Ok, I've read several of the posts on this board & most of the Leerburg site. I've got a 2 year old 1/2 English Mastiff 1/2 Rottweiler dog that has on 3 occasions in the past month, nearly bitten someone. The first time was a gentlemen that I allowed to pet him @ a pet store (I was right there, had the dog on leash, pulled him back as I saw him snap at the man) the 2nd was (I was playing fetch with him off leash, I know, dumbass me!)a group of high school kids that were walking down the street in front of my house he ran after & snapped at the heels of one (smart kids...just ignored him for the most part) then the last one was a fetch with him @ a park & one of my friends the dog didn't know came up & went to pet him & he snapped @ him. All of these are my fault, I acknowledge that--just want to know if there is any amount of socialization that I could do to help this problem. The dog is fine with people he knows--I used to take him everywhere--just got to be too much of a hassle & I "thought" he was well socialized--too bad I didn't know about Ed Frawley 2 years ago...any suggestions would be great--I'm only online 1 day a week so if I delay in replying, that's why. Thanks.

Wow, think I'd try to find some trainer in your area to go to. That way they can see you and the dog and really determine what's going on. fear/protection/aggression? And what your part has been and needs to be in the equation.

2 years is at the top of the 'socialization' training growth period where you really can mold a dog to be what you need. Is he neutered already? If not, that would be a good start.

You may find some helpful information on these sites:

http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_SocializationAdultDog.php

http://www.flyingdogpress.com/aggressionbasics.html

http://www.nwk9.com/early_life_management01.htm

You seem to know that you need to keep him leased, I know you want to play and enjoy your dog but you need to control him. You can't do this at the expense of the public. If you want to play fetch do it in a fenced in area like your back yard.

By the way that was a cool high school kid, a 130lb dog nipping at his heel and he stayed cool.
It probably stopped him from getting bit, all your dog needed was for him to start screaming and running. You'd be in the News!!!!

If you want to let your dog run free at a park, I would purchase a muzzle and use it when you are out. This won't stop him from being aggressive and growling but it will stop someone from being bit.

To work on stopping this behavior I would setup the human hot dog machine training session. Have some friends stand 6 feet away with you hold the leash and the dog in a sit. Have different people approach 6 ft away, after the dog settles down, have them picth pieces of hot dogs at his feet. Do this several times, progress to the people slowly getting closer and closer until they can feed him by hand then pet him. This could take a week or months pending how aggressive he is.

It seems that the dog was not socailized at a younger age. You need to do this as soon as possible or as mention get a dog trainer with a background in aggressive dogs.

Jason,

I would highly recommend Leerburg's wire muzzle. It allows plenty of airflow, and you can give treats too!

It's amazing how much more relaxed I am (and therefore my dog is too) without the possibility of a bite and all the associated consequences. It allows me to pay more attention to my dog's body language without bracing for an interception.

My bullmastiff is a little over 150lb lean (larger than standard) and the large rott muzzle fits him very well. It has a strap between the eyes as well as behind the ears.

The basket muzzle I had before allowed me to take him everywhere again (which improved his behavior considerably), but I was worried about him getting enough air. And he hated it; was always trying to get it off.

The wire muzzle doesn't bother him at all. In fact, he's happy to see it because he knows a ride and some treats are in his future. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If I remember correctly, my dog had a muzzle circumference of 17", and the measurement from one nostril, around the neck behind the ears, and back to the other nostril was about 38". The folks at Leerburg were very helpful about finding the right size.

It was the best $50 I've ever spent. It saved my dog from either a life of isolation or being put down. He's 11 years old now, and has recovered well from the nearly fatal beating (by a couple of scumbags high on meth & looking for a car to steal) which started this whole mess.

Your dog is very fortunate to have an owner who is willing to work on a solution. Too many people give up on the giant breeds when those cute little puppies grow up to have big problems!

Pat

Jason,
I have a neutered male rottie that is now 20/mo old. This dog was socialized to the max from 8 weeks. Never displayed any animal to animal or animal to human aggression. He gets more exersise pulling his cart than most dogs do, so I discount the exercise issue.
My dog still shows signs with some people that gets my attention (stiff posture, lowered head).
I have said this on the board before but it was challanged. My dog senses and reacts to owners of male dogs without them even having their dogs with them.I believe I have this behavior under control but it never completely disappears.
That being said, when I am out of direct control of my dog in public places, the muzzle goes on.
Good luck
Jerry

It might help if you think of the thing that he loves most in the world and let strangers give it to him. Our lab was in a kennel for the first 8 mnths of his life and this really helped him. Now whenever we go on walks he goes up to people and barks once because he`s learned that if he barks at people he gets his ball. Smart dog.

Get a muzzle and a corrective collar and start the socialization process all over again just as if the dog where a puppy. You have lost what you gained by not keeping the dog socialized. The difference is the dog is now old enough to receive stout correction for poor behavior where as puppies can't take it. If this is too big of a load by yourself getting professional help is very sound advice. Derek

Fear aggresion can seldom be overcome, only managed. In your case, you can add all the muzzles and what have you, you still have a fear aggresive dog. A dog which will never be safe around others...
All the things you describe I've seen in dogs I've owned. They have to be very carefully managed, or they are a liability.

Depending on where you live, and what you want to do with the dog, sometimes it may be best to have the dog PTS.. sorry.
This is something that can't be "trained out".

There is insanity in dogs.

Steve,
Whoa buddy its a little early and not nearly enough information to be talking putting the dog down. We really have no idea what could be going on with this dog or what its full history is. Current exercise and training regiment also need to be considered. The dog needs a professional evaluation before determining the best course of action.