Hi,
This is my first post on here. I adopted a 9mnth male Boerboel from a local lady who could not manage him/trust him. He is now 16mnth/60kg/healthy/BARF diet etc...
My other half really wanted this dog but I was unsure as I had never handled such a powerful dog and we have 3 kids aged 12, 10 and 8. I have successfully owner various dogs over the years and never had issues. I think the issue is with my partner
With him being at work all day the mammoth task of raising and training Dexter has fallen to me. He is my life between 9-4 daily. He does as he is told and respects me big time. He arrived completely untrained/untamed/unsocialised. It has been tough introducing authority and he still tries it on from time to time but I must say, I am comfortable around him and he obeys me. After a few weeks he was showing signs of aggression and I spoke to the previous owner who then told me that he had bitten children before through her fence. My immediate reaction was to get this beast out of my home and away from my kids! We keep giving him chances cos we love him.....
The problems begin when the children arrive home from school. My attention might be drawn away with homework, play etc and the second Dexter is unattended by me, he attempts to dominate my youngest. I can NEVER leave them alone. Dexter frequently snacks, growls and lunges at him. When the kids are home Dexter tends to get locked in his den til it all settles down after dinner. They frequently have friends round or knocking at the door for them and Dexter wants to kill every one of them.
He is extremely protective of the whole family and sees every visitor as a threat to within a few metres from our perimeter. He escaped through an unlocked gate last night and attacked a small girl. I was hurt defending her but luckily she was missed. This same girl had a VERY near miss just last week with him when he shoved my son away from the door to get at her.
I am on constant high alert and forever thinking 'wheres Dexter? Are the gates and doors shut? Is anyone else in the house?' Everybody takes great care and we are forever taking precautions but there have been mistakes made and things get left open. When this happens, all training goes out the window as Dexter goes into demonic mode and really goes for anyone nearby. No amount of firm talk will work. He gets instinctive and protects us.
My partner comes home and smothers this dog with affection for far too long imo. He is 6'2, large build, with a very deep voice and Dexter I would assume would expect him to be alpha over me. So if he gets away with it around him then I stand no chance. He does not listen to me when he is around and allows him to jump up for cuddles and practically sit on his lap on the sofa. He greeds from him and no-one else. My OH thinks that love is all a dog needs and we forever argue over this dog.
Every time he harms, intimidates or threatens someone my OH blames them and gets completely defensive and emotional. All I can think is that everytime its a step closer and he will end up being taken away. I cant believe no-one has complained yet. My vet, trainer and all family and friends think he needs to be put to sleep and I must say right now I'm in favour for it because I cant risk my children or anyone else for the sake of this dog. My OH of course says that he will change and keeps sending me articles he finds interesting but things never change. I am losing respect for my man as well as my dog and feel annoyed with myself for putting up with this week after week.
Theres obviously no miracle cure and the solution is obvious but I think I need to see that other people agree or find out if its something I'm doing wrong?? Otherwise he is fit and healthy with no medical condition.
This is my first post on here. I adopted a 9mnth male Boerboel from a local lady who could not manage him/trust him. He is now 16mnth/60kg/healthy/BARF diet etc...
My other half really wanted this dog but I was unsure as I had never handled such a powerful dog and we have 3 kids aged 12, 10 and 8. I have successfully owner various dogs over the years and never had issues. I think the issue is with my partner
With him being at work all day the mammoth task of raising and training Dexter has fallen to me. He is my life between 9-4 daily. He does as he is told and respects me big time. He arrived completely untrained/untamed/unsocialised. It has been tough introducing authority and he still tries it on from time to time but I must say, I am comfortable around him and he obeys me. After a few weeks he was showing signs of aggression and I spoke to the previous owner who then told me that he had bitten children before through her fence. My immediate reaction was to get this beast out of my home and away from my kids! We keep giving him chances cos we love him.....
The problems begin when the children arrive home from school. My attention might be drawn away with homework, play etc and the second Dexter is unattended by me, he attempts to dominate my youngest. I can NEVER leave them alone. Dexter frequently snacks, growls and lunges at him. When the kids are home Dexter tends to get locked in his den til it all settles down after dinner. They frequently have friends round or knocking at the door for them and Dexter wants to kill every one of them.
He is extremely protective of the whole family and sees every visitor as a threat to within a few metres from our perimeter. He escaped through an unlocked gate last night and attacked a small girl. I was hurt defending her but luckily she was missed. This same girl had a VERY near miss just last week with him when he shoved my son away from the door to get at her.
I am on constant high alert and forever thinking 'wheres Dexter? Are the gates and doors shut? Is anyone else in the house?' Everybody takes great care and we are forever taking precautions but there have been mistakes made and things get left open. When this happens, all training goes out the window as Dexter goes into demonic mode and really goes for anyone nearby. No amount of firm talk will work. He gets instinctive and protects us.
My partner comes home and smothers this dog with affection for far too long imo. He is 6'2, large build, with a very deep voice and Dexter I would assume would expect him to be alpha over me. So if he gets away with it around him then I stand no chance. He does not listen to me when he is around and allows him to jump up for cuddles and practically sit on his lap on the sofa. He greeds from him and no-one else. My OH thinks that love is all a dog needs and we forever argue over this dog.
Every time he harms, intimidates or threatens someone my OH blames them and gets completely defensive and emotional. All I can think is that everytime its a step closer and he will end up being taken away. I cant believe no-one has complained yet. My vet, trainer and all family and friends think he needs to be put to sleep and I must say right now I'm in favour for it because I cant risk my children or anyone else for the sake of this dog. My OH of course says that he will change and keeps sending me articles he finds interesting but things never change. I am losing respect for my man as well as my dog and feel annoyed with myself for putting up with this week after week.
Theres obviously no miracle cure and the solution is obvious but I think I need to see that other people agree or find out if its something I'm doing wrong?? Otherwise he is fit and healthy with no medical condition.