Help!!....very stubborn pup!

[jalexandra1]

Hello, I am a single mother of a 6 year old daughter and a 12 month old boxer. I have had Kobe since he was about 3 months old. He's never been a perfect angel but lately he has started growling and barking at both me and my daughter when we give him normal commands like "sit" or "down". After he does this, he takes off running like he knows he's done something wrong. Why is he growling at me when I tell him to do something? Most importantly, how do I correct it?!? Thanks!

 

[apollosdad]

it sounds as if your dog might be rebelling and testing his position amongst your 'pack.' it is essential that you continue to work with him as you have before, or even enroll him in a basic obedience class, if you haven't done so already. sometimes people post questions about their dogs listening to the male figures in their homes, compared to the females. this is can be often due to the male's voice being a more deeper and authoritative tone. since you mentioned that it is you and your daughter, this might be a slight reason for his behavior. however, this doesn't really mean anything imo. all it takes is a bit more work and you should have your dog on the right path in no time. you can try establishing your dominance over him in order to establish yourself as the pack leader. there are certain ways to do this:
-never allow him to pull you while walking on a leash
-never allow him to walk through a doorway or enter a room before you
-once a command is given, do not allow him to not perform the command requested and just walk away or ignore you
-make sure you eat before he eats
-have him earn all affection, treats, playtime, before he is given them.
utilize the N.I.L.F. (nothing in life is free) method

these are a few examples of how to exhibit your dominance over your dog. this will help him in understanding that you are the boss and that he must recognize that. when your dog begins to growl at you, simply tell him, 'Quiet' or 'Ah-Ah' in order to get him to stop growling. this may take some time and patience but it should get him to stop. a dog should never growl at his family, so take care to try and eliminate that behavior asap.

 

[jalexandra1]

Thanks. I really am having the worst time with him. I went to PetSmart when he was small but was not pleased with the classes at all. I am trying my best to work with him. This is my first dog and I never realized what a challenge I was in for with a boxer!! He is my sweetheart, though. Don't know what I would do without that big clown bouncing around my house!

 

[ladyluck_t]

An idea might be to enroll him in an obedience/agility type class, you can find them at your local obedience club, the classes that are taught here in NM at our ob.club are taught by people who have years of experience training all manner of dogs in agility and obedience competitions also many work with rescue organizations and have dealt directly with "untrained" dogs. your boy would have to go through the basic obedience classes, i believe, but this might give him something else to focus on and could even be fun for you and your daughter to learn. many of these types of classes are quite fun for both the handler and the dog. Just make sure that the classes are positive reinforcement type classes. Check out the book forum, there are several books recommended for training and behavior. Mostly what you will find in the books is what Apollosdad has said. but many are worth reading first hand!