15/09/2025
As a Boerboel breeder we always stress that they are a guardian breed, and they will continuously test you and push the limits. We also emphasize how important it is that they view every member of the family as an 'alpha'(Leader)...they must be subordinate. If you treat them like they are your kids...they will assume that they are on the same level in the pecking order as your kids. There must be clear boundaries, and you absolutely must be consistent. Rivers Edge CInderella is a very sweet girl...never shown any aggression to a family member whatsoever. She insists on laying at my bedside...which is also on the route to the bathroom. When I need to use the bathroom, I could go around her or step over her...but I don't.(I'm mobility limited, so it would be dangerous for me to do so) EVERY time I need to pass, I make her get up and out of my way. Same thing when we are going in or out of a doorway, human always goes first...she is subservient(prepared to obey others unquedtioningly) and needs these constant reminders. It's even more important with a male.
*I sound really hard core in this post..I added this to a comment, so I will also add it here.
I adore my dogs..I actually prefer their company over most human company. I talk to them, I kiss them, I typically have one or more with me all the time. I just never blur the limits, boundaries, or roles. I'm firm..but never anywhere close to abusive. I've been ridiculed before because I train my dogs to p*e and p**p on command. People think I'm an over the top control freak. No, I have no hands and I'm wheelchair bound..so if they crap in the middle of the street..I can't clean it up. Therefore I have them p**p in one specific place in my yard or in another area that works well. I think dogs are like kids..they are happier when they know what your expectations are...especially this breed that wants to please you more than any other that I've experienced. I've never read any training books, or had a training mentor..I'm just now starting to watch a few trainers on social media..but my training..to me anyway, is just common sense. It helps that I have 37 years closely working with, loving, and breeding dogs.. I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed..but I'm pretty dang observant.