Homebodies or Fence Jumpers?

[Petcaredays]

I'm a new Fila owner and still learning. We live in a remote area with really no neighbours except for cottagers in the summer. We have 2.5 acres here with at least 1 acre of land fenced (4') with chain link so our dogs have full range all around the house and garage; and have a doggie door. They are never cut off from our normal activities outside. Our Rotti and our Great Pyrenese have never ventured over the fence for any reason (not even for deer or bears). I'm hoping that Cooper will take their lead. He's only 5 months and sticks close to us since we're retired and home all the time. Should I worry about him wanting to wander or jump the fence as time goes on? Any advice is great advice!! Tks.

 

[chuckorlando]

I would worry. Kona would likely not jump a 4ft fence now. She understands her domain and whats over the fence aint hers. But she could jump it no problem. Just a matter of motivation. If the pup has high prey drive, it could go over the fence on a rabbit.

How much research have you done on the fila? What made you go for the fila?

 

[ruthcatrin]

Theres a difference between jumping a fence to wander and jumping a fence due to prey drive or protection drive. IN GENERAL Fila's want to stay close to their family, but that doesn't mean that a bunny going by won't trigger prey drive. And especially if something outside the fence triggers the protection drive, the chances of the dog going over the fence go up astronomically.

 

[dogman#1]

yea, I'd be alot nervous with a 4' fence.. you never know if hikers come by or even another animal... I'd def be nervous about that with a fila.

 

[Petcaredays]

I would worry. Kona would likely not jump a 4ft fence now. She understands her domain and whats over the fence aint hers. But she could jump it no problem. Just a matter of motivation. If the pup has high prey drive, it could go over the fence on a rabbit.

How much research have you done on the fila? What made you go for the fila?

We acquired this pup from a young couple that called him a Mastiff. Never being Mastiff owners before we didn't recognize the necessity of investigating exactly what 'type' he is. His vaccination papers read: Presa Canario but he must be a cross. His features are more in line with the Fila and the 'hound cry' is very apparent. He is 5 mths old now and it's driving us crazy trying to figure out exactly what he is. The couple had this dog in an apartment and had to re-home him. We fell in love as soon as we saw him. He blends perfectly with our family. Our 3 yr. old Pyrenese and Cooper are best friends and play for hours. Our 7 yr. old Rotti is our alpha so he shows a healthy respect for her. So far, he's not interested in outside distractions like the other 2. They are constantly hunting (and catching) chipmunks and groundhogs. He runs with them a bit then loses interest and returns back to the comfort of the living room and us. When the cottagers next door come up they bark. Cooper might give a bark but again, so far, is not interested unless they come close to the house. He's starting to get cautious with people but is still friendly. Any insight you can give us on these guys is more than appreciated. We want to do the best for him, us and most importantly keep anyone around safe. Tks!

 

[ruthcatrin]

If he is a Fila you have some very fundamental changes to make in your automatic assumptions on how dogs work and interact with people. Socialize the heck out of him, but be prepared for him to become extremely distrustfull and even aggressive towards strangers. And add a couple feet to the fence.....

 

[Petcaredays]

If he is a Fila you have some very fundamental changes to make in your automatic assumptions on how dogs work and interact with people. Socialize the heck out of him, but be prepared for him to become extremely distrustfull and even aggressive towards strangers. And add a couple feet to the fence.....

Tks so much for the feedback. We've been working on the socialization as much as possible. We have always been large dog owners and had to deal with some aggression issues but you're right in warning us about this guy. Something tells me it's going to be a different kettle of fish! Tell me something....do they sometimes sound like a 'hound'? He seems to have a normal bark but when he gets upset (especially when we leave him) he truly sounds like a hound. The neighbour also questioned us on his breed because of this. Tks again.

 

[dogman#1]

I know when they are upset that a stranger is too close and the stranger doesnt back off they tend to scream... it isnt a bark, a scream is the only real way I can explain it.

 

[tojvan]

I know when they are upset that a stranger is too close and the stranger doesnt back off they tend to scream... it isnt a bark, a scream is the only real way I can explain it.

Lol They tend to do that under stress. I've only heard my dog do it once at 4 months when A fat lab with the cup around his neck fell on him at the vets, poor dog was still under anesthesia.

 

[mountainfila]

I would not trust a four foot fence with a fila, heres a quick vid of mine jumping into the back of my truck, the tail gate is about 3 1/2 feet off the ground and its with ease, about 10 minutes later Karl jumped over the side which is about 5 feet off the ground , i was to slow to get video of it but i will one of these days, i swear there is a kangaroo in their background somewhere hahaha.

[video=youtube_share;Z-xmAkK48cE]http://youtu.be/Z-xmAkK48cE[/video]

 

[angelbears]

Tks so much for the feedback. We've been working on the socialization as much as possible. We have always been large dog owners and had to deal with some aggression issues but you're right in warning us about this guy. Something tells me it's going to be a different kettle of fish! Tell me something....do they sometimes sound like a 'hound'? He seems to have a normal bark but when he gets upset (especially when we leave him) he truly sounds like a hound. The neighbour also questioned us on his breed because of this. Tks again.

Yes, they bay like a hound. When I'm out of Cane's sight he will stand at the door and howl. It is truly beautiful and oh so sad sounding.

 

[Petcaredays]

I would not trust a four foot fence with a fila, heres a quick vid of mine jumping into the back of my truck, the tail gate is about 3 1/2 feet off the ground and its with ease, about 10 minutes later Karl jumped over the side which is about 5 feet off the ground , i was to slow to get video of it but i will one of these days, i swear there is a kangaroo in their background somewhere hahaha.
[video=youtube_share;Z-xmAkK48cE]http://youtu.be/Z-xmAkK48cE[/video]

Thanks, your babies are beautiful. I'll have to keep a close eye on Cooper. If we have to add fence it's a lot (about 1 complete acre all around) Our pyreneese can clear the fence without a problem if he wanted and even though he is a very persistent guard dog he's never ventured over. Cooper is 'monkey see, monkey do' when it comes to his buddy Riley so we're hoping there are enough challenges in our own yard to keep them busy. Our Rotti girl would just dare anybody to venture in uninvited LOL.

 

[Petcaredays]

Yes, they bay like a hound. When I'm out of Cane's sight he will stand at the door and howl. It is truly beautiful and oh so sad sounding.

Thanks so much for telling me this. This was half the problem of identifying his exact breed. His vac papers read Presa but I'm thinking someone messed up. There is no way this little fella either looks like a Presa or sounds like one. All his features and his camel gait point to Fila. He is who he is and we've fallen in love with him, but it would be so nice to get confirmation of some kind. What do you think when you look at his pic?

 

[angelbears]

I am the worlds worst when it comes to breed ID. So, with a grain of salt I say I don't see Presa. I see Fila but I don't know if he is full blooded. Wish I could be of more help! Sounds like you know a little about the Fila but I encourage you to keep researching. If he is Fila when he comes into temp. you'll need to understand it.

They are the best dogs

 

[tojvan]

They are the best dogs

Soo true they really are the best companion and a guardian. Best of both worlds

 

[chuckorlando]

Hell Kona screams playing with Duke. I dont think she's stressed at all. But when you stop her from getting what ever critter she wants, oh boy she screams like a Banshee.

Kona can likly jump 4ft from a stand still