Good Morning!

[adabree]

I was looking for some information on my mastiff, Tsunami, and stumbled across this website.

I am hoping to find some help because the problems that seem to be getting worse might get her put to sleep and not by choice. I am not sure how things got to this point, as she has always been very well behaved, a bit stand offish to strangers but never to the point where she would lunge snarling at the passerby. She has not been as well socialized as I would like since she first showed her aggression at the dog park by chasing and attempting to nip a little boy. So since I stopped taking her to the park I thought perhaps it was lack of exercise but I have altered that to include a 20 min session running and playing with our other dog (great dane) and a walk once a day for about a mile. I thought this would show some improvement but so far it seems she has only gotten worse.

Please help! Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you very much

Adrienne

[ruby55]

I'm so sorry you're going through this. You're at the right place for help; there are many knowledgeable owners on this site. I, however probably cannot help you. I live with 4 bullmastiffs, and they're all a bunch of slobbery, tail wagging, people lovers. We had a grumpy girl ( * THAT'S an understatement ) but she passed away last spring. It wasn't her fault; there were extenuating circumstances...Anyways I'm sure someone will chime in directly. Make sure you look around, you might find some helpful info. Oh, and we really like pictures. LOTS of pictures.

[Oak Hill Farm]

How old is she? What signs is she exhibiting now? Chasing a child is more prey drive oriented than aggression, I would like to help but we need some more info on Tsunami.

[adabree]

She just turned a year on the 8th of this month. We adopted her last June from a family with three kids aging from 6 to 11 and I could tell then that the kids didn't like her. So I had thought maybe she was being teased by them. The child she chased yesterday was walking down the opposite of the street and just charged him, "mohawk" up at the ready and pretty much scared the kid. Before when she has done this she does it in the same manner. She will be in the yard minding her own and hears/sees anyone she starts barking/growling like crazy. Only more recently has she actually charged at people.

[angelbears]

What kind of mastiff? Do you have a fence?

[adabree]

We were told she was an English Mastiff. The fence is in the works and should be done by April at latest.

[angelbears]

I would not let her off leash until you have the situation under control. Matter of fact, I never have a dog off leash. I would work really hard at socialization. That does not mean you have to have her being handled by people until you think she is ready. In the beginning, it could be sitting the car with her in a busy parking lot. Our favorite thing was to go to sonic. Short trip, usually a lot of people around and yes, the dogs got their own ice cream cone. They think going to sonic is great.

I would look into getting a trainer, if that is not an option have you checked into your local petco or whatever. They have classes that run about (I think) 20 bucks a class.

She may have been teased or mistreated and just needs a firm but gentle hand. Make sure she knows your boss, for me I reinforce this at meal time. I make mine sit and stay while I place their bowl down. Then when I release them to come to their bowl, they have to give to a kiss, then they can eat. You may have to start with baby steps. If she won't sit and stay, then start with just a sit and build on that. Make her work for treats. If you want to give her a cookie make her sit or some other command.

I think she can over come this but it will take some work. I hope others will chime in that know more than I do.

Good Luck

[Oak Hill Farm]

Around 1 year most mastiff breeds will go through another fear period. They usually become more reactive (aggressive) and territorial. I would say you are correct that your dogs fear may be linked to the previous children mistreating her as a puppy, for a dog to be so reactive to a child not close or running/screeching. I would not ever leave her out unattended, or off leash and I would be very careful currently. You don't want any bad associations during this time, as they tend to "stick". I would work with her focus. Meaning set up a controlled environment (enlist help of adult friends) start with them as far away as needed for her to have only a mild interest in them. Bring tasty treats (hot dogs/cheese) and get her to focus on you. Work toward the person being closer as time goes on. socialization is important during fear periods, but make sure there is no room for mishaps. Take along another adult to "scout" the area and help.

I would also look into the NILIF program. Most fear based aggression comes from lack of confidence. A dog secure in it's pack is more confident, thus less aggressive.