taylormalyon
Member
I have a two year old male Mastiff who over the past few months is showing more and more signs of aggression. My boy is an absolute sweetheart, and the biggest suck, he means everything to me. He is neutered. He is great with close family and their dogs (small poodle types). As of late, especially on walks, he will lock his attention onto a passing dog, his hair goes up, and he is on guard, I am unable to get his attention back onto me. He has been taught "focus" - this is when he focuses just on me, he completely ignores me when told to do so now. He has begun to do this with people as well when walking. Not only has he began to lock eye contact, but excessive barking at people too when walking. He also shows signs of anxiety when people are in the house, excessive talking, yawning, and sometimes to the point of shaking. Today, I had dog behaviorist come to my house to assist me on some of the tools I can use to help him. When she entered the house, he was happy to see her, but in less than a second, he had bit her hand, but did not puncture. I followed instructions, I put a muzzle on him, and reintroduced with treats, ext, he began to growl and had attempted to lunge towards her, this is something he has never done before! He has been great with other people that have come into the house, male and female. This was the first time this has ever happened.
As I continue to ramble, I might add in here that he has grabbed me twice on my arm on two separate occasions. Now I blame myself for this. I believe he was over excited as he saw a dog next door (an unaltered male, which was apparent he did not like) he was running up and down the fence, and barking excessively, ignoring my commands. I had gone up and grabbed his collar when he had whipped his head around and grabbed my arm with his mouth, he immediately let go, and no puncture, and followed commands as normal. This same situation has happened twice. I believed I had scared him both times.
Has anyone else had the same similar situations? Or have any tips on what to do? I am scared that this will continue to escalate like it has! I am continuing to work the behaviorist but any insight and helpful tips would be appreciated, even knowing I'm not alone on this would be great!
Thanks so much!
As I continue to ramble, I might add in here that he has grabbed me twice on my arm on two separate occasions. Now I blame myself for this. I believe he was over excited as he saw a dog next door (an unaltered male, which was apparent he did not like) he was running up and down the fence, and barking excessively, ignoring my commands. I had gone up and grabbed his collar when he had whipped his head around and grabbed my arm with his mouth, he immediately let go, and no puncture, and followed commands as normal. This same situation has happened twice. I believed I had scared him both times.
Has anyone else had the same similar situations? Or have any tips on what to do? I am scared that this will continue to escalate like it has! I am continuing to work the behaviorist but any insight and helpful tips would be appreciated, even knowing I'm not alone on this would be great!
Thanks so much!