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Hi Matt,
There are a lot of questions in last two posts so I am going to need to wait to after kennel hours to get to respond in full. But, the more I watch the videos and read the more I just see a typical testosterone filled bull terrier that still has some of that gladiator edge. I have been around dogs like these my whole life and it is mostly going to be understanding what you have and how to manage him or place him in the best situation. All of the body language and actions are all very “normal” for this formula. I see a lot of confident behavior, a little barrier frustration, but also desire to play. I dont see any fear aggression problems which normally is the type that can be rehabilitated. His aggression will mostly be social related (can be improved upon) and genetic tendencies (cant do much about). I also dont think this is technically a bite inhibition problem. I throw around that term loosely myself, but it is not the type that puppies learn through play. That is when they learn to bite softer during play, etc.. I bet he can bite soft or hold back during true play. It is more of a problem of “aggression inhibition” where he goes into a different mode quicker than the average dog. When he decides to fight he fights, there is no bite inhibition in fight. He also seems to lock out into a prey state even after the other dog submits. This is “normal” for many of the fighting breeds that are being “selectively bred” to win fights. It should NOT be normal behavior for a dog that is being used to selectively breed companion dogs that will interact with many different dogs. That is the main problem. If a breeder was going to breed for companion dogs they should use an older stud (and bitches) with a long history of more “inhibition” when interacting with other dogs. Neutering can help with the intensity of the aggression and with making him smell less threatening to other male dogs but is not a silver bullet. Testosterone does the same thing to a dog as it does to a stallion, bull, etc.. Just tones it down a notch, especially if neutered after a dog has completely developed wont “cure” the problem. I will write more a little later. Late to the kennel!
