Hi

I have a bullmastiff, Ollie, he is a rescue dog and is around 18 months/2years old. He lives at home with my mum younger sister (18) and myself (22) the cat and a young English bull terrier. We have had him for just over 2 months now and so far he has been fine, a very loving nature and friendly personality. We had Ollie before the English bull and he took to her fantastically, they seem to be best of friends, following each other round, playing and sleeping together.
The problem: My brother has been to visit twice since we got Ollie, the first time Ollie did growl n didn’t seem to like him however after a while let him stroke him n was ok'ish. The second time Ollie did actually go for him and was very aggressive. (No one was hurt!) We cant seem to understand why he shows this aggressive behaviour toward him, Ollie has been fine with other people coming in, men and women. I was wondering if anyone knows if there could be any reason for this, are mastiffs known to dislike certain things which could be what is sparking of his aggression?

Any advice or info would be apreciated.

Your brother could resemble someone who abused him , do you have crate for him or a run, So that your brother can sit beside him reading quietly or smoking whatever, untill he knows that your brother is no threat to him or anyone in your home.
Without any intent to upset or insult have you had a little argument with your brother perhaps even joking , that may have had him detect bad vibes .Ollie has new family that have rescued him and he is not going to let anything happen to them
They are instinctively guarding so could be something like that you have not thought about
He should get over it once he knows it is not acceptable behaviour from him.and you sternly let him know that.
Other then that I dont know,Perhaps you can find out little more of his background as it is very rare for bullies to act like this

Marie

Thanks Marie,

Did think that it was just Ollie being over protective but he is not like this with others, he did growl at my younger sisters friend who is petrified of dogs, just blamed that, my brother does not live at home and only visists about once a month, he is not the biggest of dog lovers, do you think that Ollie is picking this up? Would they show aggression because of this? I have read so much about mastiffs and all the litrature seems to suggest they are not aggressive however i am aware any dog can turn. It is worrying to see this side of him as we have no back ground information.
It maybe my brother does remind him of a previous owner who may not have been to kind, will have to convince my brother to sit near him and talk to him, maybe a few chocolates will help!!!!

Thanks for your reply, much apreciated!

I've found it a good idea if the person who the dog distrusts to sit down and completely ignore the dog, not even to look at him. Occasionally the person should drop a treat (a piece of sausage or similar) still completely ignoring the dog. Let the dog make all the advances in his own time.

Eventually the dog will come and sniff the person - again there should be no reaction. The titbits can gradually be left nearer the person, but never offered to the dog - just made available.

This way the dog is under no pressure and should come round. He may not ever be best buddies with your brother (as has been suggested, he may resemble a Bad Person from the dog's past) but you should be able to get him tolerated!

Good luck :)

sent you link debbie but htmls or something have to go in quarantine
and will stay there untill safe is my message back lol
Stay in touch and let me know how he goes Marie

Just an idea - does your brother wear a hat or have some other "weird" thing on that might bother your dog?

Is your brother nervous of the dog. Some people are a bit wary of larger powerful dogs. Your dog could be picking this up from him and reacting in a distrustful manner towards him.
Mick