Adolescence still?

[punkin]

I wondered how long the teen years last for most boxers. R.J. has been doing great with obedience, but he growls at dogs and people when we are out on walks. I don't think it is an agressive growl, as it is more like he is talking (not woo-wooing), but strangers don't know that. He is great with people and other dogs he meets and is not aggressive towards anyone (except this). I also don't know how to correct the problem. I make him sit and stay when people approach (which he does like a good boy), but as soon as the person passes, he will look back and growl. It is almost like he is scorning them for not stopping to play with him, but he even does it after someone stops to pet him. Does anyone have any ideas? I don't want him to give anyone the idea that boxers are mean.

 

[dagney's mom]

i just recently went through this with my one year old male... he has passed 2 obedience classes, but when walking him, he would lunge and growl at dogs he did not know.... we saw a behaviorist and this is what she told me:

sometimes when dogs have some anxiety, they act out when they are on the leash... partly because they don't feel "safe" with their owners to protect them... first, you should switch to a gentle leader head halter... second, always bring treats outside with you... when you see another dog or person approaching you, call your dogs name and tell him "look"... when your dog makes eye contact with you, or turns his head towards you, give him a treat and PRAISE.... we have been doing this for about 2 weeks and it has been very successful with no incidents yet... you want to try and redirect the behavior before it even has a chance to elevate...

also, make the treats that you bring outside better then the treats that you give in your home...also, try and think if your dog has had any "scarey" incidents on the leash that has made him a bit fearful...

 

[apollosdad]

punkin-
sounds as if your dog just simply needs a bit more socialization with other dogs and people. try taking him to different environements such as parks, pet stores, introducing him to friends, family, mailman, etc. the more things and places that he is exposed to, the less will seem strange to him in the future.