Bullmastive Puppy Training

[The Fogarty's]

Hi,

We have a 7 month old male bullmastive, Roy. Around my husband and I Roy is a beautiful dog, although still in his puppy stages, but once he sees other people a different side comes out in him. At first he was barking and backing away, now he barks, gets down low and moved towards people. Sometimes it's a little scary as we don't know what he would do if he gets too close. We have tried being firm with him once someone else is present although he doesn't obey. When it is just us around Roy obey's and does everything he is told to too, he just doesn't like other people.

If we take him for a walk he goes wild, contonuousley barking. He is already 45 - 50kg so as you can imagine very hard for me to control when walking, if he sees anything he tried to run after it. Can anyone give us some advice as to how we can control his aggression towards others??

Amanda.

[Garloch]

Oh dear! Amanda, you've got some work ahead of you haven't you! And quickly.

Can you tell us please whether he has had any socialising with other peole and dogs, such as puppy classes?

There are planty of dog trainers, and bullmastiff breeders that read the forums, and they should be able to give you some advice, much better than I. (I have a small breed with a big-dog attitude.)

It sounds as if your dog is trying to protect you, and you may be unconciously adding to the problem in the way that you are doing things. As an example, if a dog is scared of thunder and barking, and you pick them up to reassure them that its alright, the dog is then getting the message that its OK to be barking at thunder, and that it really IS something to be scared of.

Over to the trainers...........

[poodlefan]

Seek qualified, professional, experienced help NOW.

Where are you? If you give us a town/city location, we may be able to point you towards a recommended behaviouralist. This is beyond the capacity of most ordinary dog trainers to deal with - calling Bark Busters is out.

It's a pity you had to wait so long before as issues have become more serious but the sooner you get help, the better.

I would also be talking to your vet - is Rory desexed?

[ravensmyst00]

I would be getting him to obedience training quick smart.

Have PM'd you a few questions may be able to send you in the right direction once I hear from you.

[Dogsfevr]

The dog isnt trained or been adequetaly socialized .

You need to put in alot of effort via a private trainer or obedience club in your area & sooner rather that latter

We are boarding an adult male(5ys) who is having the same issues.He is 70 kg & they are now seeking help .

Bullmastiffs are very loyal,gentle & fast learning dogs but hey need training

[Nekhbet]

Thats not aggression, from the sounds of it he doesnt understand how to interact with new people and he's getting mixed signals from you two. You should have nipped this at the bud when he first started not let it progress.

which area are you in, a good trainer/school is advisable

[bullmastiff05]

Hi Amanda

Do not despair. Your 7 month old Bullmastiff is displaying the behaviour of a 3 month old, on its first walks. It is never too late to train him. Take him out for walks but you must correct him as soon as he barks or shows any bad behaviour. They need persistent training and correction and a very firm handling. It will be a lot of hard work, but will be worth the effort. He must learn to meet all sorts of people and dogs in different locations and surroundings on a regular basis. Do not go to the same place everyday and not the same time as usual. Your dog must learn to obey you before it gets completely out of control in public. I do wish you the best of luck and please keep us informed of your progress.