Nekhbet

The environment can only increase or decrease the expression of behaviors genetically inherent in the animal. You can't create something out of nothing. If that was the case we would not have separate dog breeds but just one generic fit all dog that you molded into whatever you wanted. As for the pit bull debate, considering the poor quality breeding inherent in the 'type' the fact that there are individuals that will cause harm is not surprising. But then that happens in crap breeding of all breeds - thin nerve, too sharp, shaking/screaming, extremes of personality type etc. In the old days we put these dogs to sleep.

I have 5 bitches, 2 entire, and an entire male. I must admit I practice separation of any new dog that comes in and it can't go free with the group until I have total attention and bonding. I have more 6 dogs that are separate then a pack that works things out amongst themselves. Resources are all mine, anyone tries to get snippy over anything and woe betide the offender... I did have my rottie and bordeaux grab each other at one point but rottweiler had severe HD/ED and bordeaux wanted to lie on the bed. He hurt the rottie and it was on. Mind you they grabbed each other by the neck and just lay there. When we pulled them apart by the back legs (oh THEN the rottie had no leg problems...) the bordeaux's tooth got him on the leg and we had a gusher. No stitches required. We kept them separate after that with a baby gate and they would sniff each other with no problems, totally ignore each other etc. Once somehow rottie opened the back door and spent all day out with the bordeaux I came home they were best buddies frolicking together. The pain was the major cause of his snarking as he was very severe and hated other dogs being near him on bedding when he was laying as he found it hard to move himself in that position. Apart from that issue, no one's got a problem. When the pug throws a mental fit at one of the Malinois they just walk off .... you can almost hear the bitches sniggering at the poor old thing :laugh:

It will be similar with the flirt pole. The problem though is through prey drive you want to also encourage focus from the dog. Flirts are good for the beginning but you will want to bring the tug closer to you otherwise the tug becomes the whole game which is a BIG problem down the road. The tug should have no value to the dog unless you're interacting with it. You also need to start teaching the out, focus to start the game again, rinse and repeat. Easy actually just take it slow and in short bursts. Yes Haredown is right, people are way too rough with tug games in a developing dog. Like I said there is also the byproduct of chewing, over excitement, unfocussed prey etc so you end up with something you dont really want instead of control! Prey drive doesn't have to mean a shaking, drooling dog it's about precise focus and actually quiet behaviour from your dog all focussed straight onto you.

Some pointers; - Dont wave it up in the air or around your face - Keep it low to the ground at the beginning to engage the pup. Wiggle it and keep it just out of reach of the pup to encourage it to follow - Dont make it too hard. Read your dog. I see people tease and tease for ages until the dog loses interest because what's the point?! - If the pup has the tug in it's mouth NEVER jerk it very hard and dont thrash your dog about. The point of a tug game is to teach controlled prey drive, not explosive blasts of prey drive. Slowly move the tug side to side with enough pressure that if the dogs bite weakens it slips out then give it a quick flick and wiggle like 'oops you lost it!!' It will also prevent the dog from learning to chew the tug toys which is a nervous behavior.

I was going to say Erny and Cosmolo are closer (Erny is very close I think to where you are?)

There's also pet resorts Australia Bowral if that's not too far from you. See if Glenn is available for a chat and recommendation of a behaviorist available now if they're not convenient for you to visit.

Why don't you get in with the training now so you can? Of course you can handle more then one dog they have to be trained to listen.

If you're rushed by an aggressive dog look up at the sky or close your eyes, fold your arms and stand stock still. You will usually be circled by the animal looking for a reason to escalate. If you do nothing at all you may get a provocatory nip but hard as it is, ignore it and dont move until the dog moves off or someone calls it back. Considering you don't know the animal you NEVER make a forward movement or shout etc. You could inflame the animal further and not every dog will back down when confronted by a stranger.

You sound like you have plenty of places to put Bruno. Considering he's not aggressive or dangerous to turn your back on just put him outside or in a room. Doubt the kids are going to go actively seeking him out to play with. Not that big a fuss really. If the visitors are afraid of the dog fair enough then, not everyone is the same. I wouldn't go changing life for it though just put him away. No trauma in it for a day or even three.

of course Green Cross are concerned ... they have shareholders to think about, SHEESH people not vaccinating yearly is dangerous for their profits! How dare you!

Actually once someone kicked my dog. She didnt react but he kicked her square in the hind, he was lucky he kicked the non reactive one. Rather random. Or do I just attract nutters?

A guy threw himself over a table into a pile of boxes head first. Pure swan dive straight into them. Over a Malinois... pfft

Kind of yes kind of no. I'm not one to jump into saying something like resource guarding because it makes it sounds more severe then it actually is. They're not really 'sharing' dogs, what they have is theirs and it can be more a possessive reflex on behalf of the dog - I'm getting the attention how dare you barge in *snap*. Their little behavioral quirks too don't help it makes the situation seem worst then it is. 99% of the time they won't actually do any damage at all, they can make these great gestures without the intent of true harm. THey're just speshal really O_o

He's probably done the typical this feels good scratch, he's been wiggling his leg and kicked himself in the head. Don't laugh, I've seen it ... one of my own dogs did it. He could think now it's going to hurt. Check his ears that there is nothing sore there, give them a good prod, if he squeals get them checked out. I think a jump straight to OCD is a bit of a stretch at this point. If you see him start mucking around like that just tell him to cut it out.

Hypotheticals. That's all they are. What people feel about made up scenarios in their own minds has nothing to do with this dog. And there is more to a story then is usually plastered all over DOL. It's ok, there are actually people out there capable of looking after a dog and doing the right thing without the DOL brigade having a panic attack over it. The dog is also a male and as for breeding, there was never any mention of that happening in any way shape or form, and there was never any point where the law was going to be broken either. Again tiny snippets of information are blown up into hypotheticals and insinuations of irresponsibility. Plenty of reasons to have and train and entire dog that do not include breeding in any way. What happens to the dog is between the OP and the new owner, not DOL to be the peanut gallery.

Manipulative aren't they. If you want to interact with another dog send him on his way, don't be afraid to be stern. Try having 4 at once ... all wanting a pat at the same time ...

OK ... wow at some of the comments on here. A rare, specialised dog needs a new home and instead there's accusations thrown around of this that and the other and an obsession over his testicles. The person I recommended I trust with my life. Literally. He's helped me and others so much and is far from unscrupulous. If you could only fathom to what lengths he has gone to to save dogs from his own breeding ... It's upsetting to me personally actually that there is any question and that some peoples minds can immediately spring to the worst scenario of someone who is such a dear friend to me. You don't know so you judge. Hell or high water his dogs come first to him. Sometimes I wonder about the mentality of people on this forum I really do.

Any contracts can be honoured, the point is not to just whip the dogs balls out on a whim before testing him for what he's good for.

I meant in relation to the comment - Because he's going to an Australian home he needs to be desexed. Can people just be happy for something on this forum instead of just aiming at the negatives. Sheesh. Bigger things to worry about then get all up in arms about a dog on a desexing agreement. That is a bit of a harsh comment really since you don't know who has put their hand up.

He's not going to be bred from and if he does have a chance at a working life he needs to be entire. There's no need to desex on principle particularly if the dog is still maturing. He owns entire dogs and always has without accident so I don't see why the dog needs an unnecessary procedure done.

I tell you I have not heard a grown man squeeee like that over the phone before ... just saying ... he is from Europe and knows the breed well, it's kind of his dream dog and I think I just made his millenium lol

got a home for him down here ready and waiting with one of the most experienced people in the country with working dogs. I have PMd you the contact he wants the dog ASAP. Loving home guarenteed he's a dear friend of mine and treats dogs better then most people treat their children.

Yes, yes and yes. Don't goo goo him or he will walk all over you. You need to be firm but calm with them, don't give an inch or they they don't just take a mile they book a round the world trip :laugh: oh but they seem so meek and quiet at times. The snapping and also prodding with the nose sharply is belgian. They're as fast as lightening but you see it brewing subtly in the face. Tell them to rack off from the situation if they try and pull crap like that around you or other dogs. Put him in his crate and that's that. Lovely dogs though :p

yeah I think 6 is enough for now otherwise I would

I have messaged you back. Oh to have the space dammit :p