What's new
Mastiff Forum

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

  • Welcome back!

    We decided to spruce things up and fix some things under the hood. If you notice any issues, feel free to contact us as we're sure there are a few things here or there that we might have missed in our upgrade.

Problems with other dogs

chelseam46

New Member
Hi, I'm looking for some advice on my bullmastiff. First time coming across this website so I thought I'd give it a shot :)

I have a bullmastiff, Nate (2, nearly 3), and a sharpei, Harley (11). They get on great together and, so far, we've had no issues with them. However, over the past few months, Nate has started to have a problem with other dogs. I'm not sure why this started to happen, as he never used to have any problems with dogs, and as a pup he loved to play with other dogs. Now though, sometimes when he sees a dog and start jumping/pouncing around and shaking his head, as if in a fit of anger. We bought him a Halti headcollar as we noticed this becoming a bit more frequent, which has helped but not solved the problem.

He's never been a fight with a dog, and, although he's very strong, I'm able to control him during these fits of anger, but it would be great if anyone had any advice on how to stop this. At first I thought maybe he was being protective over me or Harley, as he's so old, but I'm not so sure now.

Can anyone help?!
 

tmricciuto

Well-Known Member
Welcome to the boards. I would ask if you're sure it's anger or if he wants to play?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

PrinceLorde13

Well-Known Member
I was about to ask the same when my female wants to play she makes funny like growl whine noises and will jump up and start slamming her front paws against the ground, usually ends in a play bow, chin to the ground butt in the air
 

chelseam46

New Member
Obviously I'm not completely sure, but I'm pretty certain it's anger. He seems too violent to just want to play in my opinion, but I could be wrong. Since bullmastiffs are such big, strong dogs, most dog owners seem quite scared of him when he does this, so he doesn't get the chance to play with dogs other than my sharpei. Maybe this is the reason he gets so worked up?
 

PrinceLorde13

Well-Known Member
Is it happening in the same place or just anywhere he sees another dog? I know an in heat female even from a good distance can make males suddenly act the fool. Without seeing his behavior it is very difficult to gauge if he being aggressive, playful, or even nervous. However it does Not sound like typical aggression, the majority of dog aggressive pups I've seen its usually very obvious, firm posturing, growling, barking, stare down, tensing of muscles, movement becomes very slow and mechanical, straight lunge. If you happen to know any other large dog owners I would suggest a controlled test to see, just make sure you have firm control over both dog in the case it is outright aggression, I'd offer up my guys as test subjects but it's not very likely you happen to be in my area
 

chelseam46

New Member
It does happen in the same place, or with the same dogs, sometimes, but it also happens with dogs he's never seen before. I understand it's difficult to tell without seeing it happen. From your description, I can only really say that his muscles do tense up, he doesn't growl or bark, and it's not really one slow, mechanical movement. Maybe it would be, but my grasp and the headcollar pull him back and he is fighting against it? I really don't know! I'll try and ask other large dog owners their opinion. Thanks for your help anyway :)
 

DennasMom

Well-Known Member
Is it only when the Sharpei is around? My first thought is also that he's starting to be a little over-protective of him.

One way to "cure" the reaction - When you see a potential "target" (i.e. other dog) approach, before Nate can get too worked up, have him sit and focus on you - treat repeatedly as long as he stays focused on you. Treat also if he watches the other dog pass and doesn't react... i.e. if he returns to looking at you and the treat. Yes, it's basically a bribe to get him not to lunge... but once he's in the habit of stopping, sitting and waiting for a treat, you can start to randomize the rewards and just praise him for good behavior.

I'd take him out alone and look for some other dogs as challenges for Nate... so you can really work on the issue and let Nate know what is and is not acceptable behavior.
 

Glasgowdogtrainer

Well-Known Member
Keep him at a distance where he can see the other dog but is non-reactive. Reinforce with high value treats (chciken, sausage ect the piecesa bout the size of a finger nail) with a high rate any behaviour you like, which is basically the absence of non-reactive behaviour. Let him see the other dog so that you can build the following sequence

1. He sees the other dog
2. He behaves appropriately
3. Those behaviours are reinforced.

This way, when he sees another dog, he'll check on with you. This works well but makes sure you get the distance right at first and then gradually reduce the distance as you need it.