A wee bit of advice please

[kirstykate]

American bulldogs??

He is 2, castrated and doesn't like strangers coming into the garden/house and he is very protective he is now starting to show signs of aggression, whats the best way to deal with this before it gets out of hand at the moment I can shout at it works. I want to stamp it completely out now

 

[Dobiegirl]

Have you had him from a pup? has he always barked at people coming into the house?

Ive always allowed mine to bark at people who come in but only for a brief moment and they know the word quiet, was yours always suspicious even when people came in and sat down or would you allow him to say hello. How much socialising has he done if you had him from a pup or when you acquired him.

If he was mine I would put a choke chain and lead on when people come in and the minute he showed the slightest hint of aggression I would give him a strong check and say no in a very loud voice. I would also get people to sit down and not make eye contact with him. You could get people to throw him a treat so he learns people coming in are a good thing and gradually build up to them giving him a treat by hand, but you must have him on the lead so you have total control.

This is very hard giving someone advice over a forum for potentially a very dangerous problem, they are very powerful dogs and it might initially be wise to muzzle him while you are seeking to desensatise him.

It might be wise if you are feeling out of your depth here to call in a behaviourist, one who has experience of this problem.

 

[kirstykate]

Thank you so much Dobiegirl, yep had him from a pup, no he doesnt/didnt bark. Will try the choke chain and treats and see what happens, he is alot worse with men?