I'm staying with some friends who own a 1 year old 100lb+ presa canario mastiff. He's generally well behaved and friendly, but has on occasion snapped and lunged at me. Yesterday when he lunged, he briefly had his jaw on me but didn't bite. He was quickly restrained after that. His owners claim this only happens when the dog senses fear from strangers even though I have exhibited no fear towards him except for once jumping excitedly when he let out an unexpected bark. His owners think this isn't a big deal and haven't been proactive about changing his behaviour, but I feel like this is a huge liability and something really should be done!

Today I stayed in alone with the dog and when he growled at me, I quickly corrected him and that was that. He has begun listening to me when I give him commands and was well behaved when I took him on a walk and even though he's huge and stronger than me, he didn't pull on the leash or try to dominate the walk. He doesn't lunge at others while on a walk though he did whimper in the elevator when a stranger got on (was he showing fear? could his aggression be provoked by fear?) we didn't meet any dogs today so I'm not sure how he is towards other dogs.

I am sure his behaviour can improve but need some suggestions for ways to help his owners understand the gravity of the situation. They pretty much spoil him and let him come on the bed, couch, etc. And yesterday I did notice that he tried to sit on me while I was on the couch (was this him asserting his dominance over me?)

Anyway, he's a great dog and I'm sure with some tips, he will improve greatly. Any suggestions as to:

What is motivating his sporadically aggressive behaviour?
How should I help his owners understand their treatment of him needs to change?
What are some easy tips for me to use during my stay with them to ensure my safety?
What are some easy tips to give his owners until they get him properly trained?

Thanks all!

This dog is a loose cannon.

I would ABSOLUTELY refuse to be around this dog.
Presa Canarios are powerful dogs that can easily kill a human being (I have no bias against the breed. They are beautiful dogs. But big, and powerful). This dog is clearly a danger.

For a reminder of how big and powerful, recall the two Presa Canarios that ripped a woman apart in a stairwell a few years back.

The dog needs serious pack structure and serious obedience training now.

But honestly, what he needs most, is different owners.

What tips to give the owners?

They should click here:
http://leerburg.com/dogbites.htm

and here:
http://leerburg.com/groundwork.htm

and here:
http://leerburg.com/qadominantdog.htm

and here:
http://leerburg.com/dominac2.htm


Better yet, I'd print the articles out, and hand them to them.

If they don't want to listen, I'd calmly explain that you believe their dog is a danger to the general public, and if they wont take measures to fix the problem- you will call animal control .

Easy tips for your safety.
Refuse to be around the dog , especially without one or both of them present.

Since they already KNOW that their dog is dangerous and attacks people (of course, only people who are "afraid", what a lame excuse), they should have no issue keeping the dog away.

Interim plans for THEM?
Buy a muzzle, a dominant dog collar, a prong collar and an E-collar.

Learn how to use all of them.

Buy a big, sturdy crate.

Implement pack structure.

Teach this dog obedience. All three phases, with special emphasis on proofing and correction.


If they can't do ALL those things, they need to either find a new home for the dog, or let the Humane Society take it.

If you feel a bit like a heel threatening to call animal control on your friends... just take a deep breath and a few seconds to think how you'd feel if you turned on the news and saw that their dog killed a child.

That is where this is headed, if something doesn't change.

Liability? How about criminal culpability, and living with that on your conscience forever?

One quick nip could alter a child's life forever, and experience has shown that it doesn't usually stay at the nipping stage long.
He's not even a full-grown adult yet.

He still has more growing (and more hormones) yet to do.

Yeah, it is a pretty lame excuse. They use it to explain his bad behaviour and just see him in this angelic light. Obviously, they need some sense knocked in.

I'm hoping that our resident Presa Canario owner will chime in, just so you'll be able to tell your friends that the advice came from another Presa owner, not a bunch of folks who don't know the breed ('cause trust me, that will likely come up...)

I wholeheartedly agree with Alyssa.

This is bad. He is only 1 year old? Professional evaluation is in order now! This dog is not due to reach maturity until 2 1/2 - 3 years old.

These people need help, or someone WILL get hurt or worse. Urge your friends to find a qualified trainer NOW. This behavior will only get worse, and the dog will only get bigger and stronger.

What area do your friends live in, Colette?

Perhaps someone knows of a good trainer (experienced with aggression/dominance issues) in that area.

Chicago, Alyssa.

Tracy, isn't the pic in your post a Cane Corso rather than a Presa Canrio?

 Quote: Tracy R Touzjian

I wholeheartedly agree with Alyssa.

This is bad. He is only 1 year old? Professional evaluation is in order now! This dog is not due to reach maturity until 2 1/2 - 3 years old.

These people need help, or someone WILL get hurt or worse. Urge your friends to find a qualified trainer NOW. This behavior will only get worse, and the dog will only get bigger and stronger.