Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have a 7 month old amstaff trained at dog school.She is a purebred and very muscular for her age.My query she has grown up with 2 other neighbours dogs which are mongrels and a lot smaller than her,but everytime i let her out side the older male dog quite often comes up to her and bites her but before he gets there she cowers away then squeals.I thought being an Amstaff i would have had to pull HER away.I dont want her to be an agressive dog but will she ever defend herself or has she been mistreated before we recieved her as a puppy.I would be gratefull of anybodys input in how to reverse this situation as i bought her for protection for my wife when i go to work.

>>i have a 7 month old amstaff trained at dog school.She is a purebred and very muscular for her age.My query she has grown up with 2 other neighbours dogs which are mongrels and a lot smaller than her,but everytime i let her out side the older male dog quite often comes up to her and bites her but before he gets there she cowers away then squeals.I thought being an Amstaff i would have had to pull HER away.I dont want her to be an agressive dog but will she ever defend herself or has she been mistreated before we recieved her as a puppy.I would be gratefull of anybodys input in how to reverse this situation as i bought her for protection for my wife when i go to work.

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Don't let this continue, or when she matures a bit more, she may do more than just defend herself. When her defense drives kick in, she may kill him, and other dogs who look like him, too. Get the authorities involved to corral the loose dogs.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

The only problem is the other dog i am talking about is from my wifes family who stay within the walls of our house too so the dogs are mingling with each other every day.Does an am staffs temperament change as it gets older,and is it just a matter of time before she starts to fight. if so then so be it as i have told my neighbours to keep their dog away from mine.

>>The only problem is the other dog i am talking about is from my wifes family who stay within the walls of our house too so the dogs are mingling with each other every day.Does an am staffs temperament change as it gets older,and is it just a matter of time before she starts to fight. if so then so be it as i have told my neighbours to keep their dog away from mine.

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Yes, a dog's temperament is different by the time they are a year or so old than it was as a puppy.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Thanks very much for your replys kathy.