Can a dog kill its owner? This shocking question has resurfaced forcefully following the Tangier incident, reigniting an ongoing debate over the dangers of certain breeds and the extent of human responsibility in raising a dog that may, under certain circumstances, become a source of danger. DR ‹ › The incident of a young man's death in Tangier after being attacked by his own pit bull has reignited debate over the behavior of these animals and the extent of their danger. It has also sparked broader discussion about human responsibility in choosing and raising them. Opinions remain divided between those who blame certain breeds, particularly this type of dog, and those who place responsibility on the owner. In this context, Oussama Boughfir, a dog trainer and founder of «New Level K9», told Yabiladi that, following the incident, many people pointed fingers at pit bulls. However, he stressed that «it's important to remember that these dogs were historically bred to fight other dogs and animals, not to attack humans. Their aggression is often directed toward their own kind». Conversely, he noted that breeds such as Rottweilers or Malinois were developed for guarding and intervention purposes, which can, in certain contexts, give them a greater capacity to bite humans. This does not inherently make them dangerous, but reflects a different genetic background. «This type of incident could have happened with other breeds. Many dogs fall victim to poor human decisions, whether in their selection, upbringing, or daily interaction». Lack of training creates danger Boughfir believes that, in the vast majority of cases, dogs do not attack suddenly but instead send warning signals beforehand, such as tension, fixed staring, changes in posture, or signs of stress. The issue is that these signals are often misunderstood or ignored, particularly by inexperienced individuals. He acknowledges, however, that in rare cases, these signals can be extremely subtle or almost nonexistent, making behavior harder to predict. Between genetic factors and upbringing, he argues that responsibility is usually shared. Some dogs may be born with unstable predispositions due to unethical breeding practices, resulting in fearful, aggressive, or unpredictable behavior. Still, the decisive factor remains in human hands, as dogs require a clear framework and consistent handling. Even dogs bred with balance in mind need owners capable of understanding and managing them properly, as a lack of structure can lead to dangerous behavior regardless of breed. «When someone requests training aimed at aggression, I carefully assess the individual. If I sense a risk of misuse, I refuse to work with them». One of the most common mistakes, he adds, is choosing a dog based solely on appearance, without considering the owner's lifestyle or experience. Other issues include acquiring unstable dogs, lack of training and clear rules, inconsistent handling, over-humanizing the animal, and poor socialization, all of which can lead to aggressive or fearful behavior. The need to consult specialists before acquiring a dog Said Chkah, president of the National Association for Dog Breeding and Training and an expert in intervention and drug detection dogs, shares this view. He emphasizes that a dog attacking its owner is an unnatural behavior, explaining that «a dog may attack strangers, but under normal circumstances, it does not attack its owner». Such cases, he argues, reflect a clear imbalance in the relationship, often linked to the dog asserting dominance and positioning itself as the leader, acting without boundaries and potentially becoming a threat. Chkah also warns against treating dogs as if they were human, describing it as a common mistake driven by emotional void or excess attachment. He stresses that «a dog does not interact with its hands or feet, but with its teeth and instincts». «Anyone who is afraid of their dog should not raise one in the first place, as the problem is not the dog but how it is handled. Some breeds require more expertise, but they are not dangerous if properly structured». He further calls for restricting dog ownership for certain individuals, particularly those who use drugs, lack control, or fail to provide proper care. He advocates consulting specialists before acquiring a dog and making training a fundamental requirement. He also supports the introduction of prior licensing for certain breeds, along with registering owners' data to ensure accountability. He adds that training should be mandatory for dogs weighing over 24 kilograms, as well as for certain categories requiring specialized handling. In the same vein, Boughfir considers that mandatory training may be appropriate for certain categories of dogs requiring stricter management, but does not see the need to generalize it to all breeds, given their varying needs and the practical challenges of implementation. He emphasizes that the priority should be to hold owners accountable based on the type of dog they own. Regarding behavior in public spaces, experts warn against risky practices such as leaving dogs unleashed or unsupervised, or using them in illegal activities like fighting or theft. They also advise that, when confronted with an aggressive dog, one should avoid running, so as not to trigger a chase instinct, avoid direct eye contact, maintain a calm and side-facing posture, and retreat slowly without turning one's back. In conclusion, experts agree that such incidents highlight a clear lack of awareness around responsible dog ownership and animal welfare. They stress that improving public awareness, alongside an appropriate legal framework, could reduce risks and foster a more balanced and safer relationship between humans and dogs.
