I need help!!!!

[DMikeM]

From the stories here you can see that a Boerboel almost never starts a fight in a stable pack but will fight back when pressured. The BBs that do start fights are usually a stronger and more dominant dog than the one they go after and it is usually just to climb the ladder, in becoming the top dog.

 

[OdinBB]

Thank you DMikeM and everyone for the great advice, I really appreciate it. Yeah Odin did not start any of the fights but he sure as hell wasn't going to back down either. With everything I have learned from researching on the BBs I didn't expect him to back down. Well Chief came home yesterday with minor wounds (I thought it was going to be worse). Just a few staples on the top of his head, the puncture near his neck and ear didn't need any staples or stitches; the vet said the wounds were pretty superficial. We kept them separate all last night and the majority of this evening. The kids and I took Odin for a nice long walk and got him good and tired before I allowed him and Chief in the same room. It went really well, I kept Odin on a leash and controlled the situation at all times. Chief didn't growl at Odin at all, it seems that he learned his lesson and submitted to Odin. Odin seemed happy to see Chief, and wanted to check out his wounds. When Chief seemed a little nervous I told Odin enough and pulled him away. I do not trust Chief or Odin around each other and I doubt I ever will but I am hopeful that I will be able to keep both which makes me extremely happy. I plan on keeping Odin teathered to me at all times for a while anyways. I tried to find a muzzle for Odin but couldn't find one at the store that would fit, does anyone have any suggestions on where I can find one for him? I don't really want to use one but until I can trust them, Odin muzzled would make me feel much better. Again, thank you for the advice, this was a really horrible time and I appreciate the guidance.

 

[OdinBB]

Another question I have is on correcting Odin, how should we correct him or put him in his place without hitting? Please don't take this question the wrong way, I do not abuse my dogs; however, I do treat them like my children and give him a good swat when necessary. Well the other day shortly after I picked up Chief, Odin and I were outside and he kept jumping on me and wouldn't stop. He is a big strong dog and must have thought I was playing but he wouldn't stop even when I got stern and even yelled at him. So I grabbed him by the lose skin on the back of his neck and held him down and told him no jump (in an authoritative tone). He whimpered a little bit but once he stopped struggling I let him up and gave him hugs and kisses. I don't like doing things like that to him but sometimes that is the only way he will listen. I am looking for good obedience training to get him into but until then I need a little help.

 

[musicdeb]

Thank you DMikeM and everyone for the great advice, I really appreciate it. Yeah Odin did not start any of the fights but he sure as hell wasn't going to back down either. With everything I have learned from researching on the BBs I didn't expect him to back down. Well Chief came home yesterday with minor wounds (I thought it was going to be worse). Just a few staples on the top of his head, the puncture near his neck and ear didn't need any staples or stitches; the vet said the wounds were pretty superficial. We kept them separate all last night and the majority of this evening. The kids and I took Odin for a nice long walk and got him good and tired before I allowed him and Chief in the same room. It went really well, I kept Odin on a leash and controlled the situation at all times. Chief didn't growl at Odin at all, it seems that he learned his lesson and submitted to Odin. Odin seemed happy to see Chief, and wanted to check out his wounds. When Chief seemed a little nervous I told Odin enough and pulled him away. I do not trust Chief or Odin around each other and I doubt I ever will but I am hopeful that I will be able to keep both which makes me extremely happy. I plan on keeping Odin teathered to me at all times for a while anyways. I tried to find a muzzle for Odin but couldn't find one at the store that would fit, does anyone have any suggestions on where I can find one for him? I don't really want to use one but until I can trust them, Odin muzzled would make me feel much better. Again, thank you for the advice, this was a really horrible time and I appreciate the guidance.

Check out the basket muzzles (Titan uses a basket muzzle at the vet). Looking for Mastiff Muzzles? Buy Now Adjustable Wire Basket Dog Muzzle

 

[OdinBB]

Check out the basket muzzles (Titan uses a basket muzzle at the vet). Looking for Mastiff Muzzles? Buy Now Adjustable Wire Basket Dog Muzzle

Thank you for the website!!!

 

[QY10]

Another question I have is on correcting Odin, how should we correct him or put him in his place without hitting? Please don't take this question the wrong way, I do not abuse my dogs; however, I do treat them like my children and give him a good swat when necessary. Well the other day shortly after I picked up Chief, Odin and I were outside and he kept jumping on me and wouldn't stop. He is a big strong dog and must have thought I was playing but he wouldn't stop even when I got stern and even yelled at him. So I grabbed him by the lose skin on the back of his neck and held him down and told him no jump (in an authoritative tone). He whimpered a little bit but once he stopped struggling I let him up and gave him hugs and kisses. I don't like doing things like that to him but sometimes that is the only way he will listen. I am looking for good obedience training to get him into but until then I need a little help.

I have read/been taught that when a dog is exhibiting this behaviour and you acknowledge/engage with it, you're giving him the attention he wants. It's like the saying, negative attention is better than no attention.

When my dogs jump at me, I move away from them. I don't say anything, I try not to let them touch me (I'll dodge or jump out of the way if I see it coming) and I don't make eye contact with them. The second that they have all 4 feet on the ground, I give them the love and attention they're seeking. It has worked well with them. They know that jumping doesn't get attention, but having 4 feet on the ground gets them all kinds of love and attention.

 

[DMikeM]

I put my knee out and say off. I step back say sit and if it sits they get petted.

 

[AZ Boerboel]

As for a muzzle, I just got an all leather training type muzzle from fordogtrainers.com that is really nice.
My only caution with the metal basket type is to watch your face. Getting muzzle punched w a metal cage on a boerboels face hurts a lot.

As far as training and especially correction goes, I prefer an e collar. It doesn't hurt them at all, just gets their attention. We see a night and day difference in our dogs after working with them with the e collars.

 

[musicdeb]

May I ask how you get hit in the face with the metal basket muzzle? I've never had a problem with Titan's wire, basket muzzle. He loves wearing it but he only wears it to the vet.

E collars are a last resort IMO unless you have a hard dog and they must be used correctly or you will have a fear aggressive dog on your hands.

 

[DMikeM]

Boerboels like to push and poke their noses at you. They may try to poke you in the face with the muzzle on, if that happens a metal basket could take out some teeth or cause other injury.

 

[OdinBB]

Thank you for all the advice, I appreciate it! Yes Odin loves to give kisses and I could def see he could hurt me if he had a metal muzzle on.

I am sad to say that we will be placing Chief, they have not got into it again but they try to when they are in their kennels. It isn't too bad but I would feel horrible if Odin seriously hurt Chief and the rotating schedule really won't work out because they would be in the kennel for way too long, I don't like using the kennel as it is. If we did the rotating schedule during the week the dogs would be in their kennel for about 12-14 hours not including bed time. I would let one be outside in the yard while we are home but either of the dogs like to be outside by themselves; the whole time they are out they would cry wanting to get in. The weekends wouldn't be too bad but the weekdays they will be spending way too much time in the kennel.

 

[AZ Boerboel]

May I ask how you get hit in the face with the metal basket muzzle? I've never had a problem with Titan's wire, basket muzzle. He loves wearing it but he only wears it to the vet.

E collars are a last resort IMO unless you have a hard dog and they must be used correctly or you will have a fear aggressive dog on your hands.

The only time I have ever seen an e collar cause problems is when it is used incorrectly and on too high of a setting. On the setting I use (2) it basically feels like someone pinching the neck a little and is simply an attention getter. The only time it actually gets used for a real shock is when Snake breaking or putting an immediate stop to something very dangerous for the dog, like hunting dogs chasing Porcupines and such.

I have seen plenty of people ruin a good dog with them though, especially while trying to train hunting dogs. There is definitely a right and a wrong way and unfortunately a lot of people do use them poorly.

 

[AZ Boerboel]

Thank you for all the advice, I appreciate it! Yes Odin loves to give kisses and I could def see he could hurt me if he had a metal muzzle on.

I am sad to say that we will be placing Chief, they have not got into it again but they try to when they are in their kennels. It isn't too bad but I would feel horrible if Odin seriously hurt Chief and the rotating schedule really won't work out because they would be in the kennel for way too long, I don't like using the kennel as it is. If we did the rotating schedule during the week the dogs would be in their kennel for about 12-14 hours not including bed time. I would let one be outside in the yard while we are home but either of the dogs like to be outside by themselves; the whole time they are out they would cry wanting to get in. The weekends wouldn't be too bad but the weekdays they will be spending way too much time in the kennel.

It's very difficult to keep up with the rotation schedules. If my wife wasn't home all day we would have given our Pug to a friend or our MIL.
In the long run he will be safer and you will be much more at ease not worrying about his safety all the time.

 

[musicdeb]

I'm sorry you have to rehome Chief. I hope you find a good home for him. What kind of dog is Chief?

 

[OdinBB]

I'm sorry you have to rehome Chief. I hope you find a good home for him. What kind of dog is Chief?

He is a super lovable 20lb bichon frise, I don't think I'll have an issue finding him a home or I hope anyways.

I decided to go with in home training for Odin, I have a few reputable trainers I have to chose from but goodness they are expensive. Odin is worth it though so we will see how it goes.

 

[DMikeM]

Training a BB in home is fine but it is better to find a class that has multiple dogs. This builds on the socialization skills for both you and the dog. It is very important that Odin be exposed to as many dogs and humans as you can manage. This way he will be able to differentiate between good people and bad people when needed. Isolating him in home, crate and yard will only allow him to see all strangers as intruders. Believe me if he is a good lovable BB after socialization it will not prevent him from being a guardian when it is needed.

 

[OdinBB]

Training a BB in home is fine but it is better to find a class that has multiple dogs. This builds on the socialization skills for both you and the dog. It is very important that Odin be exposed to as many dogs and humans as you can manage. This way he will be able to differentiate between good people and bad people when needed. Isolating him in home, crate and yard will only allow him to see all strangers as intruders. Believe me if he is a good lovable BB after socialization it will not prevent him from being a guardian when it is needed.

Oh yes I do plan on getting him in some group setting OB training also; however, I want to address some issues we are having and ensure I have complete control of him. I socialize him as much as possible on our walks, every time we see people I allow them to pet Odin and I always ask the owners of the other dogs if Odin can see their dog. He can be a bit intimidating so sometimes the people say no..... Odin does not mind other people or other dogs but after this past weekend I am a little apprehensive to allow him around other animals. I'll get over that tho.

 

[DMikeM]

Good, you are on a good track then.