Recent Behavior Problems

[Kenny E.]

I am having some recent behavioral/socialization issues with my BB pup. He is going to hit 11 months shortly, and recently he has been acting unacceptable towards both unknown people and dogs. He growls at people upon meeting them, and they are understandably uncomfortable with it. Usually, after he's been introduced he will be fine with them. Initially, though, he scares me with how he is acting. Also he wants nothing to do with strange dogs, and growls at them as well.

This is a recent thing. I took him to lessons as a puppy, and have been socializing him as I have read to do since I've gotten him. He has always been around new people and dogs.

Anyone else experiencing something like this? He is not fixed yet, and I am wondering if maybe it will change his behavior?

This is a true behavior dichotomy, as I have never had a sweeter dog in my life. He is a velcro dog to both me and my friends/family that he knows. I am wondering if maybe it's a protection thing, as he is very protective of me and my house.

[Lisa Tiro]

Kenny,

My Bella was a joy to walk as well because she was kind of lazy. Half way through the walk I was dragging her. I always let her smell and play with passing dogs and I never taught her how to ignore them as well when I wanted her to. I thought that letting her socialize with every dog that passed would prevent her from becoming dog aggressive. She used to be so gentle with small breeds like chihuahuas etc. too. I was such a proud mommy. BUT, when she matured it was all for naught. It was as if she didn't remember meeting and greeting anymore. It was as you say a dichotomy. That's what leads me to believe that it is in them, genetics. They are bred to guard. I thought that they could distinguish between what was threatening and what was not but an unstable dog can not disguinish. They are jumpy and nervous. I think if you over correct IMHO that you may either get bitten or lose your bond with your dog. I would do the food thing when people or dogs approach, a high value treat to get his eyes on you and off of the target. I am teaching my new dog to ignore as we pass while I am working with him. Then I give him "free" time to sniff around and pee and play. Then it's right back to working again. I agree with Fuller that you need a private trainer ASAP that knows the bb or at least guarding breeds. I wouldn't waste any time getting a handle on this. Hopefully you boy is just being an annoying teenager and it will pass. Me and Carrie weren't that lucky unfortunately. Good luck!

[Fuller Boerboels]

I apologize, I may have missed something in the thread. Kenny if your boy is ansty, nervous, fearful that is completely different than the scenario I was describing with my boy. My boy is cocky & confident which requires him to be reigned in at times. The girl I was describing was antsy, nervous and extremely possessive which resulted in inappropriate aggression.

[Kenny E.]

Well I took my boy camping last weekend, and I was pleasantly surprised. I was pretty nervous for a while before going. There was a large group of us that went, about 20 or so. Total of 4 new dogs to him, and most of the people were people he hasn't met. He was very good! Running around and being very social, letting most people pet him without a problem. There were a couple people that would try to pet him, and he would sort of lean away from them. Never once did he growl or show any aggression. Neutral territory he was much better. I suppose it has a lot to do with being on a leash on walks, and territory in regards to the house.

[Lisa Tiro]

That's great news. Keep up the good work. I know it's hard but try not to convey your nervousness. As you know they sense that and if he's not on a leash there is no tension obviously when someone approaches. He could just be leash reactive and as you said territorial in the house which is normal. When he is good and doesn't act aggressively make sure you praise him for it. When Axel meets a new dog or people I always tell him he's a good boy and treat him.

 

Lisa

[Marco]

Great to hear Kenny, keep it up!  How was the trip?

[Fuller Boerboels]

Wow! Great news. Hope you wer able to relax and enjoy the trip:)

 

[Daniel Audet]

Kenny, I am the owner of balancedtrainers.com . I have a good amount of experience with aggression. I would love for you to discuss this issue on my site also. We have a fair of number trainers that train for a living. 

I will be more than happy to call  you also, if you want to email me your number to [e-mail]

--Daniel Audet

[Daniel Audet]

 I will be more than happy to give you a call to give you free advice.  It will help in your selection of a trainer. I have extensive experience with this exact issue.

Feel free to call or email me...

--Dan

[e-mail]

704 948 7204

[Lisa Tiro]

Dan is very knowledgeable on this subject Joelle. I also had a very dog aggressive BB. She also became very aggressive with strangers. It's funny because my girls father was Afrika Mars and I saw you had an Afrika pup. Anyway, training, pack hierarchy  and possibly neutering him is in straight order. I stopped walking my girl because it was very scary to me and the other people that she lunged at. After we addressed the problems my son continued walking her, despite getting bit once. Unfortunately she passed at 2 1/2 due to AIHA. My new boy Axel is litter mates with Dan's BB. Good luck!

~Lisa

Joelle said:

I have a 14 month old boerboel and recently he has been very aggressive towards other dogs on his walks. He has always been cocky with other dogs and cautious with humans, he is also generally very dominant. With people he knows and dogs he already knows he is 100% fine. Also, he listens well to his basic commands thanks to a very good positive reinforcement trainer.

Last week I was walking him we we crossed another dog, which is usually ok, although he always seems a little on edge and starts strutting. However this time he lunged, barking. I managed to hold him back, tell him he was bad and kept walking straight home.
I went on a walk with him again, and when I saw that another dog was coming I moved into the middle of the (quiet) street because i didn't trust him. With reason, he did the same thing, although this time it was worse:  I had trouble holding him back and ripped up my fingers on the leash. I took him straight home and called the trainer. I'm waiting for him to call back. The walks are over until this is dealt with.


What do you think is the cause for this?

[Carrie Kruczek]

Hi Joelle:

That's great that Dan will help you with trainer selection, since he has boerboel experience that will be invaluable.  It is really important to have a trainer who has mastiff-specific knowledge and experience, if you have someone who has only trained herders these dogs are entirely different in temperament and the wrong person will make things worse!  Also, consider getting your boy used to a muzzle (wire basket).  Using positive conditioning it will take a bit of time, but will be worth it for peace of mind.  I don't know if your boy is neutered...if not, get it done immediately.  (yes, in an ideal world you'd wait for him to be older but if you're dealing with any kind of aggression problem then eliminating the testosterone factor can give you an edge)  Also, ask your vet to send a blood sample to Dr. Jean Dodds at Hemopet, for thyroid testing.  The regular blood tests at the vet's office won't give enough info to detect low normal levels.  Dr. Dodds is better than the University of Michigan lab where the vets usually send the blood for thyroid testing, because her lab will give specific recommendations based on breed.  Sub-optimal levels of thyroid can cause a host of problems from skin to aggression.  (It's certainly no gaurantee to change your dog's aggression level, it didn't help with my boy, but it is a tool because training can't overcome a medical problem.)  And please talk with Dan about "dominance" ...it is a very misunderstood concept with dogs.  Good luck with your boy.

[Lisa Tiro]

Carrie, GREAT advice! 

~Lisa

[Sherry Seal]

Lisa,

Since your Bella had such serious temperment issues due to breeding, can you tell me where you purchased her? I am looking for a Boerboel and do not want to fall into the same problem with the breeder that you did.

Thanks!

 
 
Lisa Tiro said:

I love this breed Carrie and it wouldn't be fair to judge them all based on what an ignornant and irresponsible breeder created. You are so right, it is very stressful living under the circumstances that require you to keep your company and your dog safe day in and day out. There is no room for a mistake or a miscommunication as this could end in tragedy. I refuse to remember only her faults as she was such a sweet and loving dog to all of her family. She also was a clown and I think that is what still attracts me to this breed. I know there are responsible breeders out there and we just have to do our due diligence in order to weed them out. And, we as owners need to train them properly and know the right way to handle such a powerful animal.