Alpha problems

[j12toad]

Back in March we got our second boxer, Cooper, male at 8 weeks old. He is now 4 months old, and his sister Riley is a year and a half. They are always playing, or stealing toys from each other. Recently though, Riley will get on top of Cooper, as in showing dominance and Cooper become very violent and aggressive in getting her off of him. What should I do? Step in which I have been doing, as soon as I walk into the room they stop. Or do I let them be and straighten things out between the two of them.

Let me also add I have been reading "The Dog Listener" and want to re-read it to grasp everything before implimenting. Still confused on the 5 minute rule, Do I leave them in the crate for 5 min, or let them out in the back yard so they can do there business then ignore them?

Also, from what I have read, I think I have established Alpha with in the house.

Sorry for all the questions, any help would be great.

 

[binky]

I'm no expert by any means, but at this point I would let them works things out on their own, assuming there's no bloodshed or anything. Remember, boxers are very vocal & physical, so it will seem like the confrontation is much worse than it really is. Just keep an eye on them to make sure the confrontations aren't elevating into something further.

It would seem like pack order is being established.

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Let them work this out themselves. As long as there's no bloodshed, they willl work this out on their own.

As for the 5 min. rule: Potty is potty. It doesn't apply to the 5 min. rule. Let them out and then ignore them. Basically what is going on here is you are ignoring the dogs until they display proper behavior (calm, lying down, not bugging you, not demanding, not inappropriate behaviors). Potty is an appropriate behavior and you shouldn't mess with it in terms of training other than when housetraining.

The premise of this 5 min. rule is to let the dog learn self-control, to teach the dog that inappropriate demanding and behaviors will NOT get the dog anything whatsoever, not even your attention or a look in the dog's direction. ONLY APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR will get the dog what he wants (attention, play, etc.).

Guide yourself accordingly.

 

[j12toad]

Thanks for the advise. :D :D :D