I have an 8 month old male. This is my 2nd boxer. Typical boxer traits - smart and stubborn. He knows to sit, lay down and stay but will only perform them when it is to his benefit. I read somewhere that I need to establish myself as the alpha. I never had to do this with any female dogs I had.
I've been making him sit before I will let him eat, get fresh water, go outside to the bathroom, come back inside, have a toy, etc. I do not play on the floor with him and cuddle since I started this about 1 week ago. I will pet him for a minute or 2 only after he sits first. Don't talk baby talk with him either. When I give him commands, I am always standing tall.
His behavior has seemed to improve but I started noticing yesterday that he's up to his old tricks again. If, for instance, he's getting pesty, I'll tell him to sit and he'll just dart off instead. If I tell him to come, he'll just ignore the comand. This morning while eating breakfast, the rule is for him to lay down in the dining room where he can still see us. He must stay there until we're done eating. He has been abiding by this rule pretty good up until this morning. As soon as I would sit down, he would come in the kitchen under the table. I'd make him go back and lay down and he'd repeat. Of course, with each repeat, I'd be more annoyed than the time before. So I ended up putting his leash on him and wrapping it around the dining room tabe.
My husband seems to think that because we are using the tough love approach, it's backfiring because we're not paying enough attention to him. Your wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
I've been making him sit before I will let him eat, get fresh water, go outside to the bathroom, come back inside, have a toy, etc. I do not play on the floor with him and cuddle since I started this about 1 week ago. I will pet him for a minute or 2 only after he sits first. Don't talk baby talk with him either. When I give him commands, I am always standing tall.
His behavior has seemed to improve but I started noticing yesterday that he's up to his old tricks again. If, for instance, he's getting pesty, I'll tell him to sit and he'll just dart off instead. If I tell him to come, he'll just ignore the comand. This morning while eating breakfast, the rule is for him to lay down in the dining room where he can still see us. He must stay there until we're done eating. He has been abiding by this rule pretty good up until this morning. As soon as I would sit down, he would come in the kitchen under the table. I'd make him go back and lay down and he'd repeat. Of course, with each repeat, I'd be more annoyed than the time before. So I ended up putting his leash on him and wrapping it around the dining room tabe.
My husband seems to think that because we are using the tough love approach, it's backfiring because we're not paying enough attention to him. Your wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
