Puppy Anxiety

[Studavis]

Hi Everyone. Long time lurker

We have an 8 month old Bullmastiff pup that we are having a few issues with.

For about the last 5 weeks she has turned into a real scaredy cat. To the point where if we take her somewhere she wont walk, just lay down and not move.

She is a bit apprehensive of people, but her tail is wagging at the same time. Once they are patting her and talking to her she has no issues, But still will not move. She has no issue with other dogs coming up to her. She doesn't really care about other dogs at all.

At her first puppy class she was a bit nervous, but eventually loosened up and was running around with the other dogs. So we thought she would be fine.

It also happens at home to a certain extent. Nervous to go into the kitchen for some reason. Is a little apprehensive at first when my partner gets home from work, as in won't run up to her straight away but will keep a distance with the tail wagging looking like she wants to run up. Just never does.

I'm going to take her back to school next Sunday, and see what happens there.

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers

[persephone]

Hi :)

when you open THIS LINK .. there is a title called "puppy development calendar" have a read of that ... also - puppy socialisation .

[alpha bet]

Not uncommon for your pup to develop some issues at this stage... so don't think of this as a bad sign otherwise you will end up increasing the dogs anxiety... Instead think of this as just a stage in her development and she needs some time to adjust. We all agree that socialising is important but just need some care to ensure that this is done correctly for the stage you at dealing with.... difficult for many to understand after all - Correct is a subjective term.

Your puppy school might be good and able to deal with this, however this is generally outside the scope of the normal 'puppy' school and you may find many trainers and dog enthusiasts just start quoting much of what you will read online and whether they have a true understanding or the experience to help is another thing entirely. We deal with many dogs of all ages and it is important that the approach used suits you and your dog. I notice you are in Victoria and if you wanted to ring and chat in more details I am happy to help (my profile has further details to contact myself)- there are many question needed to be asked before advice should be given.

[Salukifan]

How much do you know about Bullmastiffs and what they were bred to do?

Two things:

* This is not a breed that was developed to be friendly to strangers. They have strong protective instincts and your girl is maturing. Is it anxiety you are seeing or is she simply not willing to interact with strangers.

* This is the time of her second fear period. I'd expect some standoffish behaviours.

I would suggest some help from a trainer. If you cannot get what you need from a puppy school, ask for recommendations.

One thing though DO NOT force interaction. If she is unwilling to be greeted or patted, just back off a little, relax and have a chat and let her do the offering to greet. Pushing her may result in behaviours you don't want.

I would also be discussing this with her breeder. They will know more about what to expect at this age.

Edited October 18, 2015 by Haredown Whippets

[nyssel]

Bella and Dallas started had their 'fear period' at 7 months and were not their 'normal' happy selves and were noticeably much more anxious and nervous during this time. It'll really help if you are confident in what you do as she is probably looking to you for reassurance. :)

[Dogsfevr]

Is she sterilized .

[Pjrt]

Points about fear period and breed characteristics are definitely things to consider, as well as hormonal development (first season if she isnt speyed) . Your breeder would be a great starting point. And possibly the help of a recommended professional trainer. A large immovable anxious dog is no joy, and may become dangerous.

I'll put my flame suit on and say I have met more than a few Bullmastiff (and mixes) that have had anxious personalities and fear biting tendencies. You have done the right thing to recognise a problem and seek information and assistance.

[Studavis]

Thanks for the responses. Its definitely not protective behavior.

You can see in some instances she wants to interact with the people, all whom she has interacted with previously before this started.

She has been speyed. It's as soon as we leave home to go anywhere she is a bit nervous. But she has always come everywhere with us.

Anytime she has to get out of the car, won't come. Once out of the car will walk until a certain point.

[Mrs Rusty Bucket]

Once out of the car will walk until a certain point.

I had this problem with my dog. it was the slip chain and the way I was using it. She'd pull and pull and I'd let her and then she'd shut down. Not good.

I fixed it by changing to a flat collar and retraining the heel using treat rewards, and also not moving unless the lead was loose. So if she charged to the end of it, I would stop. I also used a front attach harness for a while - but that's not a good long term thing to do if you're not dedicated to training the loose lead heel and then you don't need it.

With a bull mastiff - cos their neck can be so thick compared to their head - you might need a limited slip collar - which is like a flat collar with a short chain - so if they do happen to pull back - they can't slip out of it, but at the same time - it can't choke them.

Now she's pretty keen on going for walks but it took a very long time to get over the damage I'd done with the slip chain collar.

Pay attention to what she really loves - roast chicken, fresh cooked sausage, dry cat food, little bits of cheddar, ear rubs, pats under the chin or above her tail... and pair those with behaviours you do want. If she's really anxious - she won't eat anything. If she's only a little bit worried and still takes the food - the food releases all sorts of happy warm feelings for the dog which it then connects with whatever activity you're trying to achieve like recall, loose lead walks etc. Ear rubs and long stroking pats are also soothing to most dogs.

Edited October 18, 2015 by Mrs Rusty Bucket

[Bullmastiffmum]

First things first, she is adorable.

I have very limited experience, first time owner of a bullmastiff, who is now nearly 8 years old.

You delema seems identical to what our boy was like around that age.

If possible,I would highly recommend contact and discussions with breeder or breeders of the breed. This wasn't available with our breeder and i didn't think about other breeders or contacting a bullmastiff club of our state at the time.

We were attending training from puppy till about 4 1/2 years, but with his behavioural issues we went down alot of avenues, one on one trainers, behavioural experts etc, but I feel what worked best for us was research, understanding the breed and understanding him and making sure we just relaxed. We could have done things alot better or different, but we aren't perfect and we have learnt alot and are still learning alot about our boy and this amazing breed.

Also the link by persephone would be very important and useful reading material.

You definitely will need guidance and assistance because if she is anything like my boy was/ is, it will make each stage manageable or give you tips and guidance.

Only one thing from experience...

I didn't feel trainers, no matter how highly regarded, with minimal varied breed experience, ie only one or two breeds, weren't ideal with our behaviour problems.

Good luck, and enjoy her.

The bullmastiff is an amazing and unique breed!!!

[Pjrt]

Could there be some structural issue like hip or elbow issues causing her to be reluctant to walk far, or reluctant to walk on certain surfaces?

[Simply Grand]

I was wondering about pain/discomfort too. Maybe a thorough vet check first to rule that out?

BTW she is gorgeous :)