dominance problem

[ann king]

I am having some problems with my eight month old male boxer. I know it is typical at this age to "try" you at this age but , he is very aggressive when I go to crate him right now. ( serious biting) I have been told (vet, reading, behavior people in Mass.) to be more physically assertive with him. I need to nip this in the bud now. I have two children in the house, we love him very much but can not allow this behavoir to continue. I would appreciate any suggestions. I have read the recommended books, talked to the right people and have been told I am doing everything right, I apparently have a dominant dog. thank you.

 

[vasha]

Originally posted by ann king
I am having some problems with my eight month old male boxer. I know it is typical at this age to "try" you at this age but , he is very aggressive when I go to crate him right now. ( serious biting) I have been told (vet, reading, behavior people in Mass.) to be more physically assertive with him. I need to nip this in the bud now. I have two children in the house, we love him very much but can not allow this behavoir to continue. I would appreciate any suggestions. I have read the recommended books, talked to the right people and have been told I am doing everything right, I apparently have a dominant dog. thank you.

Ann -

Baxter obviously doesn't see you in the Alpha position in the household. Please consider reading one more book called The Dog Listener by Jan Fennel.

Also, have you taken Baxter to obedience training? If not, do it. And if you have, make sure that you are getting at least one short training session in each day.

hope this helps

a snuggles n kisses lovicon
kaiser hugs n slobbers
VaSHa

 

[ann king]

Thank you so much, I will get the book today, as far as obedience training, he was "to young" for the first class, the next class is in Sept., he is signed up. He is already neutered,(I don't know anything about breeding) I have been to several sites about dominant dogs, it has been helpful. We have been having a training session every afternoon for 15-20 min. (Come to me game, sitting on command ect...) He is very good on a walk (with leash), he is great with other dogs no aggression at all. We had been to the kennelled only when we are out stage, it is only going into the kennel that the problem starts, but I can't let him get the upper hand with this. I know we will work thru this, just very discouraging.:(

 

[vasha]

How are you gettng him into his kennel? My seven month old HATES his kennel, but will go in once I bribe him with a kong or treats.

Now, I just say "go to bed" and they both run to their kennels and wait for their treats, but this has JUST started happening, and kaiser (my seven month old) needs convincing now and then.

good luck!!

a snuggles n kisses lovicon
kaiser hugs n sloobers
VaSHa

 

[ann king]

dominance better!!!

I wanted to let you know that Baxter is doing better! I have been calling the behavior place in Mass. and I had a local person that teachs obedience class to my home. Big help!!!!! Baxter does have a dominant issue, but...... he is now going in and out of the crate on command, and he is more submissive. Some bahaviors you don't see as dominant if you don't work with dogs all the time. If anyone else has these problems, call your vet and they will send you to the right people. I think a lot of dogs get "gotten rid of" at this stage due to lack of training on the owners part. There are ways to deal with this that are not cruel to the dog and just need the owner to be "trained". Baxter will take the obedience class in Sept also. I'm sure that he will do well! Thank you for the support I received on this site!