[Austin]

I had success with the prong collar. My 4 month Mal puppy used to pull occasionally, but since using the prong collar I can walk him while holding the leash with 2 fingers (tied at the waist to just in case). I only had him on it for a few days before we transitioned to Ecollar training. Just know if you use the prong you don’t snap it like a choker. Best to introduce it when calm and the dog slowly pulls and tightens; not bucking around like crazy or he’ll get a lot of self corrections and just get confused as to why.

[Austin]

I’m pretty much in the same boat. Not sure if I want to do protection training or not. With 2 rotties and a pit I really don’t think any one person is going to be able to get in AND out of your house in one piece. I have no doubt Hank has my back; as I do his. That being said protection training (might?) be able to save the offenders life (if you’re interested in that) and save you some grief because the dogs are conditioned to respond to commands when in fight mode. I do think that if I do protection training I’ll do it myself. I’d worry too much about how he is being treated, and miss my buddy too much to send to a stranger.

When I’m out walking I carry a knife and conceal carry a pistol. I’m in a stand your ground state so if what would have to be a crazed lunatic were to come at us I’ll intervene before Hank gets himself in trouble (that is if I see it coming). I’m not the kind of guy that looks for trouble or wants trouble; I just always like to be prepared and walk in silent strength.

Like you I mostly want him to be a well balanced, happy, healthy dog that can function in society.

Might be a good question for AMA.

[Austin]

First off thanks for the replies.

Just to be clear this is not my first high drive dog that was suspicious of strangers. I’ve owned rotties, pits, mixed breeds, etc.. labs and poodles too once upon a time. All my previous dogs were either rescues or raised from birth aka bottle fed. I’m 100% committed to Hanks wellbeing, and the entire purpose of the party / parade outings / walks around public areas were for his benefit. I could have cared less about going for my own “fun”. I didn’t have a sip of alcohol or anything other than water at either occasion despite being surrounded by some tasty crawfish and tons of beer / liquor. My focus was 99% on him. While I’ve owned several other dogs in the past I will be and have been putting in a lot more work and time into Hank.

I was really on the fence about bringing him to the parade, but thought it would be a good opportunity for him to be around a diverse crowd of people. He appeared to me to be walking very confidently through the crowds that day. No tail tucking / wimpering / hair raising or any of the signs I’m familiar with. Leash was loose for 90% of the walk with an occasional pull to investigate something on the sidewalk. It was about 3/4 mile walk to my group. This group contained many of the same people he had met once before at the party. Two women and two kids approached and I waved them off before they got close. I could hear a low grumble. I had Hank go to a down and he was chilling. I was kneeling beside him slack leash when someone distracted me (totally my fault) and that’s when she reached towards him/me and he reacted. She pulled back and I gave a mild correction / just tried to prevent the bite with the leash quick enough with a “NO” that he didn’t get a grip. I didn’t make a big deal out of it and had him do some luring/shaping away from kind of away from the crowd. Also wasn’t a huge crowd like shoulder to shoulder; we had ample room in a parking lot for him to have 10’ space. We were only in this area for about another 30 minutes after the bite. During this time he was acting pretty normal / relaxed and focused on me.

To date only the vet / his assistant (he snapped at her on the second visit during shot) and a handful of family (just my wife and mother)and close friends (2 adult males, 2 adult females – 1 bit the on second meeting, and 2 of their children) have actually touched him. So I think around 8 people other than myself and breeder have touched him. I have zero problems telling strangers or anyone else not to touch my dog. I’m a very assertive person and really don’t care if I hurt feelings (I try not to be a dick though). He doesn’t bark or start lunging or anything. He just doesn’t seem to like people getting close enough to reach him or us I’m not sure yet. I’m fine with him being that way towards all strangers if that’s the way it’s gotta be, but like you said I need to have him be able to relax around people he could be around often. Just ordered an adjustable mesh muzzle for his next vet visit just in case. I really don’t want to have to use it if I don’t have to though.

I know this is a rambling post and I apologize. Hank is keeping me super busy and tired! I’m loving every minute though. I just want to do what’s right for him.

[Austin]

At 9 weeks when I brought Hank home he was very much living up to the “maligator” nickname. The first 2-3 days we rough housed even though I know that can make it worse. I’m pretty quick with my hands and mostly avoided the bites then push him away and he’d come charging back. I say mostly avoided but my arms tell a different story. I was worried the ASPCA might take me from him lol. The first time I was luring him on a heel he missed the treat and a canine went through all three layers of skin on the knuckle. The first time we were playing rough he got me with a textbook forearm bite and tug.

After those 3 days I stopped the rough play. His bites / mouthing is now WAY softer than the out of the box bite. I don’t allow the bites anymore and starting sticking my hand all up in there if he persists. There’s probably a gigantic flaw with this but early on I taught him “kisses”. So now we he gets mouthy I say “bad bite. kisses”. 90% of the time I get what I ask for. If he’s too amped up we go walk it off for a couple miles.

Good luck! Hope you have as much fun as we are.