Is it bad to stare down a dog?

Answer 1

Yes,

In the animal world you are changeling them, often to a fight.

If you do that to a baboon then you can expect an immediate physical assault.

With a dog this can turn into a dominance fight with the Alpha Leader being the one who stops first. It is not wise to start this kind of contest unless you are prepared to fight the dog.

Answer 2

Most dogs will look away as a sign of submission. If you are having a battle of wills with your dog he/she may try to stare you down. I would never suggest getting into that kind of battle because if you lose, you just lost status with your dog. Not to mention the possibility of being bit! Gain status by working with and developing the bond between the two of you. Obedience and agility are both good ways to do this.

Answer 3

Yes very bad! That is a direct challenge to any animal especially a large breed dog that may be a trained protection dog. They will see this as a challenge and lunge at your face usually. Chihuahua's love this particular challange as well and will do damage trust me, I'd take on a Rottie over one of those land sharks any day! Unless it is your own young dog that you are trying to assert dominance over and show him you are the alpha male do not do it to someone elses dog! That is a trip for sutures for sure and the dog will wind up euthanized and tested for rabies, and unless you have had to personally saw off a rottweillers head to send off for rabies testing, cause that is the only way to do it, I don't recommend it! Been there, decapitated it! Not fun!

Answer 4

YES never try to stare down a dog, to a strange dog this is a sign of aggression, staring could end in disaster, never tease dogs never

Answer 5

Depends on how you do it. If you act aggressive it's going to attack you. If you just stand normal with your hands down low, he should just bark at you. Squatting down low shows your friendly. Having some kind of treat doesn't hurt either. I have found that most large dogs will just bark at you, it's the little ones that will chew you up. I've been bit by more small dogs then big ones.

Answer 6

Depends on the dog. Yes if its not trained and seems hostile. That is unless you can have a very intimidating stare. Otherwise, if you know the dog and stuff, it shouldnt be that bad.

Answer 7

Do you mean a real dog?! If it is than it depends on the dog. Certain types don't like it. Have fun staring down big eyed dogs though.

Answer 8

If it has inch-long teeth and looks stronger than the average bear, then forget staring at it, start running in the oppisite diresction. All dogs have a tendency to be ferocius. Even little poodles.

Answer 9

You might make the dog uncomfortable, and most dogs wont do that because the human is top of the higharchy; eye contact will make the dog think he is equal if not higher than you. Plus thats kinda weird.

Answer 10

Yes it is. Dogs tend to take eye contact with an aggressive intent such as "stare down" as a challenge of dominance.