Bad situation.....

[DoggGuy]

Last night Daz and i were out for a drive and we stopped at a gas station to get a bottle of water for him and juice for me. well as i exited the station a guy that i have had an encounter or two with, made a rude comment as i passed him. always avoiding confrontation i simply ignored him and kind of chuckled to myself. suddenly he was making his way to me pulling off his jacket and cussing up a storm, as i turned to meet him his face got pale and he froze mid-stride. Looking at him i could see his gaze was slightly lower than me. Then i saw what scared him, Daz had jumped from the backwindow and came around the front of the car and was staring quite intently at him.
My first instict is get Daz before he bites(Nothing but trouble will come from that) as i called him he came to me wagging his tail, i guess the guy thought that meant he was a playful puppy because he started to move at us and its a good thing i had a good grip on his collar. Daz Lunged at him bareing his teeth and making the most vicious sound i have ever heard. The guy backed away and ran into the store Daz kinda watched the door for a sec and then i praised him to all heavens as we loaded back in. Daz has never given me reason to think he had any real protective drive. he barks at strangers when we are at home but he will let ANYONE pet him the kids in the neighborhood love him. I am now kinda curious if i should be a little more wary of who i let get close. what do you think?

[alexav]

I think that dogs are MASTERS of reading body language. This creeps body language was telling Daz in no uncertain terms that he meant to attack you. Your BL was telling Daz that you were expecting a confrontation. Daz, Good Dog, was right there to help you, showing that he is acting as a loyal member of the pack.

It's all natural for a dog... ;)

I also think this proves he has a fair bit of courage that you should handle and train WISELY.

[LucyJ]

I agree, yay Daz!

[rebelgal7]

This brings tears of joy seeing that Daz had such strong loyalty and love for his human friend. With no disregard to himself, he sought to 'protect' his owner from a 'dangerous' situation.

And DoggGuy, I think it is a pity that Daz couldn't bite him on the backside for being sooooo stupid in seeking 'confrontation' with you, but thankfully, the 'would-be' assailant backed off when seeing how intimidating Daz looked with his teeth exposed. No doubts, giving him an idea of what Daz is capable of, with his teeth!! :D

What could've been a nasty incident,you and Daz formed an formidable team and defused the whole situation.
It must be difficult having to hold Daz back and wanting to let him go but I think it is great that you've had control of Daz because this boy will have no understanding of the pathetic 'human' laws, only the instincts and 'canine laws' that Daz stood by and obeys.... to protect its pack member.

Heaps of praises for you and Daz, I would certainly give Daz heaps of cuddles for his actions (and a hand-shake for you DoggGuy?? lol :D ) and spoil him rotten!! (within reasons anyway lol ;) :D ).

[Burnsway]

Doggy Guy,
Go to this site http://hometown.aol.com/nogoodkris

then click on: Mariah, A Trucker's Best Friend

It is one of many examples of how the average every day pet without an ounce of traing can and most likely in most cases protect.... :D

Im so glad your dog was there for you...;-).

My pom pom and my rottie never had the chance to show their protective skills but my chow saved my life twice....ITS A WONDERFUL FEELING!!!!!

[mrsknicks71]

GOOD BOY DAZ!!!!! :D DoggGuy, glad to hear that everything turned out ok for you two. I wouldn't want to mess with you anyway, if you are strong enough to hold back a Rottie who is on a "mission". I don't think you should have any more trouble with this guy. If I were you I would learn how to "harness" that energy. :D

[German Vanegas]

Dogguy,
How old is Daz?

[RottnKid1]

Way to go, Daz!!! I agree with Alexa - dogs who are well socialized and have stable temperaments are excellent at "reading" people. If my dogs take a dislike to someone, I trust their instincts.

[DoggGuy]

daz is 11 months now. turned yesterday.

[German Vanegas]

DogGuy,
For an eleven-month old PUPPY that kind of aggressive reaction is quite amazing. Your dog is too young to have defense drive yet. Albeit there is no rule, defense drive develops with maturity, usually starts to appear around 18 months of age, or even older. In some dogs may show up at around 14 months or so. Anyway, lucky you that it worked out allright and that the idiot did not took up the challenge to confront your dog. Have the idiot threatened your dog decisively, there is a possibility that could have messed up your dog's confidence level. In any case, it seems like your dog have potential to protect and guard.

[DoggGuy]

well Daz is very intimidating, people are always saying that and i almost have to force them to pet him. To see him happy is scary, upset he could make you wet your pants, I know if he were someones elses dog i wouldnt try to call his bluff, to look at him a puppy is the last thing people think of, he is just over 120lbs. Let me toss in another question. we go on walks everyday and i monitor his food intake and keep treats to a minimum but he keeps GrOwInG. I am strting to think that his size is going to become a danger to himself, or am i just worrying too much again?

[German Vanegas]

Originally posted by DoggGuy: "well Daz is very intimidating, people are always saying that and i almost have to force them to pet him. To see him happy is scary, upset he could make you wet your pants, I know if he were someones elses dog i wouldnt try to call his bluff"

Dogguy,
You are making it sound like your dog has a questionable temperament. In all honesty, I wouldn't expect a dog to be defensive and protective at just eleven months of age. Again, at that early age a pup is not ready for such stressful task, or better yet: mature enough. It might be that your dog is too aggressive.

[ May 30, 2001: Message edited by: German Vanegas ]

[lblax]

originally posted by dogguy"he barks at strangers when we are at home but he will let ANYONE pet him the kids in the neighborhood love him. I am now kinda curious if i should be a little more wary of who i let get close." what do you think? Yes I would be wary but not to the point that he picks up body language from you and becomes to wary of strangers also always supervise him with the kids now he is at the age where he is more activly seeking his placve in the pack (teenager-adolescent) and he may try to assert himself into a spot..posted by german vanegas[quote] [Dogguy,
You are making it sound like your dog has a questionable temperament. In all honesty, I wouldn't expect a dog to be defensive and protective at just eleven months of age. Again, at that early age a dog is no ready for such stressful task, or better yet: mature enough. It might be that your dog is too aggressive]I agree with this at his age ours ran into the same situation and acted acordingly and i believe if substancial bonding was done since a pup ( ours can hardly stand it if he cant see me lol) he was probably reacting to the situation but he more than likely didnt understand it our even why he was responding.im with germain if the attack continued his confidance could have been destroyed or caused some fear aggression.if he was my dog since he has shown some guard potential i would hit the obediance hard and play alot of tug games (some will probably beat me up for the tug games suggestion)it will build his confidance and remember always let him win!!! I have played tug games with every dog ive owned and have never had the trouble that you here aboutIE; uncontrolled bite or dominace. good luck

[ May 29, 2001: Message edited by: lblax ]

[DoggGuy]

NO NO NO you misunderstand. I meant just to look at him looks mean, people are just afrid of rotties. he is EXTREMELY nice. Its just people see him and think that he is mean because of his size, his actions are just as you said of a "Puppy". I posted this because it is so not his nature and it really surprised me.

as far as supervision NOONE plays with him without me being present because he is so big he can be jumping playfully and and knock them down. with me its no thing we get rough and play but he is not allowed to do it to anyone else. not to mention i like to use any chance to work on OB and when people want to pet him he has to sit first and he must stay even while he is being petted.

[ May 30, 2001: Message edited by: DoggGuy ]

[German Vanegas]

Allright. Then you seem to have a nice Rottie. Congratulations!