Thank you so much for the offer of play date & rescue info. I guess I just pictured it like the pound, except not killing them. I thought there were never enough foster homes available.
For update, I'm praying that Eva may yet adjust. Kids spent the night last night & were here all day today, & no major problem. Since I feel she respects husband & me I'm working on teaching her to respect kids.They feed her, have her sit, shake, speak, etc for treats. I'm teaching her to respect their space, when she gets pushy, licking their face, etc I make her back up & sit, or send her to lay down. She no longer chases them, & didn't seem bothered by loud play. By the time they left, she was sleeping normally & not paying much attention to them. I'm still very cautious, I don't let her get between kids & me so she won't be tempted to guard me & try to keep them from jumping around near her & keep her gated out of their room, so she won't decide any toys are hers. I could tell she was much more relaxed this visit, but am still wondering if I will ever be able to let my guard down. I have the kids too much for all these precautions to be necessary forever.
Also noticed that last wk someone was visiting & on the floor petting her & my beagle came up & she snarled at him, unwilling to share the attention. Today when uncle came over & was petting her & beagle came over she tried half heartedly to tackle him, but no growling. Do you think she is improving enough that she may accept kids as higher members of pack? Her being so old (5) really worries me.
No this isn't my 1st boxer, I grew up with 3 who weren't crazy about strangers, but would never dream of growling at family. As an adult I had one for 14 yrs, but she was the mellowest, most non aggressive boxer I've ever seen, & we did everything you aren't supposed to, we talked baby talk to her & got a king size bed because she took up so much room. I knew nothing about dog training or behavior, have just started learning because of problem with this new one.
Thanks again, I feel much better knowing there is somewhere for her if her behavior doesn't continue to improve.
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