In Washington D.C, a German Shepherd named Rex was beaten and shot by burglars while protecting a sixteen-year-old boy. Rex barked and tried to defend the boy, even jumping at the burglars when they entered the room. Despite being shot in the neck, leg, and knee, Rex survived. This story gained international attention and raises the question of how dogs can sense when someone is bad.
Signs a Dog Knows Someone is Bad
Dogs have a range of emotions and reactions, including to different people and their emotions. They seem to be drawn to positive and kind individuals, but can also surprise us with their loyalty even to those who are mean to them. Dogs may avoid or show signs of submission when they sense someone is bad. They may lower their bodies, raise a paw, have sweaty paws, tuck their tails, make a lick at the source of intimidation, or exhibit other self-protective behaviors.
Dogs and Humans
Dogs pick up on our nonverbal cues and can interpret and react to them. The way someone is dressed, their eye contact, body posture, mouth expressions, and tone of voice can all give dogs a read on a person’s character. Dogs may not like certain people, and they can sense and react to signals that humans send.
History of Dogs Judging Character
The relationship between humans and dogs may have developed as a result of the dog’s natural social adaptability. As dogs scavenged near human settlements, their friendliness led to physical and intelligence evolution, allowing them to read human gestures. Humans and dogs may have formed a symbiotic relationship based on “survival of the friendliest.”
Science of Dogs Knowing Someone is Bad
Scientific experiments have shown that dogs can recognize good and bad behavior in humans. Dogs can determine if someone is being unkind to another person by observing their behavior. They are more likely to ignore treats from individuals who refuse to help their owners.
Training Your Dog to Protect You
Teaching your dog to protect you does not mean encouraging aggression. Instead, focus on obedience training and establishing control and leadership. Teach your dog when to bark and when not to, set boundaries, and train them to sleep near you for added safety. If you want a guard dog, consider breeds like Great Danes, Akitas, German Shepherds, Boxers, Great Swiss Mountain Dogs, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers. Work with a responsible trainer to ensure everyone’s safety.
Safety Tips for Dogs Around Bad People
Basic obedience training, using a leash, and being cautious about leaving your dog with others are important safety measures. Watch for signs of anxiety in your dog and address any fears they may have.
“Sometimes, our dogs can sense the darkness in others, even when we cannot.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Pay attention to your dog’s body language: Dogs have the ability to sense when someone is a threat or a bad person. Watch for signs such as low tail carriage, sweaty paws, tail tucking, raised paw, and excessive licking. These behaviors indicate that your dog is trying to avoid conflict and protect themselves.
2️⃣ Dogs can judge character: Dogs are natural observers of human behavior, and they can pick up on subtle cues that indicate someone’s character. Pay attention to how your dog reacts to different people, their body language, tone of voice, and overall demeanor. Your dog’s instincts may be telling you something important about a person’s character.
3️⃣ Train your dog to protect you: While you don’t want to encourage aggression in your dog, you can teach them to be protective and alert to potential threats. Start with basic obedience training and establish your control and leadership. Teach your dog when to bark and when not to bark, set boundaries for your property, and consider professional training if you want a guard dog. Also, be mindful of your dog’s safety and well-being, and don’t leave them with people you suspect may mistreat them.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How did the dog in the story know that the burglars were bad people?
– The dog sensed the burglars’ bad intentions and displayed signs of self-protection, such as barking and trying to defend the boy.
2. What are some signs that a dog may show when they sense someone is bad?
– Some signs include a low tail carriage, sweaty paws, tail tucking, raised paw, and licking.
3. Can dogs judge someone’s character based on nonverbal cues?
– Yes, dogs can pick up on humans’ nonverbal cues such as body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions to form an impression of a person’s character.
4. How do dogs know if someone is being unkind to another person?
– Dogs can observe and recognize mean behavior towards their owners. In an experiment, dogs were less likely to accept a treat from a person who refused to help their owner compared to a person who was helpful.
5. What are some tips for training a dog to protect you without being aggressive?
– Owners should focus on good obedience training, establish control and leadership, teach the dog when to bark and when not to, set boundaries for the property, and have the dog sleep near them at night for added security. It is important not to teach the dog to be aggressive as it can be dangerous.
