A new situation cropped up on the drive home today. While I was stopped at a red light, a motorcycle pulled up behind me. Black leathers and helmet with a full visor so you could see the rider’s face. (Actually kinda creepy looking) Sasha was watching him very intently and let out a few soft woofs. I didn’t hear them at first, but could see her cheeks puff out so I started paying attention and listening harder.

Then came the low growl; a serious “I mean business” growl. I didn’t think I should correct her for it but I don’t want her to start getting reactive to people/things coming near or going past the car. (Had that problem with my previous dog)

I tried to get her attention and when I finally did, marked and rewarded with a “super HV” treat. The light turned green and we moved off and when the motorcycle passed us, she was watching intently but being quiet and I was able to get her attention back on me much quicker this time and reward it.

Sasha is a 21 month American Mastiff. This is first time I have ever heard the serious growl. I don’t know if I handled this properly or what should I have done instead?

I remember when you got her and were posting on the Forum. I have no idea about your
question, but send an updated picture!

I'm still on the forum almost everyday.

Here is a link to a photo of my girl at 8 months old. http://www.flickr.com/photos/48206605@N04/6060954842/

This link is a picture of Sasha and I on her 1 year birthday. It was the one and only time she was allowed on the furniture.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=2699548000540&set=a.1558601557592.2077460.1011857901&type=3&theater

Unfortunately, I don't have any current pictures available. I really have to rectify that soon.

Edited by Debbie Martin (09/20/2012 10:56 PM)
Edit reason: spelling

Not responding to your question, just wanted to say what a beautiful girl she is

When Zoey is in the vehicle she is at her most fierce territorial barking and has helped avoid a for sure ticket running a stop sign.

But I avoid using negative reinforcement for territorial barking, don't want it to possible escalate to something else.

All I need to do is figure how to get that fierce meaning business bark and transfer it over to the bark and hold.

She's beautiful! And, personally, I think you handled the situation very well.

She's fabulous looking. And HUGE! and she'd be scary with a serious growl....

Yes, she is HUGE! As of two weeks ago she weighed in at 175 lbs and 36 inches at the shoulder. She still has a few months more of growing to do. My breeder thinks she'll top out at 185-190 and another 2 inches of so in height.

She's actually a big chicken and a very soft dog, which is why the woof and growl really caught me off guard. All I could think is; I don't want to correct her for it. Think, think, think.....What can I do? All I could think of was trying to get her attention off the motorcycle and on to me so I could reward *something*.

She's at the age where this breed tends to start using their protective instincts so I'm sure I'll be posting more in the future asking what to do in certain situations. I don't want to be one of those people that wait until things are a serious problem and then asking for help.

 Quote: Joe Waddington

When Zoey is in the vehicle she is at her most fierce territorial barking and has helped avoid a for sure ticket running a stop sign.

But I avoid using negative reinforcement for territorial barking, don't want it to possible escalate to something else.

How do you shut her up Joe?

I teach my dogs what "Quit" means, starting as pups.
One of my GSDs will go into an absolute rage if anyone gets near the car. The "quit" stops his crazies but doesn't keep him from burning a hole in who ever he's looking at. I can handle that and a bit of grumbling.
One benefit of his rage is that it keeps me from day dreaming at stop lights.