Regressing behaviors in English Mastiff after family returns from vacation.

[Mucker]

We have a 15 month English Mastiff. She has been socialized with both dogs and people. She was trained in obedience classes and was just a nice easy going big dog. We went away for two weeks on vacation. She stayed at home with the other dogs and a friend house/dog sit for us. Also prior to out leaving she had surgery on her elbow and is still recovering (so she is not getting all the exercise that she needs). She is only going on limited, leashed walks. No running.

The problems started immediately. During her walks she wants to bark, growl, chase dogs, people and cars. She was never like this before. She has also started not responding to me (her main handler) and is more responsive to the pack mentality with our other two dogs (Bichon and a Husky Mix). When she and I are alone she listens better until another dog is nearby, then she charges, tries to get out of her harness etc.

I am very concerned with this set back. Anything would be appreciated and helpful.

 

[AKBull]

How long has it been since you've been back from vacation? Sounds like she spent 2 weeks without the "law" there, injured, and surrounded by other healthy dogs. She had to refit into the existing pack sans the alpha (you). Not saying anything bad against you, she's just going to need time to get back into the way things used to be. Be firm, be the alpha, work with her and then work with them all. She needs to see you're the boss no matter who is nearby.

 

[Cody]

Remember as well that these guys hit maturity later in life, usually at around 2 years old.
Things change in them, and they may want to establish their rank in the pack as adults.
She could very well be coming into herself.

 

[ruby55]

Remember as well that these guys hit maturity later in life, usually at around 2 years old.
Things change in them, and they may want to establish their rank in the pack as adults.
She could very well be coming into herself.

I've been seeing this in Ruby since around 18 months. A dog snapped at her at a rescue event we attended & Ruby actually growled & sneered at her. She's NEVER reacted to other dogs before. And also in defense of your dog sitter: I dog sit for a friend who happens to also be a trainer. No matter how hard I try to treat her 5 dogs as she does, it always takes a while for everyone to settle back into their routine when she gets back home.

 

[Mucker]

Thanks for the feedback. Mucker is our 1st EM and it is a whole different experience. She seems to be settling down a bit, we just really had to go back to basics and consistency within the family.