Introduce Yourself!

[Marco]

Hello, and welcome!!  Don't be shy and no need for anything fancy.  Just tell us who you are, and what brings you here.  We are happy to have you share with us!

[Gwendolyn Moore]

Hello members. I am a first time BB owner but have raised dogs of all sizes. I am totally amazed by this fine breed and have the sweetest, laid back pup who is a quick study and socially solid. I joined TB to take advantage of the brain trust and wealth of BB experience. I'm grateful for the resource.

[Layla Bush]

I'm the proud owner of a 5 1/2 month old BB mix.  He is 3/4 BB, 1/8 Kengal shepherd, and 1/8 Argentine Dogo.  I got him from Andrew Johnson of Olympic Dogs.  He was the biggest in his litter, and is currently almost 26 inches at the shoulder,  and about 80-90lbs.  

I wasn't originally looking for a BB, just a large mastiff mix that was was bred for health and good temperment.   I found Andrew in my area doing just that and after doing research decided I wanted a BB dominant dog.  I waited got the right puppy and ended up with Juba. 

I'm here for advice and information.  So far my guy is great, except for some resource guarding behavior (with food and bones).  I've  tried a lot of things like hand feeding, not backing up when he growls, rewarding him when he doesn't growl.  I'm getting short on options, and will be going for professional help soon.  Otherwise, he is a saint and a lover to every person and dog we meet--which I hope indicates that this is just a minor and temporary issue.  

Juba is also very sensitive, and when I tried a pinch collar he got even more stubborn and somewhat aggressive toward his leash.  Everyone I meet says I need to use one,  but whenever I do it is a nightmare.  Without it he rarely if ever pulls, as he really wants to be at my side.  That said, sometimes on a walk, he will flop down and refuse to move.  I want him to obey, but pinch collars seem to make things worse.  Some high value treats get his attention,  as do squeaky things :).  But I can't count on those things when I need him to move.  

Any advice?  I want to wait to neuter him until 18 months, but I feel that the aggression may stop if we neuter him sooner.  

[Lisa Tiro]

Hi Layla and welcome!

I would get professional help sooner rather than later! If he is challenging you already at 5 months old and making his own decisions about when he wants to move then you could be in for a rude awakening and possibly a bite. He sounds like he is redirecting when wearing the prong collar. I would get a trainer that deals with dominant dog breeds yesterday!

Good luck!

~Lisa

Layla Bush said:

I'm the proud owner of a 5 1/2 month old BB mix.  He is 3/4 BB, 1/8 Kengal shepherd, and 1/8 Argentine Dogo.  I got him from Andrew Johnson of Olympic Dogs.  He was the biggest in his litter, and is currently almost 26 inches at the shoulder,  and about 80-90lbs.  

I wasn't originally looking for a BB, just a large mastiff mix that was was bred for health and good temperment.   I found Andrew in my area doing just that and after doing research decided I wanted a BB dominant dog.  I waited got the right puppy and ended up with Juba. 

I'm here for advice and information.  So far my guy is great, except for some resource guarding behavior (with food and bones).  I've  tried a lot of things like hand feeding, not backing up when he growls, rewarding him when he doesn't growl.  I'm getting short on options, and will be going for professional help soon.  Otherwise, he is a saint and a lover to every person and dog we meet--which I hope indicates that this is just a minor and temporary issue.  

Juba is also very sensitive, and when I tried a pinch collar he got even more stubborn and somewhat aggressive toward his leash.  Everyone I meet says I need to use one,  but whenever I do it is a nightmare.  Without it he rarely if ever pulls, as he really wants to be at my side.  That said, sometimes on a walk, he will flop down and refuse to move.  I want him to obey, but pinch collars seem to make things worse.  Some high value treats get his attention,  as do squeaky things :).  But I can't count on those things when I need him to move.  

Any advice?  I want to wait to neuter him until 18 months, but I feel that the aggression may stop if we neuter him sooner.  

[Lynn Barrett]

Hi, I'm from Texas near Houston! Currently I am just getting to know the breed (aging mastiff owner and longtime dog exhibitor/trainer) and interested in learning all I can. At some point I plan to own one and exhibit in performance (tracking, obedience, etc) events.

[Sue Fernandez]

Hello,

My husband and I have 2 little girls. We are in the process of researching and finding the right boerboel puppy for our family.

We live in Florida.

-Sue

[Lisa Tiro]

Welcome Sue! Do your homework before choosing a breeder. Good luck in your search!

~Lisa

[gilbert crocker]

please becareful.My experience as new owner is the beorboel requires much attention.After the first year mine starts to suprise me with her power,attention,ferousity(did i spell that right),gentleness,fearless and trainable.(Wilson sits,stays ,still working on Here!(i guess that smelly blade of grass is more interesting)Dominating seems her forte(jumps on people, dogs)so far that's been the hardest to stop.My good friend pushed me (playfully mind in a "get out of here"kind of way and my Wilson attacked and bit em.just hard enough that he backed off(Wilson and my friend are well aquainted).

My American Pitbull (George RIP)was nowhere near as protective .

my best advice ...socialize the dog as much as possible to those that will come in contact with em.

Their playfulness,  curiousity,gentleness,vigor,handsomeness,(they are beautiful),power,fearless,intelligence are truly something to behold.

[Sue Fernandez]

gilbert crocker said:

please becareful.My experience as new owner is the beorboel requires much attention.After the first year mine starts to suprise me with her power,attention,ferousity(did i spell that right),gentleness,fearless and trainable.(Wilson sits,stays ,still working on Here!(i guess that smelly blade of grass is more interesting)Dominating seems her forte(jumps on people, dogs)so far that's been the hardest to stop.My good friend pushed me (playfully mind in a "get out of here"kind of way and my Wilson attacked and bit em.just hard enough that he backed off(Wilson and my friend are well aquainted).

My American Pitbull (George RIP)was nowhere near as protective .

my best advice ...socialize the dog as much as possible to those that will come in contact with em.

Their playfulness,  curiousity,gentleness,vigor,handsomeness,(they are beautiful),power,fearless,intelligence are truly something to behold.

Thank you for the advice.

[Sue Fernandez]

Does anyone know any reputable breeders in Florida?

[Lisa Tiro]

Hi Sue,

If I was going to get a BB pup and I  lived in FLA, I would call Darkwater Boerboels in VA and Centurion Boerboels in Va. I live in MA and I got my male from Kansas from David Harris. These 3 breeders, and there are others as well, have good reputations and produce good quality dogs with good temperaments. Temperament and health should be the #1 concern. The reason I told you to do your homework is because there are many people that are breeding BB's with poor nerves, poor temperaments and bad health. My first one was a train wreck and I THOUGHT that I did my homework. So talk to people who have experience and ask lots of questions. You should also visit the breeder in person and put your hands on their dogs. Just remember, BB's are not for everyone. they are a dominant breed and need lots of training and exercise. Good luck!

~Lisa

[Sue Fernandez]

Hi Lisa,

Have you heard of Rocking H Boerboels or another breeder in Tallahassee. I can't remember their name?

Just wondering.

Also, Do you recommend SABT registered boerboels or AKC?

Thanks

[Lisa Tiro]

Can't say I have Sue. I care less about appraisal scores and focus more on health and temperament. My male is only about 100 pounds and is athletic and agile and has a medium drive. The best part is he has a great temperament with people and other dogs. He is guaranteed by his breeder. Look for a breeder that interviews you to see if you are the right fit for his dog. Good breeders will take back a dog if for any reason you have to rehome them. There are a lot of so called breeders out there that are more like car salesmen trying to make a fast buck, so be careful.