Dodgn_AK
Completely Boxer Crazy
Looking for a little advice guys, Tyson and Nick had a fight Monday night (3rd one in the last year). This one was bad, Tyson had to go to the emergency vet and have 3 stitches to his lower eyelid in one eye. He also has superficial wounds on his nose and mouth. Nick has some scratches and superficial wounds to his chest but overall seems okay. I have no idea what they were fighting about. We went outside and they ran out in the yard, nothing out of the ordinary, then next thing I know they are tearing each other apart. Each fight has been like this, no toys or food involved and each fight happens outside in the yard. In the house they are fine, they sleep together, sometimes wrestle and both of them play with the new puppy.
Here is a little Nick background: Nick had been with another family before coming to me. His previous family only had him a short time as he was too much for them (too energetic etc.). He came to me as a show dog (1 yr old) with the understanding that his breeder could continue to show him on a limited basis. Nick showed a few times but his attitude and marking in the house were becoming a problem and I really wasn't into the whole show thing so I had him neutered. He is very sensitive, if you raise your voice he cowers or runs. He is also toy aggressive, which we have worked on since day 1. He would not release toys, he would snatch toys from your hands (sometimes accidently nipping you) and he would not share toys. All of these things he has improved on a lot. We are still working on release, but he no longer snatches toys and will now share them. He can also be dog aggressive. He doesn't go after other dogs, but he will growl at them and try to push them around. Occasionally he will growl at Tyson. Tyson is a happy go lucky, tail wagging, woowoo singing typical boxer. He likes anybody and everybody. He has never fought with another dog until Nick. So, my question is this: any idea on why they may be fighting (are they trying to establish alpha? are they fighting over me?) and what can I do to stop it? Thanks a bunch in advance.
PS One of the ladies at the er vet does obedience and behavior on the side and she offered to help me out, I am expecting a phone call from her on Saturday. I also have a copy of The Culture Clash, which I am cracking open as soon as I am finished typing.
Here is a little Nick background: Nick had been with another family before coming to me. His previous family only had him a short time as he was too much for them (too energetic etc.). He came to me as a show dog (1 yr old) with the understanding that his breeder could continue to show him on a limited basis. Nick showed a few times but his attitude and marking in the house were becoming a problem and I really wasn't into the whole show thing so I had him neutered. He is very sensitive, if you raise your voice he cowers or runs. He is also toy aggressive, which we have worked on since day 1. He would not release toys, he would snatch toys from your hands (sometimes accidently nipping you) and he would not share toys. All of these things he has improved on a lot. We are still working on release, but he no longer snatches toys and will now share them. He can also be dog aggressive. He doesn't go after other dogs, but he will growl at them and try to push them around. Occasionally he will growl at Tyson. Tyson is a happy go lucky, tail wagging, woowoo singing typical boxer. He likes anybody and everybody. He has never fought with another dog until Nick. So, my question is this: any idea on why they may be fighting (are they trying to establish alpha? are they fighting over me?) and what can I do to stop it? Thanks a bunch in advance.
PS One of the ladies at the er vet does obedience and behavior on the side and she offered to help me out, I am expecting a phone call from her on Saturday. I also have a copy of The Culture Clash, which I am cracking open as soon as I am finished typing.
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