We have been breeders of large dogs, Rotties, Sharpeis, and our little Mastiff/bull dogs, Boston Terriers. Now that we have Pascale, our Dogue De Bordeaux we have noticed tha she is very protective of our family. While this might be appropriate for home guarding, she is expressing this behavior to humans and dogs in public.

Is there something I can do to let her know that this behavior is not warranted?

Thanks, Holly

I have not known any bordeaux to be aggressive in that manner, maybe more socialization is the answer. My dogues are always very laid back, they generally do not even aggressively go after a threat but they have a way of looking and standing that lets anyone know not to push their luck. Usually that is sufficient. How old is your dog?

Thanks for the reply.

Pascale is 8 months old. She is expressing some "one owner dog syndrome". I have experienced this with one of my Sharpeis in the past.

What kind of socialization would you suggest? We live in a small town outside of Reno, Nevada. Should I take her with me constantly or should I have my kids (11-13) take a more active role in her socialization.

There is One variable that may have affected her present temperament. We had her in a puppy obediance class to socialize her and train her in basic commands. While purchasing supplies in PetSamrt as she sat at my feet, a moron dog owner with a 110 lb shepard male, allowed this male to jump on Pascale. Pascale immediately responded with a warning bark and growl. Can you believe this woman, who had been dragged around the store by this out-of-control dog, put all the blame on Pascale. Duh!!!! So now that Pasclae is growing she hates to have a person/dog anywhere behind her.

The shepard in question definitely was not to blame. The dumb owner had too much dog for her ability.

Where do I go from here?

Holly

Bordeaux are typically one owner dogs. My male responds to and protects my husband more while the female does the same for me. However, they are well socialized and are friendly to other people and dogs. I think what helped us alot with that is letting someone else you trust take her out to socialize once in a while. When our dogues were young we kenneled them occassionally, we also had a pet sitter, and they went to the groomers alot. We also show our dogues so they always get lots of positive attention there. There are alot of dumb people out there and I've heard your story repeated several times.

Again the best arena for our dogues interaction with other dogs was the shows. I taught them the command leave it and generally keep a good distance even at shows. There are always careless people out there who will blame the mastiff because of their size and looks without knowing anything of their temperament. I'm sure you are familiar with the scared looks people get when they see a rottie coming at them, and if they have a small dog they scoop it up and run! It's the same with Bordeaux.

I wouldn't let your children take her out to socialize unless they are familiar with how to deal with agressive behavior. Bordeaux are very powerful dogs even when young. Our male broke a braided wire tie out when he was 3 months old. If you can find a good obedience instructor she should be able to get you into a class where she can have positive doggie interaction.