Kona almost got her one today

[chuckorlando]

Well not almost only because I pay attention. But she could have bitten my friend.

I took her on a walk today. She's really doing good with heel pretty well on her own. She almost never pulls on the leash. She seen a few people on her walk and some cars, even a small group of kids. All 20+ft away. Never barked r growled. Never took more thaan saying COME ON more than twice. She did well

My buddy pills up and he's got some potting soil he wants me to look at. Kona has seen him a few times and to my surprise she let him walk right up. He stuck his hand out and she even walked up to him. He cautiously petted her. Well she layed down at my feet and he got ne of the bags.

The bad look's very close to her dog food bag. He set it down and we were squated there. Kona laying still. He put his hand on the bag and noticed Kona's head. She went from looking around to the Fila head drop. I told my buddy that she thinks thats her food. Him being a Pit owner he's very comfortable with dogs. So he thinks it bright to full on grab the bag. Kona moved like a cat. Maybe even a snake. From lay to pounce in a blink of an eye.

To his relief and her dismay. I keep a short leash with only about 6in slack in it in them situations. But she gave it a go and he sure learned to respect Kona and her speed and agility. He said that she must be food agressive. Nope not to me. I'll take a steak slap out of her mouth.

All in all I think she did well today. Even once the bag was gone, she did'nt pay him anymind. I truely think she believed he was taking her food. But regardless of the reason, it just goes to show you need to be ready, and observant. Had I not caught her warning, we would have both been surprised

 

[ruby55]

I'd love love see that "fila head drop" on video. You've mentioned it in other posts. It sounds almost like what a cat does just before they attack.

 

[dsaw247]

Scary! It's good that you knew what to look for.

 

[angelbears]

Honestly, I think you got lucky. I don't think your girl is in full temperament. She sounds like she is going to be a hard Fila, which is a good thing if your wanting a protection dog. In the future, I would proceed with caution. If Kona is going to be a hard fila, no one is going to be able to approach her family. Temperament kinda comes in, in stages. Young pups just tend to shy away from strangers, around 4 months and up to a year or more, they will do what Kona did and some Fila settle into that temp, which I think is a good temp. Then you have the hard fila. Even the best handlers will not let people walk up to them, it is just not worth the risk.

The most important thing you can do is socialize your dog, can't say that enough but you also have to know when it is time to back off the socializing close up with people.

 

[chuckorlando]

Ruby I dont know if it's something Fila's do. Just what I call it. Filas walk with their head down level or lower to their body. So when she drops her head I just call it a Fila head drop. I will try to get it on vid. It is very cat like.

It was'nt really scary to me because she could'nt have gotten him even if I did;nt see it coming. I dont let peope close enough for her to get to. When some one is close I have her leash wrapped tight in one hand and the handle on her harness in the other. I am very aware of where she goes and whats going on around us.

Anglebears that could be. Which will be fine. We new going into it that she may not accept strangers. By and large she is very indefrent to people. If they dont mess wth her she dont mess with them. Had Kona not approached him like she was curious, I would not have let him as close as he was. I let her choose who she wants to be around. Which so far she only walks up t the people she see's alot. Which he's one. And even then she's on a very tight leash. She's never off a leash unless it's her family. Out side of play she's only nipped at 2 people. Fred with the bag and the vet who grabbed her head as soon as she met Kona, even after I told her she needs a muzzle and this breed dont like strangers so she should let me handle her. That being said, I have zero issue keeping her away from people.

If you have any advice or links I would love to check them out. Thanks for the concern and heads up

 

[zebraworks]

here's a picture of the lowered head before pouncing (this is a young dog going to pounce on another dog in his pack) http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd367/fj45lvr/alseapics148.jpg

 

[chuckorlando]

HAHAHAHAHAHA. Yep thats it right there. Very cat like to me. Thats awsome thanks

 

[Kelly]

You're right that is very cat like. Looks neat but what a big dog to have all that power. beautiful.

 

[chuckorlando]

From my reading and observation, they are cat like in more way's than just this. They are lose jointed which makes for a very agile animal. Their really a fasinating breed. From the hound face, feline movement, their Ojeriza, their sad expression's, loyalty, and even how they walk(both legs on a side move together).

Any mastiff has the power just maybe not the speed and agility.

 

[allsierra123]

Yeah We have quit letting people approach delilah she is almost 5 months now and wont let anyone approach. She will get a hold of them if given the chance. But she has kind of settled in very nicely with the family and learning very quickly how much she can play with the kids.

 

[chuckorlando]

Kona's actualy been doing well. She has as more or less ben sitting at my side when folks are around. She dont go after people to often. Never anyone even remotly close. She tried to go after a bike that rode past but I had here. And a COME ON got her going again. After he passed us twice she was cool every other time he passed. But you never know. She's still young yet.

At least she has let you know where she's at, and your fine with that.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Wow scary indeed, I agree that posted picture looks like a lion, LOL.