Dog Community

Trying to understand...

Posted : 3/10/2010 1:55:21 AM

Well I have two dogs both 7 months old. One is a lab x rotti, and other is a bullmastiff x rotti. They share a kennel, play in the yard together and get along well in general. However when I take them for a walk we often stop at the local school field. If no on is around I will let them off to run. I've done this only twice. When I let them off they run, but my bullmastiff will chase my lab and attack him. Not playful, I have to pull him off, and it's vicious. I don't understand why this happens only when I let the two loose off of our property. I take them to the barn with me they are fine, they are fine at home, no fighting even when being fed. I just don't get it. Solution of course is to keep bull on leash at park of course or a muzzle. But I'm trying to understand what is going on. I've spoken to my local dog fancier society and am going to be getting some private help, but thought I'd put this out to get some opinions. Thanks Big Smile

mrv

Posted : 3/10/2010 6:52:53 AM

First off I would seperate them in the kennel. I would even move the kennels/crates to different rooms. Although you might not think it, dogs need alone time so they have a reason to bond with you. That 24/7 time makes their relationship more important than yours. Start taking both dogs to obedience classes so you can train under distractions. This will build your control and your bond. If you wish to allow the dogs to run free, dont do it until you have a stronger recall command and take only one dog at a time. This is a problem that is building.

jake/cody

Posted : 3/10/2010 10:13:29 AM

Hi thanks for your reply. Husband is home this weekend so we are separating them in the kennel completely. Also moved their crates to different rooms. We have registered for classes starting next week. I'm relieved to see that your suggestions are all things that we are doing right now. Thanks it is reassuring.

spiritdogs

Posted : 3/10/2010 8:58:42 PM

Are these boys neutered yet? If not, that would be the first thing to try, and it might possibly solve the problem completely before it does get habitual and out of hand.

Rott-n-GSDs

Posted : 3/28/2010 8:18:00 PM

A few different things may be coming into play. Do other dogs use this park? If so, there may be smells that are getting the dogs worked up. The excitement level is also likely elevated, as both are probably thinking, "Wheee!! We get to run free in a big area!" Excited dogs can sometimes become aggressive dogs (think of how sometimes dogs can get aggressive behind a fence... they may turn on their doggie friends because they are excited/frustrated about a dog or human on the other side of the fence).

Additionally, it may not be all the bullmastiff's fault. Sometimes a dog isn't intending to be aggressive, but the other dog overreacts and then a fight occurs. A friend of mine has a BC that is fear aggressive. If a dog comes up to him too quickly or displays any sort of dominant body language, he freaks out and lashes out at the other dog. A dog like a Rotti usually isn't going to back down if another dog challenges him. I would recommend tiring the dogs out with a nice long (leashed) walk before turning them loose in a field.