The reasons why dogs are brought to the centre can be complex and very varied. Axel was a six month old Bull Mastiff puppy who was purchased by his original owners and brought up in circumstances which were not conducive to such a large breed of dog. Max was left most of each day on his own and his socialisation therefore was minimal. A decision was made to re-home Axel.

Jacqui Allen offered Axel a home with her family of three children. Within a few weeks, Jackie quickly realised that the dogs temperament was imperfect and Axel was phobic of certain sounds or movements. When he was walked in the street Axel would lunge aggressively at any dog he saw. Jacqui also had to teach Axel house toilet training although this was the least of his many behaviour problems.

He was also very disobedient to all of the family. In other words Axel was a dog that had no formal education in obedience or socialisation. Jacqui's primary concern was Axel's low level growling at her five year old child.

Over the following six months, all Axel's behavioural problems were solved. His temperament improved, his phobic reactions were rare and he became a much more calm and confident dog. He will allow all of Jacqui's children to handle him in any way.

In conclusion, one could say that this Bull Mastiff was initially negligently brought up and when his size became a problem and his problem behaviour was too much Axel's original owners simply got rid of him. This is a good example of how most bad behaviour in dogs is man made and not because a dog is inherently bad.