Training a Boerboel

[marti1357]

Hi,
I subscribed to the forum since recently I became interested in Boerboels after someone recommended the breed. I read a lot, but still my understanding is limited. I know breeds such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers. When compared to these, how easy is training a Boerboel? (Yes, I know that there are different types of dogs within the breed). One noticeable difference is that unlike Rottweilers, Dobermans and GS who bark a lot, Boerboels are relatively quiet. But is the dog's focus on the trainer similar, or is it easily distracted?

 

[DMikeM]

That's a loaded question. My Jade is still interested in everything and is alert to every sound and smell for about a 1/4 mile. She is not driven by food treats so attention is the best treat for training her. She will do what she is told for the most part but on a hot day and tired, we might as well forget it. She will throw herself down on the ground and literally go belly up.
The actual training is easy but if you focus on one thing too long you will lose them. 3 maybe for times them move on to the next thing. She learns real fast, but at 14 months she still wants to socialize with the other dogs. I have finally got her to look at me when I say look and she will heel instead of pull when in class. Outside of class she will mostly heel but her curiosity sometimes gets in the way. I think she is learning our language so she really pays attention when I just talk to her and often will do as I say in conversation better then a straight command. Like if I am cooking and I tell her to go lay down she will just sit there and look at me. But if I tell her "I don't have anything for you so stop bugging me" she will get up and go lay in the living room. These dogs are freaky smart so don't be surprised if they do things you never taught them to do.
I Trained my Rott/Chows, Pitts and Dobermans slow with hand signals, snaps and claps and it took them 18 months to a year to be real sharp. Jade is 14 months and already excels in these commands. Jade does bark if there is something to bark at. She does not bark just to be heard, she did do that for about 2 months around 6 to 8 months though. Barked at everything, I did not stop her I just went to see what it was and said hey nothing there what are you doing? She would grumble and walk away. Then one day I just noticed that she wasn't doing that anymore.

 

[marti1357]

Thanks for sharing, DMikeM.
As I said, I understand that there are several types of dogs and some may behave differently. Just wanted to ask where did you get your dog from and how big is she. Do you own other dogs as well?

 

[DMikeM]

The general temperament of the Boerboels is the same from type to type. If it is not then the dog is a mix and should be neutered or spayed as soon as it is of the proper age. My dog is from Bear Mountain Boerboels she is a Centurion offspring that I traded out with a friend for. She is 25" and 122lbs was 130# but dropped a few for summer. She is only 14 months and should put on a few more as she matures. My other 2 dogs are Rott/Chow mixes 100# and 85/90#

 

[kristen b.]

I agree with mike. Although my girl is very motivated by food. She is very smart and also does well if talked to like in normal conversation. When i just say a command and watch her she gives me the look of " why are you talking like that, why are you just staring at me..weirdo" leash trainig was easy she naturally wants to be close to me and stay near by , she is pretty dog friendly so we are still working on her not wanting to meet and play with them on walks. My girl is just barely six months old she is 72# she in my opinion is a little small. I also own three rats a twelve week old cat and a year old Lab x Gsd. On top of that i have a three year old. My girl is as gentle as can be with all of them and can play nice enough with my lab. While she is friendly in public on her property she is on guard. Frequently trotting around at attentiom grumbling and huffing. Where my lab runs off like a mad man barking she is steely and reserved three feet in front of me at attention she is not going to run off to find the threat she will guard her momma or baby and take out the threat as needed. She is still young but we trust her conpletely. She is pushy and will test me from time to time ( trying to jump up on me while playig fetch, trying to push my hand when getting ready to feed her) but nintey percent of the time she minds if she didnt test her boundries i would be worried. I will let ya know how her temperment developes as she grows.

Ps. Please excuse spelling and grammatical errors. I am lazy and dont have auto correct

 

[kristen b.]

Beezle reserves her barks for big threats. If it is just a strange noise she grumbles and huffs. If it is an animal or person approaching her yard she is barking

 

[kristen b.]

Usually if she is being pushy it is because i have not played with her enough. These dogs are very athletic and turn into buttholes fast if not properlly stimilated.

 

[Racer X]

My Gaston is a Boerboel/ Perssa Canario. He takes after his father the Boerboel. His brother takes after his mother.
He loves training. He is quick to pick things up. But is distracted easy. He has an issue with focus. As long as he is paying attention to me he is beyond perfect. But he can be a problem if I don't work with him all the time. He is obsessed with squirrels. He only barks to clear the yard of squirrels.

 

[Dogdragoness]

I am talking with a boerboel breeder about possibly getting a pup, though I do have some questions since this will be my first mastiff type breed.

What are the typical differences btw males and females? I have heard horror stories about boerboel adolescence ... Lol, is it really that bad? Or is it more of a "an ounce of prevention is worth far more than a pound of cure" thing?

 

[DMikeM]

What stories are you talking about? I haven't heard of any horror stories at all except maybe digging and wanting to play and run.

I will say avoid any breeder that is selling or breeding black or black and tan boerboels. Check the temperament of the parents and the elbow/hips should be tested and health information freely available.

Males are about 30% larger than the females and have males parts the females don't have male parts . That is the only differences I know of. They both guard the same and bond the same, although I have noticed the males are a little more carefree. But I only know 3 of them and 8 females.

 

[HayleyMarie]

Hey DD what breeder are you talking too?? You can Pm me if you like. And your welcome to talk my ear off if needed be.

From talking with my breeder, their males are more pushy and dominant than the females. Her male runs the show within her group of males. Males Are more goofy, mama boys and don't think as much as females. And more showy.

Bbs tend to push your buttons and go nuts at 8 months then 18 months.

 

[steel5859]

How much should I walk my 13 week old Boerboel? He definitely needs to burn some energy but I don't want to stress out his growing bones.

 

[DMikeM]

I believe it is 1 half hour per month of life (not sure) until 6 months. Walk him for 30 minutes and see if he get tired, if not go 10 or 20 minutes more until you can figure out his limits. Normal walks should not be a problem with bone growth. Romping and climbing and jumping off high things are the concern.
Try to keep it off the pavement or cement as much as you can too.