when did your dog(s) temperament come on?

[zebraworks]

Just curious. past dog I had was about 5 months or so (started with growling and then moved pretty rapidly to that plus crazy barking and lunging). 3 years ago, Before I even knew anything about breed we became owners of black mixed bred "fila" that doesn't like strangers but won't bite them (to date). 4 mo. old puppy has been open with strangers but now seems to be dodging any attempts for them to try to touch her (hasn't really growled at them yet and I have been taking her to local bench outside of country store for exposure to people and also to family members homes).

I think I have read where not trying to socialize them can result in stronger reactions at earlier age to strangers? Also curious if what kind of other dogs they live with has any effects??

 

[Tiger12490]

Athena was dodging hands at about 4-5 months and was hands off at 6 months. .

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[chuckorlando]

Kona was about the same. From bout 6m to a year she was a lunatic. I believe myself you gotta socialize right through that stage or you will be stuck with that reaction. Kona will bite you if you touch her period. But she's well manured I guess you could say

 

[dogman#1]

It all really depends on the bloodlines, male vs female, etc. It has been my experience that females come in quicker than males. I have seen some pretty hard pups at 4 mths (and no, not just fear.. these guys were lunging and got live bites and all) but I have also heard of some dogs that although didnt show anything until after they were a year old they became beasts later on. Like Chuck said, socialize as much as you can and even after you realize they cant be around people socialize from a safe distance, ie. I got crowded sidewalks that you obviously dont want your dog in but the street... nobody walks in the street (just watch the cars). From the strret you dog can see, hear,and even smell the people but no danger to anyone. BTW walk in the middle of the street as much as possible as kids do tend to dart out in between cars and such.

 

[slim12]

I had a female at twelve weeks that would take a bite and be serious about it, and then go after the the bad guy like she was two years old. I had another female that was 18 months before she even showed some some inklings of temperament. Another male that never had it period. He never met a person he didn't like. So it is pretty much an individual dog's make-up. There are some consitencies in bloodlines but even within bloodlines there a differences down to the individual.
The easy ones are the ones that give you some notice and gradually move in that direction. I have seen a few that went from docile to bat shit crazy and never look back. So it is really important to pay attention to the individual dog and catch the signs early on. S

 

[tojvan]

It depends what do you mean by it, a pup at 3 months shying away from strangers, cringing at the slightest touch from an outsider is also showing his or her temprament; which escalates over time. My pup did exactly the same thing at about 3 months now at 5 months he stalks strangers walking towards us, by crouching low and lunges once they are within range. If a stranger pays too much attention he is quick to show his dislike by barking mixed with growls. That being said i still don't think he would bite anyone yet except if pushed to the absolute limit; The only time i have seen this is just recently when my pup needed I.V cause of some digestive issues and needed to stay at the Vets. I had to muzzle him so that the doc can do his job because he bit one of the helpers.

 

[aceoutdoor]

3 months is the youngest I have seen solid ojeriza. Lol Tojvan sometimes people find out the hard way muzzles can be needed even at a young age. Sounds like he is gonna be a tough Fila, I mean mix breed.

 

[tojvan]

3 months is the youngest I have seen solid ojeriza. Lol Tojvan sometimes people find out the hard way muzzles can be needed even at a young age. Sounds like he is gonna be a tough Fila, I mean mix breed.

lol seems that way, i try to socialize him as much as possible but that came with its own challenges especially arounf 3 to 4 months. I didn't like strangers touching him since i didn't know how he will react but people seem to get offended if i tell them that. Thankfully i don't have to say anything anymore, people can finally take a hint. In north America people have gone soft, even if the dog has been provoked, if it bites it'll most likely be put down (unless the owner is a multimillionaire and can afford to sue the city and take them to court); back in India a bite here and there isn't a big deal, people know that the dog was most likely provoked.

 

[cookiedough39]

Interesting comments. My 16 week old Corso does not want to be touched by strangers. While on a socializing trip to the park last week a guy tried to pet her. Yeah, she bit his nail. And would have done more. (he knew he messed up and actually apologized) She just turned into another dog after he reached over her head. Here is her thing. She is like this with all strangers until she is around them long enough to feel at ease. I do this test on her now. If she meets somebody new, I wait until she will let me put on her back and rub her belly before they can touch her. Time it takes is usually 15 minutes. I tried this on 4 of my friends this week and it worked. After she let me rub her belly she was just fine with them touching her. Before the belly rub though she was not having it. She wouldn't even take her favorite treat (peanut butter) from a spoon from them. She is not aggressive at all at home. Never nips or barks at my kids, she is an angel. She is just not friendly at all to new people until they meet her time quota. I will continue to do this and hopefully she will bet better.

 

[zebraworks]

She is just not friendly at all to new people until they meet her time quota. I will continue to do this and hopefully she will bet better.

she sounds great.

 

[Emily2719]

Our cane/fila mix (mom is fila, dad is cane) is starting to show signs of this, she is 6 months. I am really working hard on taking her for long walks where there are a lot of people around. What I have really noticed is that when someone is walking towards me she sits down in front of me almost on my feet. I am just really trying to make sure that she is kept socialized