What to think/do?

catloverin_ks

catloverin_ks

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I am really getting worried about Jimme(my boxer) behavior. He is so grouchy towards my daughter and anyone who bugs him while he is sleeping or eating. He also went after Amy(my pit) today while they were eating! He can just be down right hateful!! What would you guys do? I mean heck hes still a puppy but hes not going to continue this behavior! Hes really got me worried. My daughter can lay on Amy and mess with her while she eats and she dont think twice about it! Ugghh.....any help is appreciated, or if any of you have been in this situation, please HELP!! Thanks!
 
StefanZ

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He is probably thinking he has a postion higher than he should have. Happy dog and happy dog-owing family is where the dog knows his place. Ie lowest on the ladder.

Cats are easier this way. Itsnt necessary to show them their place as to the dogs.
 
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plebayo

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Firstly, Boxers are known to be bossy. We have one who comes in the clinic that since she was young has been bossing her owners around. She would lay on the owner's girlfriend's neck and growl if she tried to get up, and this was happening when she was like 6 months old, and it's continued on.

Firstly, when it comes to food the dogs should not be fed together. Feed them in different rooms, or very far apart. Secondly, when he went after your other dog I hope you scared him within an inch of his life, because that behavior is NOT acceptable and as the pack leader whether you had to alpha roll him, or smack him [not beat him, just say "Hey!"] it's your job to be fair, but also let him know when he has gone too far.

When it comes to food he should have to sit before each meal, and stay until you tell him he can eat. This is a way of enforcing the fact you are the boss.

I would recommend taking him to an obedience class ASAP, and getting a trainer to help you more. It's only going to get worse if you don't make him do what you want him to do NOW, not when he feels like it or feels in the mood. YOU are the boss, you decide when he eats, what he eats, how much he can eat, when he can sleep, where and when he goes for walks. The truth of it is that he is NOT in charge of his life. He doesn't own any toys, his blanket doesn't belong to him, it belongs to you because you are the alpha, apparently you haven't pointed that out to him.

Does he let you trim his nails? If not that's another thing to work on because that's another thing he should be letting you do.
 
sharky

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You need a pro trainer to come to the house... You need to reaffriam your position... and while I dont like the seprate feeding rooms you may have to stay with them till this is "fixed"
 
trouts mom

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Originally Posted by Plebayo

Firstly, Boxers are known to be bossy. We have one who comes in the clinic that since she was young has been bossing her owners around. She would lay on the owner's girlfriend's neck and growl if she tried to get up, and this was happening when she was like 6 months old, and it's continued on.

Firstly, when it comes to food the dogs should not be fed together. Feed them in different rooms, or very far apart. Secondly, when he went after your other dog I hope you scared him within an inch of his life, because that behavior is NOT acceptable and as the pack leader whether you had to alpha roll him, or smack him [not beat him, just say "Hey!"] it's your job to be fair, but also let him know when he has gone too far.

When it comes to food he should have to sit before each meal, and stay until you tell him he can eat. This is a way of enforcing the fact you are the boss.

I would recommend taking him to an obedience class ASAP, and getting a trainer to help you more. It's only going to get worse if you don't make him do what you want him to do NOW, not when he feels like it or feels in the mood. YOU are the boss, you decide when he eats, what he eats, how much he can eat, when he can sleep, where and when he goes for walks. The truth of it is that he is NOT in charge of his life. He doesn't own any toys, his blanket doesn't belong to him, it belongs to you because you are the alpha, apparently you haven't pointed that out to him.

Does he let you trim his nails? If not that's another thing to work on because that's another thing he should be letting you do.
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I agree with taking him to an obedience class. They say dogs act out if they think they are the leader of the pack..You have to make him realize that you are the leader. Obedience class will help with that.
 
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loveysmummy

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I would nip this in the bud right away if I were you. He needs a firm routine, the NILIF program (google it) and the assistance of a trainer as well as group obedience classes (which he should be in anyway).
It sounds like he thinks he is Alpha and if a human leader isn't fulfilling the role, the dog will...Most dogs don't like this role..its stressful for them.

Some dogs are natural leaders and will need to be directed to their hierarchy in the pack daily (with fair but firm human leadership).
 
maddensmom

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A good book to read about becoming an established pack leader with dogs like this is Cesar Milans book "Cesar's Way" its actually very informative and very interesting. Also make sure that he is getting PLENTY of excercise, you would be amazed at how many behavior problems you can solve with enough exercise and establishing your leadership. A good time to do this is when youre walking him, as Cesar explains in his book. Make sure that he walks beside you or behind you, not in front of you. This is a big factor for establishing dominance.
 
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