Boerboels are intensely loyal, intelligent, and strong dogs. Their commanding presence and protective instincts make them excellent guardians, but these qualities require you to focus on appropriate socialization. Without it, they may struggle in unfamiliar situations or become overly cautious around new people or animals. Fortunately, these tips and tricks for socializing your boerboel can make the process easier.
Choose the Right Breeder
When buying a boerboel puppy, a reputable breeder immerses their litter in various controlled experiences during the early weeks of life. This sets a solid groundwork for trust and adaptability. Before committing, ask breeders specific questions about their process.
Do they introduce puppies to different sounds, household activities, and human interactions? A responsible breeder will engage their litters with safe, stimulating environments, teaching them that the world isn’t something to fear.
Expose Them to Their World Early
Between 8 and 16 weeks of age, you should immerse your puppy in various environments and situations. Bring them to pet-friendly stores, busy parks, or neighborhood farmers market. Stay focused on keeping them calm and happy, rewarding positive behavior with praise and treats.
For example, when introducing your puppy to a busy street, pause to allow them to process the new sounds and movements, such as cars or bicycles whizzing past. Avoid pushing them into intimidating scenarios, but consistently encourage exploration.
Introduce Controlled Interactions With Other Dogs
Boerboels approach other dogs differently from many breeds. Their dominance and size can create power imbalances, but balanced interactions shape their social skills. Identify opportunities where they can safely interact with other dogs.
For instance, attending a small training class for large breeds or setting up playdates with calm, well-socialized dogs can create positive experiences. During introductions, guide your dog with commands such as “sit” or “stay” to set the tone. For example, if they seem overly confident when meeting another dog, use gentle corrections and encourage a relaxed greeting.
Expose Your Boerboel to Different Visitors at Home
A boerboel’s protective tendencies heighten in familiar spaces like your home. To balance this instinct, inviting different visitors over is a smart tip for socializing your boerboel. Encourage guests to ignore the dog initially and wait until the boerboel feels comfortable approaching.
Use treats or a favorite toy to reinforce calm greetings. For instance, if you’re hosting a family gathering, assign someone to interact with your boerboel one-on-one while keeping their energy level low. These controlled exposures help your dog build trust and understand that visitors aren’t a threat.
Monitor and Adapt As They Mature
Socialization isn’t a one-and-done process. Even after the puppy stage, you’ll notice personality changes as your boerboel matures into adulthood. Adolescence, in particular, can bring more assertiveness or caution. Stay proactive during this time and continue introducing your boerboel to new environments.
Pay attention to shifts in behavior and design interactions that keep them within their comfort zone while encouraging slow progress. Patience and consistency ensure your boerboel remains well-rounded as their personality evolves.
