DMikeM
Well-Known Member
I am completely frustrated. I have been taking Crusher to socialization classes for a few months and he is doing well around other dogs. But I have had concerns about him around children because he growls and puts on an aggressive stance when they come near him. I mentioned this to our dog trainer and he had me meet him in the village where there are kids and other people. When walking past some kids I slowed down a little to let Crusher see them and the trainer said I gave Crusher bad signals by doing that. So I walked him past a couple times without slowing and Crusher didn't really react. A little later a family approached and when the child came close Crusher growled so I put my hand on his face and gently eased him away from the kid. The trainer said this was okay as it was not an aggressive growl. But to me this is still a threatening posture for the dog to take.
After a little more walking around the trainer says well he looks like he is doing good just don't pull on him or give him bad signals and left. So I walked him around some more and people were crowding us to see and pet him and ask the usual questions. Well this woman in an orange jacket was coming our direction and Crusher seemed to notice her. She asked if it was okay to pet him and I said sure just don't look him in the eyes or crouch over him. Well she put her hand out and he growled and snapped at her hand. I jerked the leash back just in time to prevent her from getting bit. I apologized and she left. Moments later a dozen or more people showed up and several kids were all around us. Crusher was very unhappy and growled a lot and took a defensive posture. I told everyone he was nervous and they should leave us to train more.
Well I texted the trainer and explained what happened and he says it is my fault, and I give off too much excited energy to Crusher that I over react and make Crusher doubtful.
Honestly I just don't know what to do anymore. I guess it's just not safe to have him out in public, like I do with Jade and Odi.
Today he texted me and wants me to meet him in the village again and he wants to bring 2 dogs with him to teach Crusher by example. I take Odi and Jade with him into the village and they don't act like Crusher shouldn't he be learning by that example?
Do you Mastiff, or Boerboel owners think our breeds should just not be public dogs? Like "Look but don't touch" My dogs are not trained for Personal Protection or guard dog training and I don't think any dog should show signs of aggression towards children or individuals that are not posing a threat.
After a little more walking around the trainer says well he looks like he is doing good just don't pull on him or give him bad signals and left. So I walked him around some more and people were crowding us to see and pet him and ask the usual questions. Well this woman in an orange jacket was coming our direction and Crusher seemed to notice her. She asked if it was okay to pet him and I said sure just don't look him in the eyes or crouch over him. Well she put her hand out and he growled and snapped at her hand. I jerked the leash back just in time to prevent her from getting bit. I apologized and she left. Moments later a dozen or more people showed up and several kids were all around us. Crusher was very unhappy and growled a lot and took a defensive posture. I told everyone he was nervous and they should leave us to train more.
Well I texted the trainer and explained what happened and he says it is my fault, and I give off too much excited energy to Crusher that I over react and make Crusher doubtful.
Honestly I just don't know what to do anymore. I guess it's just not safe to have him out in public, like I do with Jade and Odi.
Today he texted me and wants me to meet him in the village again and he wants to bring 2 dogs with him to teach Crusher by example. I take Odi and Jade with him into the village and they don't act like Crusher shouldn't he be learning by that example?
Do you Mastiff, or Boerboel owners think our breeds should just not be public dogs? Like "Look but don't touch" My dogs are not trained for Personal Protection or guard dog training and I don't think any dog should show signs of aggression towards children or individuals that are not posing a threat.