New adoption help

[Scott Guzik]

I am in need of advice, i have an opportunity to help a 4yr old mastiff rescue, she was abandoned at an early age, then adopted and surrendered back to the animal control without reason. She sweet, and smart but has issues. I know she needs exersize and training. I have experience with larger stronger dogs but want to know more about this breed. She is a jumper, and very mouthy but not aggressive in any way. Gets overstimulated very easy with touch and distraction. And is up on counters all the time. Shes very food motivated. Knows basic comnands, sit, and does not pull on leash. My question is at 4 are these issues going to be correctable with patience?

 

[kingmark]

I am in need of advice, i have an opportunity to help a 4yr old mastiff rescue, she was abandoned at an early age, then adopted and surrendered back to the animal control without reason. She sweet, and smart but has issues. I know she needs exersize and training. I have experience with larger stronger dogs but want to know more about this breed. She is a jumper, and very mouthy but not aggressive in any way. Gets overstimulated very easy with touch and distraction. And is up on counters all the time. Shes very food motivated. Knows basic comnands, sit, and does not pull on leash. My question is at 4 are these issues going to be correctable with patience?

Hello and welcome.
i am not an expert but i think that many cases can be reversed with training and patience even if she is 4 years old. If you have the opportunity to save her then go for it she will be greatful for all her life. Good luck and keep updates with her situation.

 

[Scott Guzik]

Hello and welcome.
i am not an expert but i think that many cases can be reversed with training and patience even if she is 4 years old. If you have the opportunity to save her then go for it she will be greatful for all her life. Good luck and keep updates with her situation.

Thank you for your encouragement. She is beautiful and smart...only out of cage 30min or so a day at animal control rescue due to all volunteers laid off during this covid crisis. I know exersize and some socialization is a big part of this. I just know the breed can be very headstrong and stubborn. Want reassurance she can be trained.

 

[glen]

Go for it, helped many with this issue, persistence in training take your time, patience is the key, please keep us informed and post pics soon good luck

 

[Scott Guzik]

Go for it, helped many with this issue, persistence in training take your time, patience is the key, please keep us informed and post pics soon good luck

Picking her up Monday, pending crate arrival on sat. 54" crate i hope large enough. She will be a challenge but i think can be done with a effort and kindness.

 

[kingmark]

Picking her up Monday, pending crate arrival on sat. 54" crate i hope large enough. She will be a challenge but i think can be done with a effort and kindness.

View attachment 62510

Bravo well done she is beautiful and looks like some boerboel mix. Do they know here genes?

 

[Scott Guzik]

Go for it, helped many with this issue, persistence in training take your time, patience is the key, please keep us informed and post pics soon good luck

Any tips on the counter surfing.....i think i can handle most other things... that concerns me most.

 

[Scott Guzik]

Bravo well done she is beautiful and looks like some boerboel mix. Do they know here genes?

No idea, she was abandoned picked up by animal control, adopted and returned. No real knowledge of her abou 150lbs. Needs lots of work. Knows basic commands and is obviously very smart. Easily over stimulated...was going to be euthanized. Couldnt let that happen....so gonna see where this takes me

 

[kingmark]

No idea, she was abandoned picked up by animal control, adopted and returned. No real knowledge of her abou 150lbs. Needs lots of work. Knows basic commands and is obviously very smart. Easily over stimulated...was going to be euthanized. Couldnt let that happen....so gonna see where this takes me

Whatever breed or mix she is ,she is beautiful and you saved her i give you kudos for life for doing that have plenty of patience with her few days until she settles and keep updates every day if it is possible about her behaviour and progress ,i am sure all on forum are rotting for you and your new girl

 

[Boxergirl]

You can do this. Counter surfing is one of those self-rewarding things. Keep the counter empty of enticing things. Never leave her alone so she can have access. Management is sometimes the best thing. Every time a behavior is performed and results in a reward of any kind it's more likely to be repeated.

I'm going to suggest you work on impulse control exercises. I don't have any links handy, but I'll try to give you some later. See what you find online. I'd initially start with working on a default sit and a place cue. Focus too. Get that eye contact going and make it super rewarding. You want to keep all of this very positive. Punishment isn't my first choice ever, and it sounds like you're more geared to positive as well. Take a look at the book Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out. Also go over to the Fenzi Academy and see what classes they have going on. You can take a bronze level class for $65 and she also offers webinars. Her facebook page is great too - she's raising a puppy on her personal page.

FWIW, I think smart dogs are harder. You have to make sure that you can out think them and you have to have really great rewards.

 

[Scott Guzik]

You can do this. Counter surfing is one of those self-rewarding things. Keep the counter empty of enticing things. Never leave her alone so she can have access. Management is sometimes the best thing. Every time a behavior is performed and results in a reward of any kind it's more likely to be repeated.

I'm going to suggest you work on impulse control exercises. I don't have any links handy, but I'll try to give you some later. See what you find online. I'd initially start with working on a default sit and a place cue. Focus too. Get that eye contact going and make it super rewarding. You want to keep all of this very positive. Punishment isn't my first choice ever, and it sounds like you're more geared to positive as well. Take a look at the book Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out. Also go over to the Fenzi Academy and see what classes they have going on. You can take a bronze level class for $65 and she also offers webinars. Her facebook page is great too - she's raising a puppy on her personal page.

FWIW, I think smart dogs are harder. You have to make sure that you can out think them and you have to have really great rewards.

Thank you for your encouraging words, i know this going to be quite a challenge. This girl is all about eye contact so i know wants to connect and will respond to positive guidance, she has real sensory issues with most physical touch and gets over excited easily as i do not think she has had much. She is getting no exersize where she is and really believe that is a key to her calming and responding. Thank you again for your help. I will be in touch!!