2 year old boxer with aggression

BonnieandClyde · 07-02-2009, 08:23 PM

We have two flashy brindle boxers, Bonnie and Clyde, they are brother and sister. We have been through a lot with them in their short lives. Lots of allergies, very sensitive to anything but their duck & potato food. They have finally started to settle down and are so very loving to our family (2 adults and 2 teenagers).

Clyde was attacked twice as a puppy and has always had some aggression towards other dogs. He will ignore them as long as they do not come into his space. However, recently he grawled and nipped at a friend's 2 year old boy. He did not break the skin but we are mortified. We have young neices and nephews and love to take our dogs places.

My husband says we have to get rid of him and has started looking at Boxer Rescue and placing an ad in the paper. I can't do it, but he says he is now a liability. I am looking for any suggestions.

Thanks!
Traci
Bonnie and Clyde's mom

daisy'smom · 07-02-2009, 09:37 PM

Please see a dog behaviorist. I would try everything first. Do you have children or are you planning children? Why did he nip? Did the 2 year old startle him or something? What provoked the nip? For now if kids are around keep him away. It may only be a one time thing. How has he been with kids in the past? Just because he has aggression towards dogs does not mean he is an aggressive dog.
Daisy, who loves kids and is really gentle with them nipped at my 7 year old grand daughter because she startled her. Do not give up. Good luck.

AussieGirl · 07-02-2009, 09:49 PM

Firstly go to the vet for a check up - dogs cannot express when they are unwell or in pain and this can change their behaviour (personally I'm a grump when I'm sick or in pain dogs aren't much different). Then if you get the all clear healthwise DO see a behaviourist ASAP. Please don't try and self diagnose the underlying issue and try to fix it with some "miracle" training program you have found on the internet, a professional needs to come and observe the dog themselves.
Here are a few links I found I am hoping they will be useful to you.

this one is advice on what to look for in a trainer:
http://www.inch.com/~dogs/tips.html

this one has a behaviorist directory:
http://www.certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com/

whitedaisy · 07-03-2009, 09:54 AM

I'm sorry, a vet check right away and a behaviorist or very good trainer with lots of experience and references.

I know my Daisy gets grumpy when her ears bother her (I would too) I'm hoping it's a simple for you!

BonnieandClyde · 07-03-2009, 06:13 PM

He wasn't startled. I think he doesn't like being stared at by little children who are at his eye level. He is fine with adults and he is ok with children who are older. My children are 12 and 15 and he is fine with them and their friends. Anything that is smaller then him he growls at.

Dog behaviorist is a good idea but there is only one on the list in our area which usually means $$$$. We have a vet appointment on Monday for our other dog and I will see if he will take a look at Clyde when we are there.

Thanks!

AussieGirl · 07-05-2009, 06:19 AM

Ask the vet if they know of a behaviorist in the area

KeeperBoy · 07-05-2009, 09:33 AM

Boo doesn't do well with the under 6 crowd... so we don't put her around little kids. We don't have any, so it isn't too difficult.

We have also worked for over a year with a normal old dog trainer to help Keepers. She doesn't charge as much as a behaviorist but because she has worked with one for so long to help her reactive/aggressive dog she has really saved Keepers' life.

bruinsBoxers · 07-06-2009, 08:10 AM

Have the vet check the thyroid levels while you are there . Hyper thyroid can cause unusual out burst of aggression .

If he has never been socialized around small children then that may be part of the problem . many dogs do not like the fast moving and high pitched voices of young children .

boxingBabe · 07-06-2009, 09:56 AM

So glad I read this , made me realize how important it is for dogs to be used to little kids . I have always believed dogs (no matter what kind) should be taught how to act around little ones . Thankfully we have 2 little girls as neighbours so that helps and they love Babe so I can teach her with thier help . The park I walk her in has a playground but I haven't taken her in the area yet just walked her by let kids come to her . I want her more trained on leash first but she does good when I tell her sit first beforethey pat her .

I sure hope you can work things out because I understand her husband's postion of having a dog that might bite anyone not to mention kids . you would feel so bad if that happened .