Look, your dog turned on! Really, how do you know?

[Rocky H. Balboa]

Hey folks, just figured to try and start some dog related thought provoking chat about your opinions on "turning on". This is one of the widest used phrases in the dog world. Yet, I have heard an array of opinions on what is, determines, etc. So, I want to hear from all of you interested in stating your opinions about it.

What does the word mean to you?

How do you KNOW when your dog has TRULY turned on?

Does dog aggression equal a "turned on" dog?

Was there a special way to check a dog to know if it has "turned on" or if it is just acting a fool (Pre-1976)?

Does the time it takes a dog to "turning on" depend on the linage/bloodline? If so, why is that?

Are there tell-tell signs a dog has gone from puppy to adult without having to guess?

Does acting like an adult dog mean it has "turned on" or it will never do so?

I hope this tickles an interest in talking about our dogs.......:cool:

[cheese]

I have always equated DA w/ a dog being "turned on". Basically how it acts on its chain around other dogs.
It seems like the dogs that are known to be intense are the ones that turn on earlier.
As far as when a dog is an adult, i think it varies alot and really just comes down to knowing your individual dog and not making assumptions based on the blood. But some blood seems to take alot longer for dogs to fully mature.

[BoiBoi]

oh man now this is a good topic, now im gonna state my opinion, i'm not an experienced dogman so this is just what i've been told and what i've seen. To me turning on is the dogs desire to get at another dog, and i don't mean to play with the mutt. i guess it goes from dog to dog determining when the dog is really turned on, i know that pre-76 the oldtimers would take a dog that they felt is mature or close to mature and would take the dog off its chain and walk it over to a mature turned on dog and see what happens. If the young dog went right in there and mixed it up with the mature dog then that meant the young dog has turned on and is about ready for the schooling process. Now since thats illegal nowadays, we would have to assume a dog that is hitting the end of the leash to get at another dog is turned on. i've heard that every line throws some that take a long time to turn on, on the other hand every line also throws quick starters as well. From what i've heard a lot of carver bred dogs take a while to mature, some up to 3 years

[koening]

Don't know how many can tell a DA dog from a dog that turned on . Of course the DA is present , and it shows. I believe that a dog that is DA will bite any dog , and can't tell apart when is GO time , and when it's time to mind their own bussines . I also think a dolg can turn on at a young age , and they can also be late bloomers . For example , my fisrt dog came on by the time he was 4 mo . And from that time on , he kept building the flame . He will never back down , he will start an argue but at the same time i know that he is the one who will end it , no matter what . But , he knows when it's time to GO , when he must show that temper , and he accepts for instance the female and the pups . My female started to show signs of DA , more than a sign she turned on , but she is full of drive and I hope she turns out like my male . What signs do you think a dog will show when he turns on ?

[ColbyDogs]

What does the word mean to you?

To me it means they will not pass up a chance for a scrap, wether they are starting it it or just eagerly defending themselves.

How do you KNOW when your dog has TRULY turned on?


When they arise to the occasion everytime they are confronted by another dog.

Does dog aggression equal a "turned on" dog?


I am going with a yes on that, thats just MHO tho.

Does the time it takes a dog to "turning on" depend on the linage/bloodline? If so, why is that?

There could be some truth to that however from what I have always been told was that my dogs bloodlines were late starters but I have had a few males start early and my female is going to be 9 y/o and has never turned on at all. I think it really all boils down to the dog, if I went by a percentage most of the dogs I have owned fell under 1-2 year average wich is different of what I have been told of my dogs bloodlines of the 2-4 year range.

Are there tell-tell signs a dog has gone from puppy to adult without having to guess?


I can normally see a fight coming a mile away, as far as knowing when the dog just turns on...that I honestly cannot predict but once they do there is no mistaken it.

[oldtimebullylove]

What does the word mean to you?

When speaking of this breed when your dog has turned on you will know it, you will learn that you will have to control it around other dogs, or there will be a price to pay. The dog will be ready to attack another dog, regardless of its gender or surroundings.


How do you KNOW when your dog has TRULY turned on?

When you know you have to extra precautions around other dog, because he/she will do anything to have the opportunity.

Does dog aggression equal a "turned on" dog?

In my opinion, yes it does.

Was there a special way to check a dog to know if it has "turned on" or if it is just acting a fool (Pre-1976)?

Well, I think we all know the answer to that, but most dog men knew the difference then and even now. You can tell when it food aggression, or territorial aggression, or even dominance.

Does the time it takes a dog to "turning on" depend on the linage/bloodline? If so, why is that?

No it does not. Not completely. There are some lines that are known for turning on later in the years, but it can happen to any dog at any time.

Are there tell-tell signs a dog has gone from puppy to adult without having to guess?

Not sure I understand this question.

Does acting like an adult dog mean it has "turned on" or it will never do so?

No, just because the dog acts like an adult does not mean that is DA or has turned on, whichever way you like to put it.
There are also dogs that "turn on" at a fairly early age and tend to become "cold"

I hope this tickles an interest in talking about our dogs.......:cool:

This is a very interesting thread, I am surprised to the amount of replies it has not received.

[Dr_jitsu]

Someone needs to point out the difference between a cur-snapper and a truly turned on dog. Lots of dogs cur-snap, but a fully turned on dog will fight until it either 1, kills the other dog, 2 is killed himself (which is a very small % of dogs even among game bred dogs) or 3, fights for an extended period, say 5-20 minutes, isn't winning and decides to stop (which is probably what describes at least 50% of game bred pitbulls).

The majority of fully game bred pit bulls will fight all out for at least 5 minutes, which of course is more than pretty much any other dog out there and warrants unrelenting supervision.

[PirbulBongo]

I thought there were lots of GOOD Bulldog that would not be dumb DA or extremly aggresive to every dog of any size, but in the box they knew what to do and if challenged by another competitive dog, they would start and finish.

For me this means a balanced dog.

[oldtimebullylove]

I thought there were lots of GOOD Bulldog that would not be dumb DA or extremly aggresive to every dog of any size, but in the box they knew what to do and if challenged by another competitive dog, they would start and finish.

For me this means a balanced dog.
There are a lot of dogs like that. The real ones in my opinion, know when too and when not too.

[Howzit]

[quote=Rocky H. Balboa;276856]Hey folks, just figured to try and start some dog related thought provoking chat about your opinions on "turning on". This is one of the widest used phrases in the dog world. Yet, I have heard an array of opinions on what is, determines, etc. So, I want to hear from all of you interested in stating your opinions about it.

What does the word mean to you?

It means to me that the dog is fully started with no doubts whatsoever.


How do you KNOW when your dog has TRULY turned on?

The only true way to know is to put em on the ground if you know what I mean lol

Does dog aggression equal a "turned on" dog?

NOPE...Although it is a sign or indicator that he is getting ready towards that goal doesnt always mean he is fully ready.

Was there a special way to check a dog to know if it has "turned on" or if it is just acting a fool (Pre-1976)?

Yes way back when some would just take a experienced dog off the chain and let em hit a young prospect they thought was ready on his own chain spot for 1-2 min. or so and then if he showed that he is willing to continue and fully started they would throw em in the box for alittle bump.

Does the time it takes a dog to "turning on" depend on the linage/bloodline? If so, why is that?

It will depend on many factors but bloodline is one of em. Certain bloodlines or lineage mature faster then others.

Are there tell-tell signs a dog has gone from puppy to adult without having to guess?

There are signs but they are still only guesses.


Does acting like an adult dog mean it has "turned on" or it will never do so?

Only one way to find out LOL

I hope this tickles an interest in talking about our dogs.......:cool:

Yeah its interesting but in Todays Times its ?????? whats that word Im looking for???? lol

[MinorThreat]

What does the word mean to you?

"It means to me that the dog is fully started with no doubts whatsoever." (Howzit)

turned on and started are different to me. Turned on is when a dog is showing he doesnt want to be friends with other dogs anylonger and started is when the dog has had time "started", how can a dog start without any time?

anyway just my opinion

[Howzit]

What does the word mean to you?

"It means to me that the dog is fully started with no doubts whatsoever." (Howzit)

turned on and started are different to me. Turned on is when a dog is showing he doesnt want to be friends with other dogs anylonger and started is when the dog has had time "started", how can a dog start without any time?

anyway just my opinion


Actually my friend they are the same thing but using two different analogys of words but basically mean the same thing. A turned on dog means his switch has fliped to the on position and once his switch is flipped to the on postition that means he is started it doesnt go by time. For example can a car start up without turning on the ignition first?

[jbest1_100]

Another question to add to da pot! Most agree that being turned on=DA right? So how did some men get there dogs to eat out of the same bowl. Can your dog be game but when supervised have his dog agression controlled by you?

[oldtimebullylove]

Another question to add to da pot! Most agree that being turned on=DA right? So how did some men get there dogs to eat out of the same bowl. Can your dog be game but when supervised have his dog agression controlled by you?

A good dog knows when and when not too, and training and alpha also play their part.

[HugoBoss]

In my humble opinion, letting a game bred pitbull share his bowl with any animal is plain stupid.

[oldtimebullylove]

In my humble opinion, letting a game bred pitbull share his bowl with any animal is plain stupid.

This is true, and I can surely accept the logic in it. But, unless you have experienced these certain dogs, you will never know! ;)
Some of them are just amazing. Simply amazing.

[MinorThreat]

I'd never say a dog was started unless its had time

you use the terms you've learned on the internet as you wish, MY FRIEND

[Howzit]

I'd never say a dog was started unless its had time

you use the terms you've learned on the internet as you wish, MY FRIEND

Son please I didnt learn anything from the internet unlike some people LOL

[Howzit]

I'd never say a dog was started unless its had time

you use the terms you've learned on the internet as you wish, MY FRIEND

Wow I just gave you my opinion without deemening you in any way and you turn around and start calling me a internet dogmen directly. Isnt that almost the same as calling someone a cur or snitch?

I was gonna give you my reason why turned on and started is almost the same thing but since you being a smart ass no sense I waste my time with you. Well I had my fun on this site time for me to go just like Iron Mike said too many experts on this site LOL.

[Big Game]

All of double talk in the world can't and won't change the fact that the terms "Turned On" and "Started" mean two Totaly diffrent things. Big Game

[Suki]

interesting thread.
good answers. I'd have to say mine would be very much like ColbyDog's=great reply.
the short of it, imo, is when, your dog no longer acts the same around other dogs, and you have to be on your guard every time he/she gets even remotely close to another dog, especially when/if you're handling yours.
age varies, gender varies.
and sharing a food bowl? i personally wouldn't even attempt that... ;)