13 weeks old CC in (real) attack mode....

[teodora]

so today while we were relaxing in the back yard with our CC puppy, i literally got an adult pit landing on my lap - he jumped over a high fence and landed on me.
Jack got into attack mode instantly, and it was a REAL attack mode, not play - he got stiff, then growled, then started to bark in a deep tone and lunged, while held by me. Fortunately the pitty preferred flight, probably he didn't expect to land on me as well: he was quick to run away and jump another fence and get out... The pitty was in and out in barely few minutes.

Jack is very young and until now he was very friendly and sweet with every dog and person he's seen around - this is the first "real" threat he identified... i was quite surprised to see my soft teddy bear IS actually able to react, I always thought it would come much later than 13 weeks?!
I didn't know what to do so I just didn't praise or correct him - i know it's very improbable this flying pitt would happen again, but what would be my correct feedback to my pup? Encourage or discourage him? He evaluated correctly, still he's a CC and I don't know if praising protection is the right thing to do.

 

[musicdeb]

Praise for a job well done! I hope the pit was ok.

 

[anw6943]

That's what I was thinking too, he was guarding. Good boy Jack! I think I'd be concerned if another dog came flying into my lap and my corso didn't react! My girl was guarding at 4 months, so it's certainly not unusual but until older they don't typically go into "full guardian mode". My girl is getting better at reading me abduction others the older she gets.

 

[coreyc]

Great job Jack

 

[anw6943]

Whoops I meant to say and reading others. Not abducting others lmao, that sounded quite bad! Darn auto correct, does it everytime.

 

[teodora]

thanks, I thought he deserved some treats Honestly I didn't expect him to have any reaction now - he's still our little kitten...)
Yep, the pitt was ok, he was just obviously surprised.

 

[Bailey's Mom]

Brave Puppy!!!! Bravo! BRAVO! And so young! Yes, Bravo! No over reaction, just the right response level. Ours was 5 months when she showed her guardian mode, but we were over the moon with pride. She's never vicious, BUT she is judicious with her shows of protective aggression. They Are A Marvellous Breed... We are ways in awe of her. Kiss your brave pup for me. Oh, and Merry Christmas.

 

[anw6943]

I agree, my girl is not reactive on lead with other dogs whatsoever. Mostly ignores them or shows a little curiosity, but she'll go into a sit stay and watch until the dog walks off if the dog is walking in front of us. She doesn't pull towards other dogs and if she seems a bit too interested like (walking past a fence) where a dog is barking or making noises I just redirect her. But if one came flying on her property I would expect her to act the same. Also our neighbor has two tiny dogs, Chihuahua and chi mix and she knows it's not acceptable to bark at them when they're all out at the same time.

 

[teodora]

well, it was a surprise for all of us: a pittbull jumping our fences is very random... so to speak ), Jack attacking was also a HUGE surprise, he doesn't even chase cats or birds in our yard.... He's looking at them but that's all. He's very friendly, usually. I don't know if he was tuned to me and felt my surprise, or that dog's energy - or he was just spooked. He didn't look scared, he was just pissed off lol! )