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Aggressive Mastiff- Advice needed please!

CECE1980

Member
Hi Everyone

I have a 4 year old Male French Mastiff - Frank who has always shown signs of aggression in unprovoked and random examples of aggression toward me.
Yesterday when I was trying to refill his food bowl while he was eating, he bit my hand and arm- drawing blood with 5 puncture marks- as I retreated he came at me with his gums showing and he was foaming at the mouth- this was terrifying for me and since I have not been able to be around him and i have been extremely upset.

This isn't the first time this has happened, he has shown aggression since he was a pup I was concerned shortly after we got him from the breeder, he bit me 3 years ago and drew blood and I had to have a tetanus, he has been aggressive against other people and children and other dogs (Surprisingly not my girlfriends chihuahua cross who is the dominate dog in the house) but I would say every few months there is an incident (once when I was doing sit ups on the floor he jumped on top of me and was snarking and barking in my face as if he were about to attack!)

My girlfriend had a few scary moments when she has been walking him when he has almost pulled her over trying to get to people in an aggressive way and one time knocked her clean over and ran to bark at some police horses in the road, he has also gone at her a few times in an aggressive manor and she has been scared.

I can no longer have Frank at home, I am now scared of him more than ever and he knows it, he doesn't back down when I try and command him and it has just been one thing after another over the years.. I would not class him as an aggressive dog at all times he can be very soppy and mostly craves strokes and attention from people but there have been too many random aggressive episodes towards me and other people, you just never know when he might strike.

I don't have friends over to the house, i don't have family or children around him because I am too scared of what could possibly happen.

He was recently castrated but this does not seemed to have solved anything.

All of the rescue shelters and dog rehoming centres (RSPCA, Battersea Dogs Home, Dogs Trust, All dogs Matter...) have said they cannot re-home aggressive dogs or dogs who have bitten and they are usually euthanised and that is what a responsible owner should do, I know this is true as I wouldn't forgive myself if Frank really hurt another person or worse still a child?

i don't know what to do, I can definitely no longer keep him, I can't find anyone who can take him either, I know what the alternative is but its so upsetting to even contemplate. I love Frank and I am just so upset with how things have turned out and I can't see an option for him at this point.

I guess in an ideal world I would find someone to give him a home, someone who has experience with such a dog that could give him the time and training he needs and someone who is able to give him a second chance- because I can't..

Any advice would be great fully appreciated..

Thank you

David
 

CeeCee

Well-Known Member
Hi David,
I'm sorry you are in the situation. Have you taken him to a behaviorist and had him evaluated? Obviously, this is a very serious situation and requires experienced professional help. It SOUNDS like he has triggers that are not being recognized and because of that he feels "forced" to react. You're right he can sense your afraid and don't trust him. With you in that place (although perfectly understandable, ) I don't see him taking direction from you. A behaviorist can help to identify exactly what's happening with Frank and help you to address and hopefully resolve them. With their insight, you might also begin to feel more comfortable and the two of you can work on trust.

Even if you still can't keep him, the behaviorist's input can help you to find a more appropriate home for him.

Where are you located? Maybe people here can recommend someone.
 

Crystalanya

Well-Known Member
You need to work with a behaviourist (not a trainer). With dogs that have human aggression, you really need a well-educated and experienced behaviourist. I'm assuming your in or near London. The Royal Veterinary College has an animal behaviour clinic, which would be a good place to start. I wouldn't give up hope, but know that it's more difficult to fix as it's been going on for a while.
 

DennasMom

Well-Known Member
Have you talked with a medical professional, also? Just thinking there may be a chemical/neurological issue at work?

A friend of mine had a springer spaniel with rage syndrome (http://www.best-behaviour.com/rage-syndrome.html). It seems to manifest after puberty (2-3 year olds). Her only options were keeping the dog heavily sedated, or sending him to the rainbow bridge early. Not an easy choice, either way.

The rage syndrome appeared completely unprovoked, though. Going after a hand in the food bowl could be more a fixable behavior issue. I agree getting a trainer/behaviorist with experience working with aggressive cases. Having an expert evaluate Frank will give you loads of ideas and support - hopefully so you can fix the issue for good - but if nothing else, for determining the best options for Frank's future.

I wish you luck, patience, and perseverance!
 

musicdeb

Well-Known Member
I'm sorry you're dealing with this issue. He is resource guarding his food which can be resolved but takes time and TONS of patience. I had to deal with that with Titan when I first got him, it took about 4 months to resolve.

I agree, he needs immediate help with a behaviorist or training with a professional who has dealt with DDB's. You should not be afraid of your dog, I was afraid of Titan when I first got him. They feed off of that fear.

Please keep us posted. I hope it works out for all of you.