Just got my boxer, Ares yesterday and everything's been going well. His behavior is good except for a few small things we need to work on.
I am just curious though, after a walk today, he was laying on the ground by the couch (he's not allowed on the couch, bed, etc)...and I went over to lay next to him and watch some tv where I had the fan pointing. As soon as I get level with him, he jumps up and just starts starring me down and starts barking.
I tried it again later, got down on my hands and knees and he got the same way. I just stood up and kinda walked toward him like "hey man I'm the boss" you know...
The second time though, my girlfriend was watching and she seemed to think it was a problem...and I don't want her to be afraid of Ares.
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So I mean is this something I should do something about, is he playing, is he 'challenging' me... I have no idea.
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Also, sometimes he'll let out a little growl -- like if we're sitting on the couch, he'll bring his chew toy over and give out a nice grunt while he looks at you. I just ignore it and he stops...I think that's just like him saying "hey I'm here, I want you to play with me" -- but I don't want to 'give in' and do things on his terms. Once he stopped with that and the nudging, I called him over to pet him some.
I don't think that's a problem really, just probably his way of communicating (which will stop when he realizes that doesn't get us to do what he wants), but I would like a bit more understanding of what that is when I get down on the floor and he seems kind of mad or 'challenging' if you will...and what I should do to nip this in the bud now. It doesn't necessarily bother me because I'll stand up and show him that I'm the alpha dog, but I definitely don't want him getting like that with my girlfriend or anyone else you know.
I am just curious though, after a walk today, he was laying on the ground by the couch (he's not allowed on the couch, bed, etc)...and I went over to lay next to him and watch some tv where I had the fan pointing. As soon as I get level with him, he jumps up and just starts starring me down and starts barking.
I tried it again later, got down on my hands and knees and he got the same way. I just stood up and kinda walked toward him like "hey man I'm the boss" you know...
The second time though, my girlfriend was watching and she seemed to think it was a problem...and I don't want her to be afraid of Ares.
--
So I mean is this something I should do something about, is he playing, is he 'challenging' me... I have no idea.
--
Also, sometimes he'll let out a little growl -- like if we're sitting on the couch, he'll bring his chew toy over and give out a nice grunt while he looks at you. I just ignore it and he stops...I think that's just like him saying "hey I'm here, I want you to play with me" -- but I don't want to 'give in' and do things on his terms. Once he stopped with that and the nudging, I called him over to pet him some.
I don't think that's a problem really, just probably his way of communicating (which will stop when he realizes that doesn't get us to do what he wants), but I would like a bit more understanding of what that is when I get down on the floor and he seems kind of mad or 'challenging' if you will...and what I should do to nip this in the bud now. It doesn't necessarily bother me because I'll stand up and show him that I'm the alpha dog, but I definitely don't want him getting like that with my girlfriend or anyone else you know.