rage but directed at dogs and their owners

Manifests as;

Accusation it’s a dangerous dog – “that’s a pit bull!” – when its actually a Staffie… 

Claims your dog is aggressive when it is lunging and barking on the lead because its nervous and/or frightened of the small dog rushing in and out of its personal space barking and snapping at it…

Verbal demands such as keep your dog away from me, my kid, my dog etc. as you walk past with your perfectly behaved dog on a lead…

Over protective reaction – sweeping small dogs up into their arms,  whilst pulling face of disapproval and tutting, placing their dog at the level of your dogs nose, whilst your dog had been ignoring them…

Excessive over reaction to dog on dog interaction- your dog is attacking mine… when it is natural dog play behaviour…

Entitled perspective- My off lead complete dog doesn’t like complete males therefore your dog must be on a lead…

Unsolicited advice on managing your dog such as – that dog should be muzzled!

Unnecessary request by the commercial dog walker with their 6-7 off lead dogs running about, that you keep your dog away…

Keep your dog under control instructions, by the ball throwing dog walker as they launch the tennis ball directly in front of your dog for the 7th time in 5 minutes…

Keyboard warriors who post exaggerated and inaccurate accounts of ‘terrible dog experiences’ they have had to endure on social media…

Dog Breedism – a bit of sociological insight

Dog breedism – prejudicial beliefs and attitudes held about specific dog types, breeds, size and certain colours of dogs, as a result of which individuals with these prejudices will ascribe negative patterns of behaviour and personality types upon dogs who fit this stereotype or label.

Thus they believe-all (type or breed of dog – GSD, Malinois, Rottweiler, Doberman, Staffie, Bull Mastiff, XLBully, Cane Corso etc) are aggressive and dangerous, regardless of the actual dogs behaviour or personality.

Like the other -isms (racism, sexism, ageism etc) these attitudes are created by ignorance, fostered by unrepresentative and inaccurate reporting in the media and social media, and broad generalisation based on one off experiences or events.

Unfortunately there is a very small number of dogs who do fit the negative labels, either through poor or irresponsible breeding, inappropriate owners who seek affirmation through association and ownership of so called status dogs, and by far the most common cause, inadequate socialisation and training.

None of this is intended to diminish the thankfully rare occasions where dogs do become aggressive and hurt other dogs, or worse humans. However it does seem to reflect a growing trend of intolerance amongst some members of the public and some breeds of dogs and their caring responsible owners.

I would be very interested to hear others views on this issue…