3 months ago I adoped Roxy, a 3-month female Boxer. She was a bit of a mess, starving, had worms, no vaccines, etc. Apparently her previous 2 owners were drug addicts, and I only know that Roxy was constantly running away from one, and was in a car accident with the other, where she jumped from the car and disappeared for a week. these people are now in jail or rehabs, and I was asked to adopt Roxy, since I've had a Boxer before and truly loved the breed.
I immediately had her checked by a vet, and got her spayed and immunized. the vet noticed that she was rather fearful and suggested that Roxy had been mis-treated since she didn't like being touched on the head. I also contacted a CPDT (certified pet dog trainer) and had her evaluate Roxy as she constantly barked at people coming into my home. Sure enough, the trainer said that Roxy had aggressive tendencies based on fear. She gave me lots of suggestions and we also enrolled in her 8-week class. so training is on-going, and I am seeing some progress, as Roxy seems much more relaxed.
Well - here's the problem. My neighbors have reported Roxy to Animal Control for excessive barking. I'm living in a new place and had just moved when Roxy came. I don't even know these neighbors, nor was I aware she was barking so much during the day. I'm gone from 7:15 am to 5:30 pm and she has a doggie door to the yard. (I also have a senior Rottie who uses the doggie door). I have 10 days to correct this problem and have decided that I need to close off the doggy door and keep the dogs inside. Yet Roxy will potty inside if she can't go to the yard. as a temporary fix, I've left the TV on and kept the sliding glass door as closed as possible without closing off the doggy door. I've started teaching Roxy the "QUIET" command. I live in Souther California, and Roxy loves to lay outside in the sunshine but I'm sure when the neighbors toddler's go out to play, she's probably barking. I plan on taking a few days off work to try and catch her in the act and hopefully get her to understand she cannot potty inside--she'll need to hold it! I've been told dogs can hold their potty for 15 hours. does anyone with a Boxer know if this is possible? my Rottie can hold it all day, but Roxie seems to go frequently --even though I feed her excellent quality food. my trainer also recommended setting up a potty station thru my garage, with real grass. I may end up going this route, but I'd rather not--although it does seem the most humane. she also suggested a citronella collar, although she wasn't too keen on the idea, with Roxy's fear and agressive tendencies. Does anyone have any experience with a 15-month old Boxer holding their potty all day - or for about 9-1/2 to 10 hours? Any other suggestions would be welcome too.
I immediately had her checked by a vet, and got her spayed and immunized. the vet noticed that she was rather fearful and suggested that Roxy had been mis-treated since she didn't like being touched on the head. I also contacted a CPDT (certified pet dog trainer) and had her evaluate Roxy as she constantly barked at people coming into my home. Sure enough, the trainer said that Roxy had aggressive tendencies based on fear. She gave me lots of suggestions and we also enrolled in her 8-week class. so training is on-going, and I am seeing some progress, as Roxy seems much more relaxed.
Well - here's the problem. My neighbors have reported Roxy to Animal Control for excessive barking. I'm living in a new place and had just moved when Roxy came. I don't even know these neighbors, nor was I aware she was barking so much during the day. I'm gone from 7:15 am to 5:30 pm and she has a doggie door to the yard. (I also have a senior Rottie who uses the doggie door). I have 10 days to correct this problem and have decided that I need to close off the doggy door and keep the dogs inside. Yet Roxy will potty inside if she can't go to the yard. as a temporary fix, I've left the TV on and kept the sliding glass door as closed as possible without closing off the doggy door. I've started teaching Roxy the "QUIET" command. I live in Souther California, and Roxy loves to lay outside in the sunshine but I'm sure when the neighbors toddler's go out to play, she's probably barking. I plan on taking a few days off work to try and catch her in the act and hopefully get her to understand she cannot potty inside--she'll need to hold it! I've been told dogs can hold their potty for 15 hours. does anyone with a Boxer know if this is possible? my Rottie can hold it all day, but Roxie seems to go frequently --even though I feed her excellent quality food. my trainer also recommended setting up a potty station thru my garage, with real grass. I may end up going this route, but I'd rather not--although it does seem the most humane. she also suggested a citronella collar, although she wasn't too keen on the idea, with Roxy's fear and agressive tendencies. Does anyone have any experience with a 15-month old Boxer holding their potty all day - or for about 9-1/2 to 10 hours? Any other suggestions would be welcome too.
