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by ZedDogs on 14 March 2013 - 09:03
I have a male pup from a reputable breeder who, when we first got him, had some noise/vehicle sensitivity which I worked him through in about a week. He also displays some resource guarding which is an on-going project. When he first meets strange dogs, he screams and wants to flee. With most, in a short amount of time, he comes around. If we go for a walk with them, within about 20-30mins, there isn't any noticeable stress. However, even in familiar areas, he won't range away from me more than about 20-25ft. If the dog comes to him, within this range, he will play. Otherwise, he just explores and ignores the dog. Am I dealing with a fear issue which will worsen with age?
by Hutchins on 14 March 2013 - 09:03
You have your work cut out for you. I never would have gotten a puppy like that. I believe since you said the breeder was a reputable one, your best bet will be to contact them and explain your situation. Obviously, being a reputable breeder, they will know exactly what to do to help you with their puppy. JMO
by Bhaugh on 14 March 2013 - 12:03
Sorry but what 11 week old puppy has resource guarding? You mention reputable breeder......I would be asking for another puppy. If this was just a poor match of mom and dad (which can happen) a good breeder will see your issues and replace. How much did you pay for him?
I just cant wrap my head around a puppy of this age guarding anything aggressively without play. That behavior would be squashed immediately. I had an aussie do some of these things when he was like 8 weeks old. I took him back to the breeder who couldn't understand why I wouldn't keep him esp since he placed in a conformation puppy match. I would correct his behavior for something he was doing wrong and he would just go nuts. Not stable and he was not a keeper.
Barb
I just cant wrap my head around a puppy of this age guarding anything aggressively without play. That behavior would be squashed immediately. I had an aussie do some of these things when he was like 8 weeks old. I took him back to the breeder who couldn't understand why I wouldn't keep him esp since he placed in a conformation puppy match. I would correct his behavior for something he was doing wrong and he would just go nuts. Not stable and he was not a keeper.
Barb
by Bhaugh on 14 March 2013 - 12:03
I take back "If the breeder was good would replace" That isn't realistic or fair really to the breeder (if they are good as you say) . So I would be asked for an exchange if you will and see if the breeder would seriously consider. This may not be a good match for you.
Barb
Barb
by 1020ma on 14 March 2013 - 12:03
thought the belgian malinois was a perfect breed?
by Blitzen on 14 March 2013 - 12:03
I am usually the last person to suggest that a buyer returns a dog, but this time I think that is the best advice.
by malndobe on 14 March 2013 - 14:03
What are your plans for this dog? Is he going to be a working dog, performance dog, personal protection dog, ???
had some noise/vehicle sensitivity which I worked him through in about a week.
Is he solid now with noises, or just better then he was before? How did you work him through it? Since it resolved so quickly/easily I would just chalk it up to a lack of exposure on his part vs a genetic fear issue. It's not nearly that quick and easy to fix a true temperament problem.
He also displays some resource guarding which is an on-going project.
How are you addressing this? Resource guarding is not unusual in working line Malinois pups, some lines are known for it and the behavior is encouraged by the breeder then the owner, they want a possessive dog. Personally I am not a huge fan, I like some of the things possessiveness brings in terms of working a dog, but I don't want them possessive or resource guarding around me.
When he first meets strange dogs, he screams and wants to flee. With most, in a short amount of time, he comes around. If we go for a walk with them, within about 20-30mins, there isn't any noticeable stress.
How much interaction has he had with other dogs, and how important is it that he get along with other dogs later in life for him to fulfill your plans for him? Once he has met a dog a few times is he comfortable as soon as he knows it's them, or does he respond this way even with dogs he has come to know?
However, even in familiar areas, he won't range away from me more than about 20-25ft. If the dog comes to him, within this range, he will play. Otherwise, he just explores and ignores the dog.
Is this only when other dogs are around, or does he normally stick fairly close all the time? How "into you" is this pup? IE is the sticking close because he draws security from it, or is it because he's got a high level of pack drive and just naturally wants to be around you?
Am I dealing with a fear issue which will worsen with age?
Hard to say, the only thing in your posts that to me sounded like a fear issue is his behavior towards other dogs. This might be something that can be fixed with regular exposure dogs with GOOD social skills, ie not dogs that will terrorize him but with recognize he is insecure and invite him to play gently. Depending on how important it is though that he actually get along with strange dogs later in life, there are Malinois that aren't good dog park dogs, you may just want to teach him to focus on you when other dogs are around, and ignore them. If handled correctly it should only get better as he gains confidence, if handled incorrectly yes, it could get worse.
I would definitely contact the breeder and get their take on what is going on. Not only should they be familiar with the bloodlines but they should also be in touch with the other puppy people and know if any of them are having similar issues.
had some noise/vehicle sensitivity which I worked him through in about a week.
Is he solid now with noises, or just better then he was before? How did you work him through it? Since it resolved so quickly/easily I would just chalk it up to a lack of exposure on his part vs a genetic fear issue. It's not nearly that quick and easy to fix a true temperament problem.
He also displays some resource guarding which is an on-going project.
How are you addressing this? Resource guarding is not unusual in working line Malinois pups, some lines are known for it and the behavior is encouraged by the breeder then the owner, they want a possessive dog. Personally I am not a huge fan, I like some of the things possessiveness brings in terms of working a dog, but I don't want them possessive or resource guarding around me.
When he first meets strange dogs, he screams and wants to flee. With most, in a short amount of time, he comes around. If we go for a walk with them, within about 20-30mins, there isn't any noticeable stress.
How much interaction has he had with other dogs, and how important is it that he get along with other dogs later in life for him to fulfill your plans for him? Once he has met a dog a few times is he comfortable as soon as he knows it's them, or does he respond this way even with dogs he has come to know?
However, even in familiar areas, he won't range away from me more than about 20-25ft. If the dog comes to him, within this range, he will play. Otherwise, he just explores and ignores the dog.
Is this only when other dogs are around, or does he normally stick fairly close all the time? How "into you" is this pup? IE is the sticking close because he draws security from it, or is it because he's got a high level of pack drive and just naturally wants to be around you?
Am I dealing with a fear issue which will worsen with age?
Hard to say, the only thing in your posts that to me sounded like a fear issue is his behavior towards other dogs. This might be something that can be fixed with regular exposure dogs with GOOD social skills, ie not dogs that will terrorize him but with recognize he is insecure and invite him to play gently. Depending on how important it is though that he actually get along with strange dogs later in life, there are Malinois that aren't good dog park dogs, you may just want to teach him to focus on you when other dogs are around, and ignore them. If handled correctly it should only get better as he gains confidence, if handled incorrectly yes, it could get worse.
I would definitely contact the breeder and get their take on what is going on. Not only should they be familiar with the bloodlines but they should also be in touch with the other puppy people and know if any of them are having similar issues.
by malndobe on 14 March 2013 - 14:03
Sorry but what 11 week old puppy has resource guarding?
I just cant wrap my head around a puppy of this age guarding anything aggressively without play.
It's not usual at all. I've seen 8 week old pups resource guard to the point of drawing blood when they bit the person messing with their toy/bone/etc. Most aren't that extreme, but it's a very common behavior in working pups, and not just Malinois. I've seen GSD, Rott, Dobe, etc do it also. You can see it between littermates in some litters, even as early as 4 and 5 weeks old, getting nasty over the food bowl or toys. And if the behavior is encouraged, which some people do, especially in the last few years, it can get fairly extreme. Their is a trend in the dual purpose world to believe that the dogs have to be highly possessive to be good dual purpose dogs. Buyers want it, so breeders/trainers are building it.
That behavior would be squashed immediately.
I like a little of it, I find a dog who is possessive tends to have a calmer natural hold in their retrieve, and is also easier to teach to come back and sit in front without dropping the item. But I'm not going to deal with a dog that I own trying to bite me for taking something from them, they will be taught that is not acceptable.
I had an aussie do some of these things when he was like 8 weeks old. I took him back to the breeder who couldn't understand why I wouldn't keep him esp since he placed in a conformation puppy match. I would correct his behavior for something he was doing wrong and he would just go nuts. Not stable and he was not a keeper
Sounds like your pup had more issues then just being possessive, I haven't seen a correlation between being possessive and just going nuts over corrections.
I just cant wrap my head around a puppy of this age guarding anything aggressively without play.
It's not usual at all. I've seen 8 week old pups resource guard to the point of drawing blood when they bit the person messing with their toy/bone/etc. Most aren't that extreme, but it's a very common behavior in working pups, and not just Malinois. I've seen GSD, Rott, Dobe, etc do it also. You can see it between littermates in some litters, even as early as 4 and 5 weeks old, getting nasty over the food bowl or toys. And if the behavior is encouraged, which some people do, especially in the last few years, it can get fairly extreme. Their is a trend in the dual purpose world to believe that the dogs have to be highly possessive to be good dual purpose dogs. Buyers want it, so breeders/trainers are building it.
That behavior would be squashed immediately.
I like a little of it, I find a dog who is possessive tends to have a calmer natural hold in their retrieve, and is also easier to teach to come back and sit in front without dropping the item. But I'm not going to deal with a dog that I own trying to bite me for taking something from them, they will be taught that is not acceptable.
I had an aussie do some of these things when he was like 8 weeks old. I took him back to the breeder who couldn't understand why I wouldn't keep him esp since he placed in a conformation puppy match. I would correct his behavior for something he was doing wrong and he would just go nuts. Not stable and he was not a keeper
Sounds like your pup had more issues then just being possessive, I haven't seen a correlation between being possessive and just going nuts over corrections.
by Eldee on 14 March 2013 - 15:03
This is interesting that at 11 weeks you would think about returning a puppy to the breeder for unwanted behaviour. At 11 weeks aren't they still just babies??. I once owned a shephard pup that hid from my husband every time he called to her. Would run to me scared as a rabbit. She lived to be 10 years old and was the best dog you could have ever asked for. Are you sure you don't mean to say 11 months in your posts??
by kyto on 14 March 2013 - 15:03
can you post puppy's pedigree here?
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