Woof and hello from Florida!

[Gracieroo]

My name is Sherry and I have been rescued by a very pushy boxer named George. He rescued me from a quiet, clean, orderly environment and has provided me with chaotic tail chases, spontaneous foot races, drool-covered people faces, and a generous helping of fun and laughter. I LOVE this dog. He does have some very strange habits that I am hoping we can redirect or find out what type of therapist is needed. I will search the threads to see where I need to go but I think George and I are going to like it here. arty

[Ron]

Welcome to the forum Sherry and George

[purplelori]

yup, that sounds about right! Oh well, a clean orderly house isn't all it cracked up to be---and definitely isn't as much fun!

Welcome!

[bruinsBoxers]

hello and welcome .

[Annie]

hi! welcome to the forum, can't wait to hear more.....

[Ruby Red]

Hello Sherry and welcome to you and George.

[Kaco Boxers]

Hello Sherry Welcome

[Gracieroo]

Hello to all and thanks for the kind welcomes. I wanted to ask for suggestions to help with George's aggression toward other dogs. He is especially fierce when on the leash - lunging, growling, baring his teeth - but has never actually hurt anyone. The other owners, however, get a look of horror and fear on their faces as I try to calm and quiet him (this is whether we are walking or waiting in the vet's office).

Our dog park loved him when we first joined. They called last month and asked us to not return until George had calmed down. We were told that another owner had complained that he was too "rowdy and mean". My dog sitter was with him on this particular day so I'm not sure what happened. We have, of course, complied with their request but this means that his interactions with other animals have been limited even further so he is more hyper when he comes in contact. Suggestions? We are, by the way, going to start another obedience class in mid April.

[bruinsBoxers]

It would be hard to say how to really help without being there .

But boxers in general are rowdy and play very rough . Many owners of other breeds do not know this is normal for a boxer especially with all the growling boxers do when they play .

Also many dogs act out when leashed . Dogs have 2 options when faced with a situation ( like another dog) fight or flight . When leashed the dogs option of flight is taken away and causes a dog to act out with the fight response .
Pulling/tightening on the leash will also make him act more defensively .Most people have the reaction to pull their dogs when seeing another dog .

It is hard but a dog can be trained to ignore other dogs when on leash .
Depending on the dogs training and how well they listen .
You could put George in a stay / down and praise him when he listens and ignores the other dog . You could give treats when he listens to you & ignores the other dog . You could turn and walk the other way keeping him focused on you . And there are many many other things to do it all depends on George and how well his training is in other areas . The trainer should be able to help you with what option will work for you & George .

Also remember that if you are nervous / scared he will also act differently as he will be reading your emotions and will try to protect you . So you need to remain calm when noticing other dogs while walking .

[Doreen]

First of all welcome to the Boxerhub!!


Missi, maybe you could put this info up under a "Training" heading, so people could find it easily.