daschund/boxer problem

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Love Juicy

Boxer Pal
We have a 4 year old daschund,Maggie, and a 4 month old boxer, Juicy. The problem is that Maggie hates Juicy. Maggie is very laid back, never barks, not a digger, just plays with her stuffed toys, eats and sleeps. On the other hand Juicy is into everything, and is a barker when playing. Any time Juicy comes near her, Maggie either snarls and nips at her or gives us with the most pittiful look that says "HELP ME". Sometimes all Juicy does is walk by her, and the growling begins. Juicy only wants to play. This has been going on for 2 months now, our vet says they will work it out,but it isn't getting any better. If anyone has a suggestion it would really be appreciated.
 

drewkins

Boxer Buddy
Very Long..Sorry :D

There are plenty of things that could be contributing to this, but firstly how was Maggie socialized? If she was not exposed to all kinds of dogs, that could be your first problem, and you'll just have to work slowly at this and reward appropriate reactions. But you should also keep in mind that Maggie was there first and now there is somebody younger, and bouncier, who has been stealing her attention. Juicy is young but Maggie may see him as a threat, have you been inadvertantly mixing up the pack order? Maggie is first! That's not to say that Juice doesnt get attention, but make sure that Maggie gets her's first. Also, who do you correct when Maggie gets growly? She is looking at you first for help, this is a passive way to solve the problem of the puppy having no manners and being in her face. If she does not get the help she needs from you, she will likely look away from the puppy, and when that doesn't work she will get snippy.It sounds like Maggie is looking to you to have you call Juicy away from her. Until Juice has some manners and knows his limits with Maggie, this could continue, I would suggest making sure that Juice knows his limits, reward Maggie for holding back, and call Juice off before Maggie has to step up her warning to a snip or a growl. Juicy may just want to play, but all Maggie sees is a bouncy little thing with no manners getting in her face.
Good Luck!!
 

billbgh

Completely Boxer Crazy
Maybe Maggie isn't in to bigger dogs at this point. After all, small dogs tend to think that they themselves are large. Since she is older and more laid back, she has resorted to her only defense, getting nasty. I am eternally optimistic and would agree w/ the vet, give them time and they'll find a way to cohabitate. Apollo still looks at me with the "Why did you have to get a puppy?" look. He too is more laid back and more mature, but he will play with Rocky. Good luck:)

Erin
Apollo & Rocky's mom
 

Love Juicy

Boxer Pal
Thanks for advice. I think you are right about the pack order. I will be more aware of that, and rescue Maggie before she has to get snippy. Thanks!
Being the grandmother to 2 dogs is stressful, but very rewarding!
 
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