Who pets your boerboel?

[Marco]

I was wondering how many here allow just anyone to pet their boerboel pup or dog.  When taking your boerboel out on walks do you allow others to approach, and pet?  While in a pet store how do you react to this?  If you do allow please explain why you feel this is good for them.  If not please explain why you do not allow this.  Please share your thoughts, as always discussion like this are very helpful to members here.  I always like to post articles I have read on the matter, and here is one

 

 Who Pets Your Puppy

[James Dillon]

I have had a little different experience from others so far.  Keep in mind that my dog is only about 12 months old and I've heard that attitudes can change in these guys up to around 18 months.  I've taken my dog out in public and let people pet him since I got him at 4 months old and I've never had a problem.  He has only growled/barked at 1 or 2 people and I'm guessing he had his reasons.  Those folks quickly decided they didn't want to pet him after all and that was it.  I've also taken him to dog parks (though I don't much anymore).  There is a pretty big group of folks with dogs in my neighborhood and we typically let the dogs run around in a backyard at whichever house we are hanging out at.  He has always gotten along great with other dogs.  

On the other hand he won't let anyone in my house when I'm gone other than one neighbor that he knows well.  I have that buddy of mine feed him if I'm gone for a day or two but other than that he barks aggressively to people who come up to the house until I let them inside and greet them.  I've also been told by my neighbors that he sounds more "mean" when I'm gone versus when I'm home.  

He has developed exactly how I want him in this manner and I hope he stays this way.  He is a great pet and a substantial deterrent to folks with ill intent.  I think what I want may be somewhat different from what other boerboel owners want though.  I doubt that the route I've gone would work for all dogs but it has worked out great for me.