About Attack Dogs

History

• No one is certain where or when dogs evolved. Many believe they were wolves that lurked near the encampments to scavenge food at night. Through generations of change, these wolves drew closer and closer to man as their characteristics evolved into the animals known as dogs. Drawings on walls from Egypt created around 4000 B.C. show dogs on leashes leaping at enemies. Romans perfected the use with legions of dogs. The dogs wore spiked armor. The breed of dog originally used by Rome was the Molossian Canis of Epirus. The Romans changed their choice of canines once they confronted Britannia's mastiff.

Types

• Most people easily recognize German shepherds, Bullmastiffs, Rottweilers and Dobermans as attack dogs. But other attack/guard dogs are also good to use. The Akita Inu, Giant Schnauzer, Bouviar de Flanders, Dogue de Bordeaux, Tosu inu, Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo argentino, Cane Corso and a variety of other breeds with lineage to the mastiff also are great attack dogs.

Identification

• Larger attack dogs are obvious choices; toy breeds seldom evoke fear. However, the size of the dog isn't always what makes it effective as an attack dog. The dog must be fearless and relentless in pursuit. It must have enough intelligence to know when there's danger and when it's just loud noise and fun. This fine line prevents owners from ending up with lawsuits. Attack dogs have a perseverant nature, like the tenacious pit bull. The attack dog needs a protective nature. In essence, he's a work dog, bred for centuries to do the job of protection.

Considerations

• If you decide to get an attack dog, make sure you understand the needs of the breed thoroughly. Many dogs used as attack dogs must have a purpose and lots of activity. You should have adequate time to train the dog and form bonds. The disposition of the dog is also important. Not all attack dogs are suited to family situations, but some thrive in them.

Benefits

• An attack dog is an inexpensive way to protect property and people. Most require daily grooming, food, shelter and love in order to perform at their best. Though the military ceased using attack dogs with the advent of modern artillery, it now finds that a well-trained dog alerts the soldiers to danger and protects the master and others with him. Police departments across the country use attack dogs as one additional arm of the law. These dogs are often faster than the officers they accompany and present a more frightening option for the perpetrator. This results in fewer confrontations.

Training

• Good training is important when you have an attack dog. Dogs attack to protect their owners, but often it's due to a command the owner issues. An intelligent attack dog follows the owner's lead but also understands clear and present danger. It takes over when the owner suffers injury and no longer issue commands. Correct handling and control makes all the difference between a disciplined attack dog and a problem animal. For this, you should enter the animal into a school.

Prevention/Solution

• There are training centers across the United States for attack dogs and guard dogs. If you want to train your dog, don't try it alone. Professional trainers help you to evaluate the dog's potential and train it properly. A few training centers are in the Resources area below.