Boerboels are strong, intelligent, and loyal to their families. Owning a Boerboel isn’t like owning any other dog. They come with unique needs that require your full attention, understanding, and effort. Whether it’s their size or energy levels, Boerboels demand more than basic care. To make the most out of your ownership, review these mistakes Boerboel dog owners should avoid.
Underestimating Their Size and Strength
Boerboels are large, powerful dogs that demand respect for their physical capabilities. You might feel surprised at how quickly their strength becomes apparent, even as puppies. Without training, walking can turn into a battle of wills, with the dog coming out on top.
Imagine trying to control a 150-pound guard dog that suddenly decides to chase after a bird or pull toward another dog! Early leash training can save you from countless struggles as the puppy grows. Teach commands, such as “heel” and “place,” while they’re still manageable in size. Use a no-pull harness to guide their strength and keep walks pleasant for both of you.
Neglecting Socialization
Boerboels naturally bond with their families, often creating a false sense of security for owners. While they’re warm and affectionate at home, this breed is instinctively wary of strangers. If you don’t introduce your Boerboel to other animals and humans early on, their protective instincts could overshadow their ability to adapt to various social settings.
For example, an unsocialized Boerboel might bark excessively at every visitor or react fearfully to an unfamiliar dog during a walk. Early socialization creates a confident dog that understands how to behave when encountering new people, animals, and environments.
Ways To Socialize Your Boerboel
Socialization efforts should happen early and continue into adulthood to reinforce positive associations. Take your Boerboel to puppy training classes where they can meet other dogs and people in a controlled environment.
You could also organize playdates with calm, well-behaved dogs to teach your puppy how to interact respectfully. Regularly invite friends and relatives to your home so your pup can learn to welcome visitors instead of guarding. Expose your dog to various locations so they can adjust to different sights, smells, and sounds.
Lack of Consistent Leadership and Boundaries
Boerboels are intelligent and independent, which can sometimes translate to stubborn behavior. Without clear leadership, they make their own rules, which sets the stage for issues down the road.
For instance, if you allow them to roam freely indoors but suddenly scold them for jumping on a chair, they’ll feel confused rather than corrected. Boerboels thrive when you create a structured environment where they know boundaries.
The Risks of Being Lenient or Unpredictable
When boundaries change from one day to the next, you unintentionally send your dog mixed messages. For example, letting your Boerboel onto your bed to sleep at night but reprimanding them for joining you during a daytime nap leads to frustration and defiance.
This breed relies on consistent patterns to understand their place in your household. Without boundaries, you might notice behaviors escalating; jumping up to greet you can evolve into jumping on guests. Over time, your Boerboel may take control because they don’t recognize you as their leader.
Strategies for Establishing Rules
Setting boundaries doesn’t mean micromanaging your dog’s every move. Instead, focus on clarity and follow-through. Teach commands like “sit” and “stay,” and enforce them throughout the day. For example, give the “sit” command before feeding your dog to create positive habits.
Redirect unwanted behaviors, such as chewing on furniture, by consistently offering appropriate chew toys. Regularly reinforce desired behaviors with praise, and avoid punishment that could damage their trust in you.
Overfeeding and Ignoring Nutritional Needs
Overfeeding and ignoring nutritional needs are two big mistakes Boerboel dog owners should avoid. Given their size, it’s tempting to think Boerboels need large portions, but that mindset could lead to obesity.
When a Boerboel carries extra weight, it places pressure on their joints, increasing the chance of arthritis or other mobility issues. Overfeeding also impacts their energy levels, leading to lethargy or a reduced interest in physical activity. Feeding them measured, well-balanced meals keeps them in top condition.
Meals should consist of proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins to support muscle tone and overall health. Joint-friendly supplements, such as omega-3 acids, help with the Boerboel’s predisposition to joint stress due to their size. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps, which could lead to nutrient deficiencies and bad behaviors like begging.
Failing To Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation
South African Boerboel pupswere originally bred to work, serving as guardians and farm helpers, so inactivity doesn’t suit their natural drive. If you don’t meet their exercise needs, their energy spills into destructive behaviors. They might dig through your garden, chew on furniture, or bark excessively out of frustration. Structured activities, including walks, runs, and play, direct their energy in productive ways.
Many dog owners overlook mental stimulation in large breeds, but neglecting their minds can cause just as many issues as neglecting their bodies. Without engaging activities, their smart and independent nature can lead to mischief around the house or yard. For example, a bored Boerboel might figure out how to open cabinets! Introducing puzzle feeders, scent-tracking games, and problem-solving toys prevents destructive behavior.
Ignoring Early Signs of Joint and Hip Issues
Boerboels have a higher risk for joint and hip issues than other breeds. You may notice subtle changes in their behavior as they age, such as reluctance to climb stairs or stiffness after rest or exercise. These signs might seem minor, but ignoring them can lead to serious conditions, such as hip dysplasia or arthritis.
Boerboels hide pain well, making it even more important to pay attention to these early warning signs. For example, if your dog suddenly hesitates to jump into the car or shows less enthusiasm for their daily walk, this should prompt further investigation.
Even if your Boerboel isn’t showing signs of discomfort, you should support their joint health from a young age. Maintaining their weight reduces joint stress, orthopedic bedding cushions their frame, and feeding them joint-friendly nutrients nourishes their body. Moreover, regular vet consultations allow you to monitor their joint health and catch issues in the early stages.
Failing To Address Their Tendency for Resource Guarding
Boerboels are naturally protective, and this can extend to toys, food, or spaces in the home. Growling, freezing, or hovering over items are common signs of resource guarding, and these behaviors will escalate without intervention. A dog guarding its food bowl today could turn into guarding you or an area of the house in the future.
Recognizing these patterns at a young age is critical for maintaining harmony in your home. For example, if your Boerboel growls when someone approaches their bed, this is an opportunity to implement positive training rather than punishing the behavior outright. If guarding behaviors persist or escalate, consult a trainer with experience in large, protective breeds.