Yes, we have love. He would die for me, take on any threat for me, overcome any physical obstacle to save me from danger. But does he respect me? Well....let me tell you, it's a work in progress. Here are some concrete ways I have helped my boerobel understand that I am the boss at home, and he needs to respect my authority and trust my leadership. Your Boerboel needs to be able to see you as a strong pack leader, in order for him to relax. If you don't fill that leadership role, rest assured....he will....
Building Respect:
Handfeeding!
Teaching basic commands and doing obedience work. (Sit, down, stay, paw).
Setting boundaries in the house. Ex: My boerboel is not allowed to follow me into bedrooms or bathrooms. He is also not allowed onto couches. Once the boerboel is at the same altitude as you (face height) he starts to see you as a littermate and NOT as a strong leader. Be a leader; let him feel safe. He can switch "off" once he realizes that you are capable of looking after yourself and him.
Don't give constant positive praise and reassurance for no reason. Give praise only when he deserves it (ex: he lies down calmly, he brings you a toy, he does a command). Don't give him attention when he's in a hyper/"electric" energy state, or you're just reinforcing that negative energy.
"Watch Me" Command on walks. This will train the dog to check in with you, and seek guidance in challenging situations, instead of simply making his own decisions. I use "Watch Me" when Samir and I are on a walk and I want to get his attention. Once a dog does this reliably, it becomes a way to redirect their attention. If Samir is on a walk and pulling me, I will often issue the following commands to remind him of his place in our pack hierarchy:
ENERGY: It's easier to try build respect once he's gotten out all of his excess energy at the park or so. A physically pent-up, frustrated Boerboel will not be an obedient Boerboel. Golden Rule: A tired dog is a good dog!
PATIENCE: Be patient with your dog, especially if he's a rescue. If you feel yourself gettting very frustrated, it is often best to walk away. Getting very angry or shouting at the Boerbeol is not advisable. It will simply desensize him. You will end up having to use more and more force and effort to make him obey. It's a downward spiral. Stay calm and assertive in the presence of your dog. He will pick up on that energy and feel safe.
LOVE: Always remember that the Boerboel fundamentally wants to please you.
He lives for you and would also die for you.
It is simply the nature of the beast.
