10b. How are Mastiffs with Other dogs?
Description
This article is from the Mastiffs Breed FAQ, by mmcbee@access.mountain.net (Mike McBee) with numerous contributions by others.
10b. How are Mastiffs with Other dogs?
By nature a typical Mastiff is friendly and aloof toward
other dogs. But, as with any breed, they must be properly
socialized around other dogs from early puppyhood.
Most cases of Dog Aggression in the Mastiff, or in any breed,
are due to this lack of early introduction and stimuli with
other dogs. This type of behavioral disorder is usually
classified as Species Aggression.
Another type of Canine Aggression is Dominance Aggression. A
dog with dominant tendencies may seek to change its position
in the pecking order by being aggressive toward another dog.
This can really be a problem when there is more than one
Dominant Aggressive dog in a multiple dog household. For this
reason, it is best not place a dominant Mastiff in the same
household with another dominant dog, especially of the same
sex. While everything may seem fine while the puppy is young,
as it matures it will seek to move up in the pack hierarchy
and will compete for dominance with the other dog resulting
in family turmoil.
In most cases, proper socialization and adequate stimuli is
the best way to head off most aggressive behavioral disorders
before they have a chance to develop.
If your Mastiff is aggressive, first, consult a canine
behaviorist or professional trainer to determine if the dog
can overcome some or all of this behavioral problem through
retraining. ALSO have your veterinarian check for physical
problems that can effect behavior, especially hormone
problems such as hypothyroidism. Often spaying or neutering a
dog aggressive dog will limit some of its tendencies to fight
or dominate another dog, as well as cool some of the
instinctive fighting among males and females in heat. If you
are feeding a food that is in high in protein, try a food
that is around 18% protein, some dogs are sensitive to excess
levels of protein.
If your Mastiffs do get into a fight, do NOT get between
them. If someone else, known to the dogs, is there, each of
you should grab a dog by the rear legs and drag them away
from each other and separate them so that they cannot see or
get to each other.
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