[gemy]

@SW Houston;

I forgot to mention that a pack mentality particularly with a guard breed can develop literally overnight.

One night sleeping in same home, eating together and voila - you are my pack.

The incident I referred to happened when Ilona and I were on vacation with 12 Yorkies and one Blackie - and it happened after a mere 24hrs together.

We also elected not to walk on that dirt road again. We exercised the dogs in the water and around the cottage. Why risk another encounter with an off lead Rottie mix?

The other suggestion I have for you; and this might mean well actually will mean more $$$ - if you want to get an older purebred large dog, look for in fact insist it is obedience trained already. All the guard breeds should be trained to a minimum CD=Companion Dog title. This means they can heel on and off lead, Come, STay, Stand for examination and are proven to be good citizens. It takes a whole lot of rehab to rescue even an 18mth large breed dog that has had no TRAINING.

Also there are places in the States that you can send your dog to Obedience camp. Pricey but.... After three weeks your dog is returned to you fully trained - and then it is your responsibility to keep up with the training.