boxer puppy questions

[jillyz]

I adopted a puppy a few weeks ago (I had the message about the dog locking her jaws) and I am so happy about this web site. This site is the first place I go to find out anything about boxer behavior or just when I am bored!:D I do have a few questions about my beloved Belle. She is a VERY dominant puppy, and I don't say this lightly. When she is told no or is scolded for something that she knows is wrong, she talks back. Literally, she barks and whines right back at us. She does not make noise at other dogs or animals, just to people. I am thinking that maybe she is testing us because we are the bosses. Any suggestions? Also, when we got her 2 1/2 weeks ago, her snout was very pointy and since she is a cross we figured that was the reason. As we've had her, her snout seems to be getting shorter. Well, not shorter but just not growing along with the rest of her face and head. Has anyone else noticed this with their puppies?

Thanks for reading this LONG message!

jillyz

 

[TigersMommy.]

Hi Jillyz!

What you are describing seems to be normal puppy behaviour. Just remember to make sure she knows who is alpha in the family. When she talks back to you, she is probably making eye contact with you. When she does this, don't look away, make her look away first. I know it sounds kind of silly, but that is what we had to do with Tiger when he started testing us. He still once in a while tries to test, but isn't as stubborn about it as he was when he was younger.

As for the snout thing, I wouldn't worry too much about it. When Tiger was younger, his legs grew really long and so did his body, but his head stayed the same size. His head and snout are finally starting to catch up to him! Just enjoy all the different changes that you will see in Belle over the coming months!

And yes, this site is a saving grace when dealing with a puppy. If it wasn't for this site, I would be a crazy wreck! There is sooo much information and knowledge here to help.

 

[YourFriendDeb]

Jillyz,

I just asked a very similar question yesterday in the Behavior issues forum ("He doesn't understand NO") and got some VERY good advice....check it out!

 

[Tykie'sMom]

Talking Back

My tykie (nick name for tyson) use to do the same thing! In fact she still barks and whines at us if she wants something or we are not paying attention to her. I do agree with the advice given to you above, make sure your puppy knows that you are the dominent person in your relationship. A good idea may be to join a puppy training class. It will give you a common language that both your puppy and you can relate to. Tyson is now 8 months old and has completed all her obedience training, including the advanced level. We now have a common understanding (she knows what No means) and she is a wonderful pup!

 

[Nifftea]

Mac 'talks' to my son Michael and me too. He doesn't seem to do it with other members of the family. We are the ones that have taken care of him and he is closer us than my husband and other son. He KNOWS we are alpha but seems to just love to talk to us. He has never done it in a mean way, just happily wagging his stubb and gets right in our face and talks and licks us. Jazz doesn't do it and Tyson didn't either. Mac is our first barking, talking Boxer.