Dogue De Bordeaux

[skip]

Hi all,

My workmate has a young Dogue de Bordeaux and he asked me recently about his behaviour. Firstly he said his young dog was timid and shy of strangers. I had some advice but a few days later we were talking about him again.

Apparently when this dog goes out he is perfectly fine. At friends places he is calm and relaxed. Friendly and OK with other dogs. My friend says a small dog latched on to his face at a park and he just walked away.

The timid shy behaviour only happens at his home. When the dog is in the backyard if anyone comes to visit, the dog runs away. Not worried about dogs but people BTW. He seems timid and scared. He might approach eventually but is unsure. My friend was concerned he might react badly if cornered in this situation.

He also owns a staffy male that loves people anytime. Although he is dog aggressive and is always walked on lead.

Isn't this behaviour a bit back to front? (the dogue de bordeaux that is ) Why would a dog be more scared at home? Is it a territory thing? Any thoughts?

And how would you try to resolve this? For dogs out and about I would think you reward the dog in situations that the dog dislikes and try to make a bad thing more favourable to the dog. So dog relates good things with a experience he used to dislike.

So in this dog's case would you reward any action on the dogs part that is positive when the dog has visitors. Starting with visitors at a distance and rewarding the dog for being relaxed. And working on decreasing distance and getting the dog more comfortable. Would you let visitors treat too if safe to do so.

Any advice appreciated. I know a dog behaviour specialist would help but not sure myself how severe the dogs fear is and that decision can be made by my friend. We were more curious about what would make a dog more reactive at home?

I know hard to comment without seeing the dog and the situation but thought might ask anyway.

Thanks

Edited December 14, 2011 by skip

[becks]

Has the home had a break in or attempted break in?

What is the dog like if he walks into the house at the same time as a visitor - eg meet someone while on walk and go back to the house?

[Oscar (AmBull)]

Can't help you sorry- but you should jump on this forum http://www.armbell.com/ddbforum/index.php?mforum=ddbforum where most of Australia's breeders and knowledgeable owners are always posting advice and aiding with questions just like yours. They are excellent on there, and I am not sure how many dogue owners frequent DOL- Nekhbet would be someone worth contacting about this as she has a dogue, is a trainer and is on DOL frequently. Hope you get the info you are looking for

[skip]

Thanks for your replies.

Nekhbet would be very knowlegeable so that's a good idea. And my friend can check out that site.

Becks I don't think there was a break in attempt. Interesting question about dog behaviuor if returned with a visitor. But I might guess it would be a bit like my dogs. While my dogs get out a lot they can be territorial in some circumstances. I know if I walk off my property and then I come home with people and their dogs --- no problem. But if my friends and their dogs just came into my house it is might get a bit rowdy at first.

Makes me wonder enough that I'd try this to see what happens. However my friend will have to decide what he wants to do next after seeking some more advice.

Thanks again.