Your Top 3

[TylerDurden]

@April Nicole & @Steven C Considering you own dogs that many would refer to as complicated, what are some of the activities you cannot and would not do? For example, the average dog owner walks into pet stores, goes to dog parks, invites friends of their children over etc.
Please don‘t get me wrong, I know you own awesome dogs. When I use the word complicated, I‘m referring to the fact that they would be too much to handle for most owners (nothing negative at all). Our EM is very docile and great with people, but a complete stranger could never just walk right into our house, so we are dealing with certain "restrictions" too.

 

[April Nicole]

@April Nicole & @Steven C Considering you own dogs that many would refer to as complicated, what are some of the activities you cannot and would not do? For example, the average dog owner walks into pet stores, goes to dog parks, invites friends of their children over etc.
Please don‘t get me wrong, I know you own awesome dogs. When I use the word complicated, I‘m referring to the fact that they would be too much to handle for most owners (nothing negative at all). Our EM is very docile and great with people, but a complete stranger could never just walk right into our house, so we are dealing with certain "restrictions" too.

One things for sure, he can never be off leash. Only in our yard. A lot of people can bring there dogs to a dog park, and let them run until they drop. Not Logan.
We don't do off leash parks. We have even limited our trips to on leash parks. CAS are very dog dominate. Last time we were at an on leash park, a lady almost lost her grip on her dog. Logan was secure. We had a double lead with a prong. And my husband had him. That lady's dog was pulling her to the ground to come after Logan. And we saw a whole other side of Logan. If the dog would have succeeded, Logan would have probably killed it, or done a lot of harm. He is very protective of his girls. CAS have a large dewlap. And they are thick skinned. It doesn't do as much damage to them when dogs bite them. And they have huge teeth, and crushing bite force. Thankfully, my husband had him. He was able to get him into a sit, and made him calm down.

I don't bring him to pet stores anymore. Dogs, like wovles, are always competing for status. Large dogs get challenged all to often, and it can end up in a fight. CAS will not back down from a challenge! Lol

We have to introduce strangers to him. No one can just walk into our house. Logan stays in his outside kennel when the kids are having friends over. He watches them quietly. I don't think he would have a problem with kids, but I rather he just watch, then interact.

Also, we never walk him without a prong. I see it as insurance.

 

[Pastor Dave]

I got a "rescue border collie sheepdog" once, and I'll share...this dog was impossible. He peed on people visiting, ate the side of my house, ate birdfeed, and escaped to roam numerous times (I don't know how??). Anyway, we had to return him to another shelter place as the situation for us was just...untenable. Otherwise, I don't know who is tough to train. My black labs have been awesome. The mastiff, lovey dovey as he is, remains kind of "slow to please but seems to have that desire to do the right thing that alpha dog (me) wants him to do. Thanks, Tyler. Merry Christmas.

 

[TylerDurden]

One things for sure, he can never be off leash. Only in our yard. A lot of people can bring there dogs to a dog park, and let them run until they drop. Not Logan.
We don't do off leash parks. We have even limited our trips to on leash parks. CAS are very dog dominate. Last time we were at an on leash park, a lady almost lost her grip on her dog. Logan was secure. We had a double lead with a prong. And my husband had him. That lady's dog was pulling her to the ground to come after Logan. And we saw a whole other side of Logan. If the dog would have succeeded, Logan would have probably killed it, or done a lot of harm. He is very protective of his girls. CAS have a large dewlap. And they are thick skinned. It doesn't do as much damage to them when dogs bite them. And they have huge teeth, and crushing bite force. Thankfully, my husband had him. He was able to get him into a sit, and made him calm down.

I don't bring him to pet stores anymore. Dogs, like wovles, are always competing for status. Large dogs get challenged all to often, and it can end up in a fight. CAS will not back down from a challenge! Lol

We have to introduce strangers to him. No one can just walk into our house. Logan stays in his outside kennel when the kids are having friends over. He watches them quietly. I don't think he would have a problem with kids, but I rather he just watch, then interact.

Also, we never walk him without a prong. I see it as insurance.

Thanks, that all sounds very reasonable. Although Bane is very laid back, we do pretty much the same thing. No dog parks, no off leash parks, no visitors without proper introduction etc. We still do the pet stores, home depot and places like that.
I was just curious to learn more about the "day-to-day" with a dog like the CAS. I assume the approach would be very similar with a CS. It‘s probably a fine line between heavy socialization and the avoidance of unnecessary risks and potential dangers.

 

[Steven C]

One things for sure, he can never be off leash. Only in our yard. A lot of people can bring there dogs to a dog park, and let them run until they drop. Not Logan.
We don't do off leash parks. We have even limited our trips to on leash parks. CAS are very dog dominate. Last time we were at an on leash park, a lady almost lost her grip on her dog. Logan was secure. We had a double lead with a prong. And my husband had him. That lady's dog was pulling her to the ground to come after Logan. And we saw a whole other side of Logan. If the dog would have succeeded, Logan would have probably killed it, or done a lot of harm. He is very protective of his girls. CAS have a large dewlap. And they are thick skinned. It doesn't do as much damage to them when dogs bite them. And they have huge teeth, and crushing bite force. Thankfully, my husband had him. He was able to get him into a sit, and made him calm down.

I don't bring him to pet stores anymore. Dogs, like wovles, are always competing for status. Large dogs get challenged all to often, and it can end up in a fight. CAS will not back down from a challenge! Lol

We have to introduce strangers to him. No one can just walk into our house. Logan stays in his outside kennel when the kids are having friends over. He watches them quietly. I don't think he would have a problem with kids, but I rather he just watch, then interact.

Also, we never walk him without a prong. I see it as insurance.

Wow!

 

[Steven C]

@April Nicole & @Steven C Considering you own dogs that many would refer to as complicated, what are some of the activities you cannot and would not do? For example, the average dog owner walks into pet stores, goes to dog parks, invites friends of their children over etc.
Please don‘t get me wrong, I know you own awesome dogs. When I use the word complicated, I‘m referring to the fact that they would be too much to handle for most owners (nothing negative at all). Our EM is very docile and great with people, but a complete stranger could never just walk right into our house, so we are dealing with certain "restrictions" too.

I can actually do all of the above with her on leash. I don't go into pet stores with her unless its too hot in the car which by the way driving with her has been my best tool in socialization. My wife is in retail and at the end of the night when she closes I take the dog to the mall (outdoor outlet mall) and we walk through tons of people with no trouble. If someone once in a while comes up to pet her she barks them off, one quick double bark and I say she is not friendly does the trick but most don't even ask anymore as she grows.

My nephew (not a kid) flew in from NY 4 weeks ago and stayed with us for 8 days. We contemplated how we would introduce her and I knew that it would be fine because when I go to IPO and let her off leash with other handlers on the field she just stays near me(if someone approaches her off balance she barks them down) handlers know dogs and they know to ignore. It is the thresholds that concern me. I took her to the airport to pick him up. We were clear to him not to pet her or even pay attention to her. He didn't listen and the dog got on top of him and pinned him to the ground, then the dog was on leash. It was interesting because my nephew is very sporadic, having to go outside to smoke, or not sitting to relax for while, always moving and she kept needing to dominate him because his behavior was not normal pack behavior, so the dog wanted to correct him and continually pin him to the ground. I had to keep her either in my office with me or on leash. He asked me after a few days why she continually wanted to pin him and I told him because he was too sporadic and she finds that behavior strange in the house.

We have a ton of undisciplined kids in the neighborhood and she used to bark, but I corrected the hell out of that in the earlier days as it bothered me. Now she is ok with kids unless they hide in the bushes or in breezeways she still barks. I will always keep her leashed around kids even in my house even though I know she wouldn't hurt them. The mall helped tremendously with strollers and screaming kids. As far as adults she knows who the bad ones are as she always lets me know. Someone coming to the car asking for money gets barked and growled at, someone peeking through the starbucks window at her gets barked at, somone approaching me in a rapid manor gets barked and growled at. It used to bother me, but I guess it was the noise I wasn't used to, I will never correct that behavior as that is what I have a Corso for. When I go to an ATM she sits next to me and watches all around. If someone approaches her in the car while we are not in the car she goes ballistic (we tested this).

 

[TylerDurden]

I can actually do all of the above with her on leash. I don't go into pet stores with her unless its too hot in the car which by the way driving with her has been my best tool in socialization. My wife is in retail and at the end of the night when she closes I take the dog to the mall (outdoor outlet mall) and we walk through tons of people with no trouble. If someone once in a while comes up to pet her she barks them off, one quick double bark and I say she is not friendly does the trick but most don't even ask anymore as she grows.

My nephew (not a kid) flew in from NY 4 weeks ago and stayed with us for 8 days. We contemplated how we would introduce her and I knew that it would be fine because when I go to IPO and let her off leash with other handlers on the field she just stays near me(if someone approaches her off balance she barks them down) handlers know dogs and they know to ignore. It is the thresholds that concern me. I took her to the airport to pick him up. We were clear to him not to pet her or even pay attention to her. He didn't listen and the dog got on top of him and pinned him to the ground, then the dog was on leash. It was interesting because my nephew is very sporadic, having to go outside to smoke, or not sitting to relax for while, always moving and she kept needing to dominate him because his behavior was not normal pack behavior, so the dog wanted to correct him and continually pin him to the ground. I had to keep her either in my office with me or on leash. He asked me after a few days why she continually wanted to pin him and I told him because he was too sporadic and she finds that behavior strange in the house.

We have a ton of undisciplined kids in the neighborhood and she used to bark, but I corrected the hell out of that in the earlier days as it bothered me. Now she is ok with kids unless they hide in the bushes or in breezeways she still barks. I will always keep her leashed around kids even in my house even though I know she wouldn't hurt them. The mall helped tremendously with strollers and screaming kids. As far as adults she knows who the bad ones are as she always lets me know. Someone coming to the car asking for money gets barked and growled at, someone peeking through the starbucks window at her gets barked at, somone approaching me in a rapid manor gets barked and growled at. It used to bother me, but I guess it was the noise I wasn't used to, I will never correct that behavior as that is what I have a Corso for. When I go to an ATM she sits next to me and watches all around. If someone approaches her in the car while we are not in the car she goes ballistic (we tested this).

Thanks Steven. This forum really is the ideal place to get credible stories from responsible Mastiff owners. Books are great, but they should always be complemented by real life stories and experiences. It‘s great to have these discussions about the various dog breeds and personality types.

 

[Steven C]

Thanks, that all sounds very reasonable. Although Bane is very laid back, we do pretty much the same thing. No dog parks, no off leash parks, no visitors without proper introduction etc. We still do the pet stores, home depot and places like that.
I was just curious to learn more about the "day-to-day" with a dog like the CAS. I assume the approach would be very similar with a CS. It‘s probably a fine line between heavy socialization and the avoidance of unnecessary risks and potential dangers.

I think there is a line between heavy socialization and allowing people to touch. For me socialization is allowing her to see people close or far, but never petting. I think if we want our dogs to remain guard dogs the petting has to be off limits no matter what. Otherwise we end up with Corso that you see on YouTube getting pet at dog parks and in stores, a huge waste imo. Spending thousands on a Corso for the look only, sorry not for me. There are plenty of pretty dogs that do not perform for a lot less money to have people slobber all over my dog. Even the baddest ass guard dogs need to learn about surroundings and not be confined. Otherwise they become just violent and nothing else. Bad performing in my opinion.

 

[glen]

April, we had the same situation, a lady had 2 large dogs, they pulled her to the ground and was dragging her towards our dogs, budcuss wouldve killed them there is no messing with him, glen had to have all 3 while i went and got one of her dogs off her, we had a few choice words, it annoys me if that was my dogs we would be reported straight away.
No stranger can walk into our house, anyone on our property up to no good is taking a huge risk, i dont do dog parks, dont to pet stores, these would behave and ignore but its the other owners that i dont trust.
No petting allowed by strangers, we can take our dogs to markets ect i agree with steven they needs to learn and i will talk to people about my dogs but no touch,
I socialised my boys for different surroundings and situations and also trained them not to eat any food or treats from anyone but us and family, some dogs have been poisened so that people can steal,
Unfortunatly my boys have been tested someone come onto the property to steal, so i know they wouldnt back down, weve planted extra hawthorn hedges along our boundary and extra warning signs.

 

[Pastor Dave]

I'm gonna agree w Tyler. In my opinion, based on research.
# 1 Fila
# 2 Tibetan
# 3 Caucasian Shepherd

# 4 Tosa Inu
# 5 Alabai
# 6 Cane Corso
# 7 Malinois
# 8 Akita
# 9 Chow
# 10 Rhodesian Ridgeback

I have owned three of the breeds. My Chow was a chow mix. He had a decent temperament because he had some labrador in him. But, my cousin owned 2 chows. Very temperamental dogs. Hard to train. Very stubborn. I have heard of a lot of attacks caused by chows. My aunts chow attacked my niece. I don't care for the breed. I have owned Rhodesians. They are absolutely fearless, fast, and full of spirit. Very active, they are devoted, but need LOTS of exercise, and they need a job to do.
Logan is powerful, and independent. It makes traditional obedience training a bit different with him. Good thing he is food driven, and wants to please us. Still, if he's not into it, he isn't going to sit. He doesn't give a shit what I say or do. Lol. But, of course I make him anyway cause I'm the boss
The other breeds are based off of research, or knowing someone who has owned them. I knew someone with an Akita. Bad ass dog! Smart too. Gave its owner hell. I have a friend with a Malinois. Steven is absolutely right about the breed. They are a handful. And will jump through a door.

WOW, APRIL...YOU DO KNOW YOUR DOGGIES. I HAVE NEVER HAD A REALLY DIFFICULT DOG TO MANAGE EXCEPT A BORDER COLLIE FROM A SHELTER. THIS DOG ATE THE SIDE OF MY HOUSE AND WAS SOMEHOW ALWAYS EXCAPING. HE WAS PRETTY TOUGH.

 

[Nik]

Lol! Boxer's are clowns. They are hilarious. And can be quite the handful. I have known a lot of people who had to have one, and then end up rehoming them. They just have so much energy. I've always liked Boxer's. Leonberger is a beautiful dog. They shed a ton! I bet you would be great with one. Actually, I think you would do great with any of them!

Technically both my dogs have boxer in them but Kahlua is half boxer and her boxer side really shines through. The funny thing is Kahlua has been one of the easiest dogs I have ever owned. I expected her to be equally or more challenging than Diesel but she doesn't even come close. I would say the only thing she is more challenging with is she has a real problem with other dogs she doesn't know and also she was a bear to potty train. She still can't be left unsupervised without her possibly going in the house. Whereas Diesel is super motivated and willing to hold it as long as it takes Kahlua seems to think if we don't notice her walk to the door immediately then she might as well just go wherever. But, for the most part she is so happy to remain glued to my side that she is a breeze. Yes she has energy but she saves it up for outside play time. In the house she is more than happy to lay next to me where ever I happen to be. When I am working she is either beside or on top of my feet. When I use the restroom she follows right behind me and lays on the feet until I am done. When I shower she lays against the shower door. And at night when I sleep she curls up either right beside me or occasionally on top of me. She is also so eager to please and that makes her easy. She is very attuned to my mood and she really hates to disappoint me. So much so that if I am telling Diesel to do something she has to get right in front and show me that she can do it too and that she can do it faster and better.

Of the two Diesel is the one who for the longest time had no "off" switch. He was always on the go. He has finally settled into my working from home routine though and when we are in the office he curls up in my reading chair. But, Diesel is so anxious to be my guard dog that he is always "on duty", he is also the more stubborn of the two. He has an opinion about everything and he thinks his opinion is the right one. He has no problem talking back loudly, no problem complaining and he is the very best at pouting. But, he is also the smartest dog I have ever owned. I think it is that giant brain of his and desire to protect us that makes him so challenging but those are also two things I absolutely love about him so I wouldn't change a thing about him (except maybe to get rid of all his allergies.. poor boy).

 

[TWW]

Actually I'd say there is not real order, it is more of your lifestyle, and a huge curve in experience.
Even long term dog owner according to the breeds would have a hard time going with the other end of the scale.

Next pup will be a Boerboel but at the current time all that is on hold with Trish having a lot of health issues again lately.