Growling/Barking at 16 weeks??

[bsboel]

Hello. I've been doing some searching and haven't been able to find anything to answer my question exactly - so here goes.

Is it typical for such a young puppy (16 weeks) to already be acting protective?? For example... this morning he growled and lunged at the garbage men while on lead. He has been socialized as much as possible - and it's not the first time he has been exposed the same truck and people. It wasn't that big of deal, but I don't want him to do the same thing when he gets huge, if it's preventable. I made sure to correct immediately - by this I mean... I gave my correction for no (ah- ah), got between him and what he was focused on, and had him sit. He listened and I praised.

He also gives warning barks when someone comes to the front door. Again - we made sure to (and still do) have people over all the time.

Sorry - got away from the question... again, is it normal (from you fellow BB owners) at such a young age to already be showing the guarding instinct? And, did I correct him in the right way??

Just curious - any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks! Brandon

[mayahund]

Hi Brandon!
I sure don't know what's right and whats wrong!!! (Great help I am!!)
and some of my pups started guarding earlier than others. My current one (soon to be 11 months) always had a strong instinct for guarding.

Chili, my soon to be 4 year old female "protected"e at the age of 4-5 months when she went in between me and my dogtrainer. Then she lived with an older bb that was the chief of guard for a couple of years and then all of a sudden she was alone. She immidiatly rose to the occasion and started guarding.....

Our by now 11 month old pup has been " guarding" almost since he came but we tell him what he is allowed to guard and not.

So from my point of view,;what do you accept as guarding?? Draw your lines and stick to them!!! That way you might get a good bb.

Ewa

[bulieboerboels]

Hi Brandon I think that most people who buy a large guarding/protection dog would expect it to guard.We find that every dog is different and some will show guarding behaviour earlier than others.Depending on your circumstances ie where you live,what you bought the dog for,how many visitors you have,how close your neighbours are etc would help you decide what you consider acceptable or not acceptable behaviour from your dog.We have found it does not matter how well you socialise your dog it does not take away the instinct to guard and that some dogs are keener than others.The important thing is that the dog is under proper control at all times.Some of our dogs are friendly and approachable some are not.They are all without exception friendly and approachable by ourselves.
Some people would say that is not acceptable and that all Boerboels should be approachable.This however is ONLY their opinion and is not cast in stone.If your dogs behaviour is not acceptable to you then you should work towards shaping its behaviour to what is acceptable to you.I must add that a well trained,socialised Boerboel is a lot easier to handle and manage than one that is not.Good luck with the training and keep us all posted on your dogs progress.Regards Paul.

[buliebuse]

Hi Brandon
Welcome to the board.
We have used a dog gate stopping access to the front door if we are there - which basically says 'Oy you we are in control if in the house' etc - if we are not in the gate is open.So in my simple mind it takes the onus off them to 'have to' guard.
As regards when out & about we have used 'clicker training' as a distraction alongside food - seems to work every time . The only thing is as all will know you have to have eyes in the back of your heads with this breed as they can & will turn on a sixpence.
Ju

[bsboel]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I have to tell you after getting some feedback from others I am not worried. It's almost like he's putting on a show, saying "Look at me - I'm tough" He is the sweetest dog and he truly LOVES EVERYONE he comes in contact with (dog and human). It's just his natural instinct I'm sure. We're just going to keep doing what we do and continue the training. If it gets any worse we'll take the necessary steps.

Quick question... If he growls or barks do I correct him? Or by me doing so, is that making it worse by possibly acknowledging his fear (or behavior in general)? I would guess that I should cut him off so that he knows I'm in control - correct??

Thanks! Brandon