By:
Filters
What's new
Mastiff Forum

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

  • Welcome back!

    We decided to spruce things up and fix some things under the hood. If you notice any issues, feel free to contact us as we're sure there are a few things here or there that we might have missed in our upgrade.

Corso raised TOTALLY WRONG! PLEASE READ AND HELP!

Yamizuma

Yamizuma

Well-Known Member
You have great advice to proceed with. Let me say that if it doesn't work out at your house, you can still provide this furry one with a great foster with separations and find the dog the very best fit. I don't think this one has earned a capital sentence for bad behaviour just yet, and clearly you don't either. I really hope the best case scenario works out.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
G

goatnipples2002

Well-Known Member
My breakdown of the situation is that as a pup tig slept in bed with son. This killed the pack order. Lack of exercise causing too much energy to build up. Mix that with dominance u get aggression. Lack of out door exposure and experiences, cant tell difference between friend or foe. Lack of obedience training caused lack of respect.
 
S

SG1

Well-Known Member
Your kids handling the leash and the dog seeming them as higher in the pecking order is not the priority. Establish your position and any adults in your home with Tig is. Once he sees you as the Alpha/Pack leader or whatever you want to call it that respect will extend to your property and children. The children need to learn not to use the dog as a step stool, a pillow or a horse and there interaction always supervised by you. When your position is secured with Tig then you can add the children the leash training with the kids.

I am happy to hear that Tig is getting a repreve, I hope everything works out for you and your family.
 
teodora

teodora

Well-Known Member
I am not so sure that not sleeping in bed/ on the couch or the dominance training is of essence with mastiffs, especially corsos. I think they can sleep wherever and still be great dogs as long as the communication with their human is faultless. I am the only person in the world jack obeys and I've never tried to dominate him - I tried to make him understand what the heck I want him to do. And he does. He's eager to please - not because I'm the leader or whatever master of disaster but because he IS willing to please and it's me he understands better... I did hand feed him since he was 6 weeks and he is still mom's boy - but he's great with kids and great with the puppies and so gentle when needed be. He totally loathe being bossed around or yelled at by my partner who applies the "alpha" theory , still he responds to my commands whatever tone I use.
 
karennj

karennj

Well-Known Member
I'm sorry but I think that article is ridiculous. Back in 2000 that probably was the advice the trainers were giving based on the wolf pack theory but the whole alpha/dominance thing has since been found not to be the case. This article makes the more assertive/alpha dog seem incredibly insecure! Their description of an "alpha" could easily be mistaken for a bully and it would be such a shame if the owner gave the pushy dog or the bully first dibs of everything because they think they are the "alpha". Dogs can be treated equal with no issues in the home. An assertive dog is not insecure and could care less if they go through the doorway before the other dog. You cannot train a dog to be an alpha. Dogs either have natural assertive temperament or they don't, just like humans are either leaders or not. How horrible would it be for your other dog(s) if they were basically ignored for fear of messing up the relationship between them. I have a male and female in the house. They take turns being in charge over different things and different areas of the home which is common. My girl will rip my males face off if he tries to take food off the counter. She is always the first out the door just because she is more pushy. My male however rules one of the dog beds and my female knows she is not welcome to use it. They understand the boundaries for different things and they respect them. Some times the female is calling the shots. Sometimes the male. I would try and find something a bit more current when dealing with a multiple dog household. Your over thinking it. Your the leader of the house not your female. You don't need to be an "alpha" you just need to create routine and rules in the house.
 
karennj

karennj

Well-Known Member
Here read these, they are more current -
De-Bunking the "Alpha Dog" Theory - Whole Dog Journal Article

Whatdominance&rs to explain the behaviour of dogs?

Dominance and Dog Training

If you want to see what real "alpha" dogs act like go to a dog park and just observe. The bully dogs will be the ones being pushy, dominant, overbearing, loud, etc. Those dogs are actually usually insecure and are overcompensating. The assertive dogs are usually calm, neutral in their approach and can't be bothered to start stuff with other dogs. They know they are top dog and have nothing to prove. If a bully gets in their face they will, in doggy language, tell them to back off and they just move on. Usually a bully will approach them and quickly divert to a more submissive dog because they know better. I have watched many bully dogs start crap with dog after dog at the park but when they get to my female the quickly sniff and then back away. They just know she is in charge. If I pet another dog she doesn't care. She just does her thing.

When do you get the pup? I am really hoping this goes well. I think you could be great for him by providing some structure and rules. If your female is well behaved that should rub off a bit as well. Just don't go overboard with the dominance stuff. You want to have a good relationship with the boy. One built on trust, respect and fun.
 
G

goatnipples2002

Well-Known Member
Imo pack order is essential to balance. No order no balance. Nobody said anything about training an alpha. Whatever role ur pack falls into we need to reinforce. I think u read it wrong. None the less im not too worried. My pack will be as one in no time.
 
karennj

karennj

Well-Known Member
goatnipples2002 said:
Some good reading and a brief video on the essentials that alot of ppl just dont get. Here's the best way to understand pack order. Get the pack order wrong and bad dog. Get it right and great dog.

Two or More Dogs

Watch "How To Train A Dog - Become The Pack Leader" on YouTube
How To Train A Dog - Become The Pack Leader - YouTube
Click to expand...

Oh sorry, I read the description of the video wrong. I read how to train a dog to become the pack leader. I thought that was really odd! I think you will find when you have both dogs in the home and they are both mature they will take turns being alpha at different things. There is nothing to reinforce. They figure out what they will give and take with each scenario that arises. Take a look at those articles. I think you might find them interesting. There was someone not too long ago on here that was applying dominance type training around food trying to keep the dog from being aggressive around food. The problem is the exercises actually made the dog insecure around food and it became a resource guarder and aggressive. Just be careful with the dominance stuff. Be the leader, set the rules, make obedience training a daily activity, exercise your dogs and have fun with them. Don't worry about who gets top spot, who eats first, not holding one dog for fear of the other getting dropped in rank, etc.
 
teodora

teodora

Well-Known Member
I think they're smarter than we think: the dominance theory is outdated... a corso can rip a human apart in 5 seconds so why the heck would I insist I am the strongest animal in the pack lol - and why would he believe me?! I prefer to create a bond and have fun and good times and reward the good behaviour. Not only for them but for me also. I hate being a dictator. ☺
 
Boxergirl

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
I also agree that the dominance/pack theory is outdated. That doesn't mean a dog doesn't need clear rules and boundaries. Clear rules, boundaries, and expectations are a must for both dogs and kids, imo.

I would not recommend that muzzle. That is the kind that is used at the vet. It is easy to get off and the dog can still bite with it on. The only safe muzzle is a basket muzzle. Baskerville makes basket muzzles that work for mastiffs and they're decently priced. It's worth the time to acclimate the dog to a muzzle. This has worked well for me.
[video=youtube;6BjPpXer8IE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BjPpXer8IE[/video]
 
Th0r

Th0r

Well-Known Member
I agree with @karennj!
Alpha's are calm and only ever react if they have to. The bullies are the loud ones chasing every dog down and trying to pin them down!

Sent from my SM-G920W8
 
G

goatnipples2002

Well-Known Member
I get Tig in a few days. What would u do to introduce to ur home? Bring him in ur home right away (muzzled of course)? Leave him in the backyard during the day and allow inside at night?

My main objective is to establish proper pack order from the start...any videos or articles on that?

Kid socializing is huge on my list when the time is right. We will be doing A LOT of walking these next couple weeks. I do most of obedience training when walking. How much will my other dog teach new dog?
 
karennj

karennj

Well-Known Member
I honestly think the best way is to give him a small space in the middle of the action like a crate in the living room and just let him watch. get him out to do obedience, exercise and such but otherwise for the first couple days he is in the crate. Having him outside would be a waste of valuable learning time. He needs to be with you but safe. When he is out of the crate the leash is on. I would have the kids interactions limited for awhile. Once he is settling in start including them in the training. No play for now with the kids until you can really access him. Regarding the muzzle make sure you don't get a snap closure one. They usually pop off.

Sent from my ALCATEL ONE TOUCH 4037T using Tapatalk
 
karennj

karennj

Well-Known Member
Can you gate the dog into a room that is near the main living space that the kids don't need to be in all the time? If that is not an option then I would say having the dog tethered to you at all times would be the best bet. When I brought home my Dane after I had issues with him and my kids, I put him on a regular leash and looped the handle through a belt which I wore loosely around my waist. He never had an opportunity to get into trouble because he was literally attached to me at all times.
 
cj-sharpy

cj-sharpy

Well-Known Member
goatnipples2002 said:
Im looking for a funny muzzle to reduce the negative reactions from others.
Click to expand...

You can get a normal Baskerville style muzzle (they really are the best) and wrap it up in funky colored duct tape and add glitter and diamontes and stuff. It will look awesome and still do the same job. But maybe negative reactions are what you want just now. I found a muzzle in public kept those that dont understand dogs away and gave Max space and freedom from being fussed too much. Only true doggy people would still stop for a chat and they tended to know why he had it on and how to act around him.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.