by Brenda Nelson

Created on: May 09, 2010   Last Updated: February 26, 2011

The most dangerous dog is usually not a dog of a specific breed.  Owner involvement (or lack thereof) often determines if a dog is going to be a dangerous dog or not. Certain breeds of dogs definitely have an ability to cause more damage when pushed, or invited, into an aggressive situation. Certain breeds are also well known for being easier to incite into an aggressive act, but breed alone is not enough to make a dog dangerous.

To eliminate owner responsibility as a major contributing factor in creating a dangerous dog is wrong; as such, the following are the factors that make a dog dangerous.

1.  Unsocialized Dogs

An unsocialized dog is one that has been sheltered and not exposed to a variety of situations. Small dogs often fit into this category as do many guard dogs. Small dogs are often carried around by their owners who do not realize that it is important to allow a dog to be a dog and to see things from a dogs point of view. These dogs then panic when faced with unfamiliar situations. These unsocialized dogs become a danger to the dog groomer, the veterinarian, or anyone who tries to catch them if they happen to get loose. They are terrified of the world outside their owners arms. Guard dogs are often intentionally kept unsocialized as a way to make them more aggressive to strangers.  Any dog that has not be properly socialized is at risk for being a dangerous dog.

2.  Chained Dogs

Many cities are now recognizing that keeping a dog on a chain, rather than in a fenced yard or kennel, actually makes the dog more aggressive and dangerous. These cities are making laws against keeping dogs on chains. Dogs kept on chains feel easily threatened and make a big show to keep intruders away. Dogs living on chains can easily become dangerous dogs.

3.  Alpha Dogs

A dog who thinks that it is the boss is at risk of being a huge problem. Alpha dogs often begin as pups jumping up on their owners and their owners do nothing to stop it. They are the dogs who pull during walks and growl when an owner tries to take away their food, or toys. An alpha dog thinks it is the boss and if it feels challenged it will become aggressive.  Allowing a dog to become an alpha is setting it up to become a dangerous dog.

4.  Untrained Dogs

Similar to the alpha dog, a dog with no training is a time bomb waiting to go off. Generally when an owner needs to get their untrained dog

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