Freshly adopted Boxer, Some questions

[Audiboxer]

I adopted my 1.5 yr old boxer/mastiff mix from a rescue this past Saturday. I've been reading all the behavioral issues, training threads on the forum here. He definitely has the boxer mindset.

While we are on a walk, just about every distraction has him pull and jump towards it. I try to calm him down with some of the tips others have said, it works when he sees people, but with an animal, he just doesn't listen. Is this because he is in a new household, new environment? I've heard to give him 2 weeks to a month with daily walks for him to calm down and get used to us as owners (and masters). When we are at home or walking on an empty sidewalk, he's perfect. Listens to everything with no problems.

We've been training everyday with great results. They just don't seem to be working in a distracting environment. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

 

[kenveeb]

He's just come out of a hard life and your new home is just FULL of all sorts of distractions to him, so give him some time to get used to things. Boxers do tend to have a strong "chase" drive, so that's probably why he reacts to other animals more. Try keeping watch and start to distract him BEFORE he sees the other animal, so he's happily munching on a treat or getting his ears scratched when he catches sight of it.

You can also try to desensitize him by putting him somewhere he can see the animal but not get to it (by a window or glass door). Let him catch sight of the animal and then start giving him high-value treats, so eventually instead of thinking "ooh cat, chase it!" he starts thinking "ooh cat, I get a hot dog!"

 

[LILYLARUE]

The one problem with adopting from shelters, is that you don't have the whole or truthful story of his previous life before them. Most people lie about why they give the dog up if its a behavior issue. So, you just have to re-train and try your best to have those past memories fade away.

For you, I would work with a behaviorist one on one. Classes are fine, but you really want to know how your dog reacts and what his triggers are BEFORE you put him in a class with other unbalanced dogs. The behaviorist will see signs in his mood quicker than you might. This is absolute in training. Once you worked with them and find out how his mind works, then you can move on in training without any triggers you may be giving him or external ones from the surroundings. It shouldn't take but a few sessions for the behaviorist to establish issues/triggers/etc. If anything, it will help with your bond with the dog and will be able to be a better leader with the knowledge of your dog's natural moods.

I wish your newbie well!

 

[Audiboxer]

Mini update here.

He's definitely getting better! I used the distraction method to keep his attention on me with treats. Worked perfect with a passing jogger and a bicyclist.

Then came the test. I spotted 2 dogs up ahead on the trail we walk everyday. Used this same method, and was able to keep his attention until just about 5 feet away, but he never lunged or pulled hard. I was extremely shocked (and happy) at the same time. I used to get kind of shaky and nervous when other dogs came up, but this time i remained calm and excited to him and it worked great. Walks are becoming more fun!

 

[LILYLARUE]

YEAH!!!! Congrats!!!

Remember to keep that calmness. Whatever you feel will transfer through the leash to the dog and the dog will react the same. It takes persistance and seems you are doing a great job! Keep it up!

 

[Murp.mm]

First thanks for giving this doggie a new forever home. You're an angel!! Sounds like he's coming along very well with your new distractions. When Ms. Ali was younger and even sometimes yet if she comes upon a dog or cat or bird - should I go on I carry a toy with me. One of her favourite is a ball or squeeky toy. When she knows it's in my pocket she focuses on the toy and not on the dog or whatever. When we are past whatever the distraction was I give her a treat and praise her big time telling her all the while that when we get home she'll get her toy. On some occassions I have given her the ball to carry in her mouth. If she starts dropping it and wanting to play I take it back until we get home. She's happy with that cause she knows I always give her the toy when we get home. Good luck.