Diesell turned on me tonight, please help me.

[travishedric]

I want to stress the fact that I dont beat my dog.

With that said, I am going to take everyone's advice on the leadership/training.
Debbie, my question is this, in that situation, what should I do? All I wanted to do was pull him away from Jada. Should I just walk away when he is snapping like that? I know understand you cant yell at them like they are kids, that is my fault (I did not know any better). Should a situation like this come up in the future, what does one do. Do you walk away and let him calm down. Do you try and calm him?
Debbie, thanks, the way you explained it really makes me understand why he did it.
I am also going to read some of the articles from that link Debbie sent me.
I will also order that book from Amazon today.

 

[boxerchick12]

I totally agree with Debbie, you standing over him and pointing is definitely a threatening posture. And, he did growl at you, that is ALWAYS a warning (you can tell the difference in play growls and real growls). I would also take away the raw hide. Not only is a choking hazard, it WILL create problems with fighting. If your dogs lock eyes and begin to assume the posture (it is so easy to recognize, they will "freeze" and then if one is more submisive you will see it lick it's lips.) If you see lip licking, that one dog is kinda saying "I don't want trouble". What you need to do is distract them. In fostering, I encounter this a lot, it takes a lot of time for a dog to get situated with their status in the pack. If you see this happening, sing, dance, act like a happy idiot and they will turn to look at you. That gives you time to remove the rawhide or whatever else they are competing over. NEVER, NEVER put your hands in the middle like you did to pick him up. Good luck!

 

[travishedric]

boxerchick (great name by the way), thanks for the info. That is exactly what I wanted to know.
I keep forgetting that they are dogs, not my kids (as much as I think they are). I cant talked to them like kids. Fustrating, but I will get it right

 

[courtney323]

Should a situation like this come up in the future, what does one do. Do you walk away and let him calm down. Do you try and calm him?

I want to point out one other thing: I wouldn't allow your dog(s) to enjoy any sort of bones/food/treats out in the open. It's often times a recipe for disaster and has been known to cause some serious fights.

 

[ssleighter]

Forgive me if this was already posted, I didn't have time to read the entire thread but I do agree with most that I did read, but I wanted to note that you need a behaviorist, not a trainer. Behaviorists can help with the already existing problem a lot more effectively than a trainer will be able to.

I am sorry you're going through this and I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Queenmum]

Consult a behaviorist!

I agree that a behaviorist is in order. We are just finishing with our 5th session with a great person who teaches positive reinforcement. At first I thought the whole "alpha dog" thing was BUNK! How could my baby ever be agressive towards me or anyone in my family? (She never has by the way). But...the behaviorist will not only teach your pet, but teach you your place in the family. She has taught us a few very easy behaviors that have made all the difference in the world. Wilma and Emmett eat after we eat. They walk thru doors after we walk through. They do not jump on furniture until they are invited. These few things got us past begging at the table...rushing the door when it is opened and knocking over guests when entering in our home. My family is very demostrative and I too am always smootching my babies. I feel like Wilma is so much more eager to please. Emmett is still a little young, but learning very quickly. Like children, our Boxers need limits. Mine at least seem to be happier and always waiting for the positive ques.