Help!!!

boxerlove246 · 02-16-2013, 11:59 PM

i have a 6 year old boxer female. we rescued her from an abusive situation when she was 2. she is wonderful. we decided to add to our fur family in september (2012). we brought home a 3 month old male boxer (our female is fixed). our female boxer did not like him at all! he had no problem with her. he doesnt even fight back. he will be one in march 2013. she will still randomly jump him. she has bit his ear twice and made it bleed. other than those two times, all she is doing is growling & pinning him to the ground but i am afraid she will hurt him again. i dont understand why she is still doing this or how to teach her to stop. they play together, they eat together, they crate together and have absolutely no problem doing so!! we have recently thought of rehoming him because of this. is she just getting old? how do i stop this from happening?
any help is appreciated

thank you!

crazyboxerlove · 02-17-2013, 12:11 AM

Since she came from an abusive situation, it sounds like a behavioral problem and she may not have learned how to "play nice" with other dogs, depending on her interactions with dogs. Supervised play is the best solution and teaching her a new command like "play nice" with a firm voice. If she keeps playing rough, maybe a timeout in the crate for 10 - 15 minutes until she calms down. She will eventually learn how to play, unfortunately, it will take a lot of patience and a lot of time since she is older and has to unlearn some bad behaviors. Maybe consulting a behaviorist or a professional trainer about your situation and see if they can recommend some course of action or ways you can train her.

Boxers are very intuitive, they can sense your mood and your state of mind. If you tense up when they play, she may go into some sort of protection mode.

Sorry, I cannot be much help. Your best option is to consult a professional before you rehome the little guy.

boxerlove246 · 02-17-2013, 12:41 AM

thank you!

boxerlove84 · 02-17-2013, 01:51 AM

I agree with consulting with a behaviorist. Your vet could probably refer you to one.

I am concerned about one thing you mentioned: the fact that they crate together. I too have an older boxer rescue that was a few years old when I got Maggie. The older one, Gabby did very well with Maggie but would get tired of her 'nonsense' at times and put her in her place - still does sometimes. It's not to the extent of your situation, but I wonder if crating them together is just putting fuel on the fire and causing even more animosity. Obviously I understand that would not be the whole problem, if it even is part if the problem, but it might be worth a shot to try crating separately and give her some space.

Good luck!

Sent from Petguide.com Free App

boxerlove246 · 02-17-2013, 01:55 AM

i am willing to try anything!

BayernBoxer · 02-17-2013, 08:12 AM

You can do this. I know it feels stressful. You can keep him and make it work.
It will take training, energy and time. But you have it in your heart to keep him and I know you can do this. She is being a bit of a brat but this is okay. She is going to come around. You can do this. Have strength and believe in yourself!

She just needs to be trained that YOU are the leader and that YOU decide when she is allowed to be mean to anyone.

He sounds like a perfect pal for her. He sounds mellow, easy going and willing to tolerate her moods. The fact that most of the time she is tolerant of him is a good sign. She is angry at him for trying to dethrone her. She wants to know her spot in your pack is safe. It is normal for her to feel threatened. I would be quite nasty if my husband brought in new younger more active member to our family. And I would say I might even bite. Right now she is suffering but do not feel sorry for her. She is not the pack leader and she needs to learnn to behave herself. She forgets she is not the head of the family. YOU are!

I would call your vet to see if they can recommend a good dog trainer or behaviorist.
Search on line too. You might contact your local shelter or Boxer Rescue. They always have access to great dog trainers, behaviorists and those who understand dog dynamics. It is excellent you posted here as there will be lots of ideas and guidance. You are not the first person to bring in a new family member that the older dog did not like. Call or e-mail everyone you can about this situation. Learn. Learn and learn some more so that you can feel confident about how to handle her.

And I agree that sometimes our own anxiety, insecurities and guilt plays into the way our dogs behave. She might be reading into you. If she is like most boxers I have seen she is extremely intelligent with a social IQ beyond explanation. She is wise and of course angry. She will come around. And one day she might love having your male by her side.

I will search for some links that might be helpful.

Breezygirl · 02-17-2013, 08:24 AM

I agree call in a good reputable trainer.. (check references) you want a positive trainer. I too was concerned with them crating together. I am not a fan of that in most cases. Sounds like she needs to learn that there are limits. Good luck keep us posted

BayernBoxer · 02-17-2013, 08:41 AM

a few links...

Why Are my Two Dogs Fighting? Pet Doctor Mom

How do I get my two dogs to stop fighting and get along? - Chicago dog training | Examiner.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcWtFBDupro

Bringing A New Dog Home: Teaching Two Dogs To Get Along | PupLife Dog Supplies

My Dogs Aren't Getting Along | PAWS New England

boxerlove246 · 02-17-2013, 03:31 PM

thank you!! will get another crate asap & see how it goes. also reading a ton online. i am a little weary of sending her to a trainer because she is so terrified by strangers due to her past but will consider it. thank you for all of the advice and links!

Breezygirl · 02-17-2013, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxerlove246

thank you!! will get another crate asap & see how it goes. also reading a ton online. i am a little weary of sending her to a trainer because she is so terrified by strangers due to her past but will consider it. thank you for all of the advice and links!

Dont send her to a trainer.. have a trainer come to your home. A good trainer will be able to help you not only with the issues you are having, but with the fact she is shy with strangers

02-16-2013, 11:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
boxerlove246 New User Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 5	Help!!! i have a 6 year old boxer female. we rescued her from an abusive situation when she was 2. she is wonderful. we decided to add to our fur family in september (2012). we brought home a 3 month old male boxer (our female is fixed). our female boxer did not like him at all! he had no problem with her. he doesnt even fight back. he will be one in march 2013. she will still randomly jump him. she has bit his ear twice and made it bleed. other than those two times, all she is doing is growling & pinning him to the ground but i am afraid she will hurt him again. i dont understand why she is still doing this or how to teach her to stop. they play together, they eat together, they crate together and have absolutely no problem doing so!! we have recently thought of rehoming him because of this. is she just getting old? how do i stop this from happening? any help is appreciated thank you!

02-17-2013, 12:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
crazyboxerlove Power User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Gardena, CA Posts: 333	Since she came from an abusive situation, it sounds like a behavioral problem and she may not have learned how to "play nice" with other dogs, depending on her interactions with dogs. Supervised play is the best solution and teaching her a new command like "play nice" with a firm voice. If she keeps playing rough, maybe a timeout in the crate for 10 - 15 minutes until she calms down. She will eventually learn how to play, unfortunately, it will take a lot of patience and a lot of time since she is older and has to unlearn some bad behaviors. Maybe consulting a behaviorist or a professional trainer about your situation and see if they can recommend some course of action or ways you can train her. Boxers are very intuitive, they can sense your mood and your state of mind. If you tense up when they play, she may go into some sort of protection mode. Sorry, I cannot be much help. Your best option is to consult a professional before you rehome the little guy. __________________ ~~~~ Chelley ~ Certified PetTech™ Instructor *CPR, First Aid & Care for your pets.* Mom and owned by: ~~~ ~~~ Link: Boxer Meetup Group - Los Angeles South Bay

02-17-2013, 01:51 AM	#4 (permalink)
boxerlove84 Advanced User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 929	Help!!! I agree with consulting with a behaviorist. Your vet could probably refer you to one. I am concerned about one thing you mentioned: the fact that they crate together. I too have an older boxer rescue that was a few years old when I got Maggie. The older one, Gabby did very well with Maggie but would get tired of her 'nonsense' at times and put her in her place - still does sometimes. It's not to the extent of your situation, but I wonder if crating them together is just putting fuel on the fire and causing even more animosity. Obviously I understand that would not be the whole problem, if it even is part if the problem, but it might be worth a shot to try crating separately and give her some space. Good luck! Sent from Petguide.com Free App __________________ Mom to Gabby, Maggie, and Benjamin.

02-17-2013, 08:12 AM	#6 (permalink)
BayernBoxer Power User Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 409	You can do this. I know it feels stressful. You can keep him and make it work. It will take training, energy and time. But you have it in your heart to keep him and I know you can do this. She is being a bit of a brat but this is okay. She is going to come around. You can do this. Have strength and believe in yourself! She just needs to be trained that YOU are the leader and that YOU decide when she is allowed to be mean to anyone. He sounds like a perfect pal for her. He sounds mellow, easy going and willing to tolerate her moods. The fact that most of the time she is tolerant of him is a good sign. She is angry at him for trying to dethrone her. She wants to know her spot in your pack is safe. It is normal for her to feel threatened. I would be quite nasty if my husband brought in new younger more active member to our family. And I would say I might even bite. Right now she is suffering but do not feel sorry for her. She is not the pack leader and she needs to learnn to behave herself. She forgets she is not the head of the family. YOU are! I would call your vet to see if they can recommend a good dog trainer or behaviorist. Search on line too. You might contact your local shelter or Boxer Rescue. They always have access to great dog trainers, behaviorists and those who understand dog dynamics. It is excellent you posted here as there will be lots of ideas and guidance. You are not the first person to bring in a new family member that the older dog did not like. Call or e-mail everyone you can about this situation. Learn. Learn and learn some more so that you can feel confident about how to handle her. And I agree that sometimes our own anxiety, insecurities and guilt plays into the way our dogs behave. She might be reading into you. If she is like most boxers I have seen she is extremely intelligent with a social IQ beyond explanation. She is wise and of course angry. She will come around. And one day she might love having your male by her side. I will search for some links that might be helpful. __________________ ~BayernBoxer

02-17-2013, 08:24 AM	#7 (permalink)
Breezygirl Advanced User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Ontario Posts: 831	I agree call in a good reputable trainer.. (check references) you want a positive trainer. I too was concerned with them crating together. I am not a fan of that in most cases. Sounds like she needs to learn that there are limits. Good luck keep us posted __________________ Mandi ... mom of fur kids.. Breeze, Bentley .. and new baby Winter

02-17-2013, 12:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
boxerlove246 New User Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 5	thank you!

02-17-2013, 01:55 AM	#5 (permalink)
boxerlove246 New User Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 5	i am willing to try anything!

02-17-2013, 08:41 AM	#8 (permalink)
BayernBoxer Power User Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 409	a few links... Why Are my Two Dogs Fighting? Pet Doctor Mom How do I get my two dogs to stop fighting and get along? - Chicago dog training \| Examiner.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcWtFBDupro Bringing A New Dog Home: Teaching Two Dogs To Get Along \| PupLife Dog Supplies My Dogs Aren't Getting Along \| PAWS New England __________________ ~BayernBoxer

02-17-2013, 03:31 PM	#9 (permalink)
boxerlove246 New User Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 5	thank you!! will get another crate asap & see how it goes. also reading a ton online. i am a little weary of sending her to a trainer because she is so terrified by strangers due to her past but will consider it. thank you for all of the advice and links!

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