Understanding Different Dog Tolerance Levels
A Normal Trait that is as Flexible as it is Manageable
This page is designed to help demystify the common trait of dog-dog aggression. Dog aggression
shows up in numerous breeds, and it’s generally “no big deal”…unless you deny it, misunderstand
it or exploit it. Like so many dog owners, we expect that our dogs have the potential to show
some degree of dog aggression in select situations. Our job as responsible stewards is to keep our
pets out of those situations by reading their body signals and understanding their individual
limits. At the same time, we work to improve the tolerance of each dog through appropriate
socializing opportunities. Because dog aggression is not a “one size fits all” trait, outlined below
are four very common levels of dog-tolerance that we’ve come to recognize in our work with the
dogs.
Typical Dog Tolerance Levels in a Group of BAD RAP Ambassadogs:
1. Dog Social
A dog that truly enjoys the company of other dogs, including housemate dogs. Very
easy going; Forgives even the rudest dog manners. Dog-social dogs include most
puppies and a percentage of socially mature (14 months and older) dogs. Some have
called these dogs ‘cold’ pit bulls. Example: Beanie is a mature female who is social and relaxed
around all dogs. In contrast, the immature red dog, Penny, in the bottom right of the photo is not
as dog-social as when she was a puppy. She’s very typical in that she’s losing her puppy-like
tolerance as she matures. A bad accidental fight could shift Penny far away from her dog social
beginnings.
2. Dog Tolerant
Typically non-reactive on leash and either indifferent or friendly to other dogs. Is
well socialized and shows relaxed, easy body language in the presence of new dogs.
May not ‘love’ dogs that he doesn’t know, but has decent tolerance for rude
behavior; a long fuse. Enjoys known dog friends and, in general, succeeds with housemate dogs.
Example: Honky Tonk is quite fine with other dogs but doesn’t seek them out like a puppy
might.
3. Dog Selective
Has dog friends but is more selective. May dislike certain ‘types’ of dogs and/or is
easily offended by rude dog manners. Can be described as ‘bitchy.’ Likes to dictate
the rules during dog-play, and needs to be reminded to use good manners during
play. Can succeed with housemate dogs with supervision. Example: Sally was ‘Dog Aggressive’
and willing to fight when she came to us, but with clear direction and supervised socializing
opportunities, is not likely to show this trait unless she’s pushed passed her limits.
4. Dog Aggressive
Has a very limited number of dog friends; sometimes, no dog friends. May be
opportunistically leash reactive with a weak handler and/or no training. May have a
short fuse during play, even with dogs that it knows. Needs heavy supervision during
play and a good leader when out on leash. Many live successfully with housemate dogs (usually
opposite sex) with proper supervision and safe management protocol. Example: Taz was labeled
‘Dog Aggressive’ when we first met him because he was very quick to tell dogs off. His tolerance
levels have increased dramatically, thanks to lots of socializing opps and good direction from his
caretakers. We watched him shift to Dog Selective personality and in his new home, he’s actually
quite Dog Tolerant!
Note: All the dogs in this photo were introduced slowly and enjoy each other’s company under
supervision. While none of the dogs illustrated are ‘Dog Aggressive,’ like any breed of dog, they
may certainly act aggressively towards other dogs if they’re mismanaged, provoked or otherwise
set up to fail. Pit bulls that we would label as Dog Aggressive can make fantastic pets with the
right management (leashes!). BAD RAP places about 2-3 Dog Aggressive pit bulls into new
homes each year. In some cases, the Dog Aggressive pit bulls act as our best breed ambassadors
at public events. As with all dogs, the key to success is a dog with a correct people-soft
temperament and a responsible owner.
The Bell Curve of Dog Aggression:
Dog tolerance levels are flexible and are determined by environmental factors (handler influence,
training and socializing efforts) as much as they are determined by genetics. Dog Social dogs can
become less social as they come into their maturity, and Dog Aggressive dogs can become much
more tolerant with good direction and proper socialization. In our experience, with the combined
factors of maturity, socialization, good leadership and training, most pit bull type dogs with true
‘terrier’ personalities fall comfortably in the middle spectrum of this bell curve.