2 year old Female DDB still wary of men/kids

[Hmacalle]

Hi all,

My 2 year old female Dogue de Bordeaux, who just got spayed in July, still shows hesitation around men and kids, no matter how much I've socialized her. She is given daily walks in a very well traveled park nearby, has been taken to the dog park often and is very playful with most dogs she meets - all of this since we got her at 4 months. Some dogs she meets she will give the business to if they are jumpy or too forward on the leash. In general, she is an independent yet very obedient girl who we've raised from a pup and has been given the best of care. Even men that she's met before and likes (neighbors, trainers and such) are not greeted with calmness or enthusiasm (which I don't expect) but more shyness/fear. It's disturbing. Has anyone else had this experience? Is it just the female tendency or was she not well socialized before I got her at 4 months? I don't know what the imprint window is for dogs. She's never really taken to children, unless they are very calm. I've tried everything to try to socialize her but I feel I have failed. To be fair, a lot of the men she meets are overly aggressive in their approach to her as are children. As we know, these dogs are not Labs. I always try to let people know that she does not like to be "manhandled" or approached with a stick in hand.

In addition, for a guardian breed she seems much too edgy. For instance, we walked in between two people last week on a walk and one of them made a gesture with their arm as they passed and my female reared up on the leash, bucked and wanted to run. This is not what I expect from a Dogue de Bordeaux. By definition, they should be not easily aroused and vigilant. To be fair, almost all other times that we walk past people with reactive dogs or people who behave strangely, she has no reaction at all. I'm puzzled. I certainly don't expect her to attack a person who behaves strangely unless they are threatening me.

Any help or insight would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Dogue Lover]

I just copied this off your post.
a lot of the men she meets are overly aggressive in their approach to her as are children

This may be where your problem is. It's always your responsibility to introduce your dog to anyone with the right approach. Don't let these overly aggressive men and children walk into the dogs space without proper introduction. The dog sounds very insecure about them approaching her. It could very well be from how she's approached. Have the men and children wait as you put your dog in a sit or even down position then have them calmly approach her. It surprises me to hear they approach this dog in an aggressive manner since these dogs by nature have such an intimidating look.

 

[Hmacalle]

Hi,
Thanks for responding. I do think that you are right - this is the problem in general. I am astounded at how many men/children approach her without one thought of her reaction or asking. Then there are those who ask if your dog is friendly and as soon as you start to say yes, they jump right in with the overhand rough head rub because of course, she looks so tough. A friend of mine said that the guys probably do that to show that they're not scared of her or that they're tough guys. Kids just don't know better and sometimes even with their parents there instructing them or me instructing them, they get excited and start squealing and running around her, trying to touch her rear end, etc. We live near a heavily trafficked park and although most people know better and are polite and respectful, some aren't.

That aside, I am still concerned about her jumpiness in certain situations but maybe I am being too hard on her and expecting too much.

---------- Post added at 04:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:16 PM ----------

 

[Hmacalle]

Hi,<br>Thanks for responding.&nbsp; I do think that you are right - this is the problem in general.&nbsp; I am astounded at how many men/children approach her without one thought of her reaction or asking.&nbsp; Then there are those who ask if your dog is friendly and as soon as you start to say yes, they jump right in with the overhand rough head rub because of course, she looks so tough.&nbsp; A friend of mine said that the guys probably do that to show that they're not scared of her or that they're tough guys.&nbsp; Kids just don't know better and sometimes even with their parents there instructing them or me instructing them, they get excited and start squealing and running around her, trying to touch her rear end, etc.&nbsp; We live near a heavily trafficked park and although most people know better and are polite and respectful, some aren't.&nbsp; <br><br>That aside, I am still concerned about her jumpiness in certain situations but maybe I am being too hard on her and expecting too much.

 

[Dogue Lover]

I say continue to work with her in different places for different sounds etc. Eventually she will become accustomed to swinging arms or whatever. I will say her job should be to be more focused on you than anything else. It's ok to tell those ppl to not be so rough on your dog. Say something like even though she's big doesn't mean you need to pound on her when you pet or rubb her. Also when you take her to these places your dog doesn't have to be approached by every child or man. Tell them your working her right now maybe another time. At least till she's proofed for being comfortably approached around strangers. Take her to a park where kids are playing being loud and obnoxious. Keep her attn. the entire time or as much as possible play with her right next to where the kids are playing. Same goes for men. Take her to where a bunch of them are all watching a football game and make all kinds of moves and gestures while they watch it. Have them ignore her entirely so then she becomes comfy seeing flying arms etc.


I wish you the best with your ddb and would love to see a pict of her.

 

[Marrowshard]

I agree with Dogue on going to active parks ... when we were trying to break Ebony's (BM) fear of bicycles we frequented a city park that was across the road from a school. Lots of class nature hikes, daycare groups, lunch break kids, etc. We even lucked out once at a big birthday party with loads of screaming kids, bikes, water balloon fights, and food smells. We took a seat in the corner under the pavillion and just chilled. After a while the bikes ceased to rouse her and she was soon sunning herself on the concrete, oblivious to the chaos around us.
It seems like youo've had some badly behaved humans to deal with too ... I think the only person who ever rushed up and scruffled my dog's head was a PetSmart employee who honestly should have known better. Most kids these days (around here, anyway) either ask first or their parents will caution them to be polite. A gentle reminder to kids and such on your part wouldn't be rude, and if people take it that way then that's their problem ... you're trying to teach your dog confidence and safety and it's not the general public's right to interfere by trying to prove something or acting through inexperience.

~Marrow

 

[PuppyPaws]

I agree with Marrow and Dogue. You might also inlist the help of some "men folk" you know... go on a way and have them stationed at different places. When they pass each other, have them throw (gently and discreetly) your dog a small yummy treat. Might ease some tension and teach her to lessen her anxiety around them. Please keep us posted.

 

[PuppyPaws]

EDIT...

I agree with Marrow and Dogue. You might also inlist the help of some "men folk" you know... go on a WALK and have them stationed at different places. When your dog passes each guy, have them throw (gently and discreetly) your dog a small yummy treat. Might ease some tension and teach her to lessen her anxiety around them. Please keep us posted.

Sorry... I was a little sleepy, I think

 

[Hmacalle]

Thanks so much to everyone for your input.&nbsp; I will continue to work with her with your advice.