HELP! What happened to my sweet puppy?

[bxrs4me]

I have 3 boxers - Baxter is about 8 yrs. and I have had him about 3 years.
Brothers Raider and Tank are 1 yr and I have had them since 10 weeks.
I had the pups neutered at 5 mo. and Baxter was already fixed when I adopted him from the Humane Society.
All 3 have been living together with no problems for a year - But suddenly Raider is acting like a bully! Tank just walks away from him, but Baxter isn't going to take it and Raider and Baxter have started fighting. The first fight was last week and another today - I think Raider is challenging Baxter for dominance but I don't know what to do. They havent hurt each other yet - but it scares me to death, now I don't dare let them get together. When I let them all in together Baxter's hair goes up immediately and he looks like he is ready to attack and Raider walks around glaring at Baxter like he's daring him to do something.
Do I have to keep them seperate?
Do I let them have it out?
I realize there are books to read and professionals that can help, and I will be doing those things, But what do I do right now to help and not make things worse?
Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks

 

[swatman]

Hopefully it is a pecking order issue that will resolve itself (someone submits), however boxers are known to hold grudges especially after a fight, and may never forgive and forget. If this behavior continues then you may very well need to keep them seperated, which is probably very difficult in a single household. I don't really have any words of wisdom as far as training, just keep a close eye on them, if they do decide to go at it for real it can get very ugly and difficult to manage. I wish you the best of luck and hopefully it will all work out. Keep us posted.
Mike
_____________________________________________________________
Kaiser 1989-2000 Beautiful flashy fawn boy, waiting at the bridge
Gunther 1999-2004 beautiful and courageous flashy brindle boy, waiting at the bridge
Jacquets Ramos 8 mo old flashy brindle crazyman, s/d in training

 

[Jan]

With three male boxers, I'm not surprised that you are starting to have trouble. Baxter probably thinks he is pack leader as he has been there the longest. You need to emphasize your own leadership, afterall you should be the leader. You would be best of consult a behaviorist. Since Raider is causing the problems you may need to keep him separated. If you can't solve the problem, the best solution may be to find Raider a new home.:(
Everyone will be happier and you will have a much more relaxed home.

Good luck!

 

[gregory'sdad]

check out Ceasr Milan

Ceasar Milan is the best dog behaviorist in the business. I watch his show constantly. He emphasizes three things that must be in balance: exercise, affection and discipline. You must be the pack leader. That will take care of most of the pecking order issues. Secondly, exercise: a tired dog will not fight. You need to take them on long walks. Maybe includ a doggy backpack to add another level to the "work". Also, you may check into a gentle leader. When the boys are around each other, keep them on leash with the GL and you will control what happens.

 

[bxrs4me]

Thanks for input

Thank you for your comments.
I realized that the last few weeks, with the holidays and working extra hours, that I have spent less time with the boys which means less exercize and attention, and when I am with them I have not been as consistant with discipline. I have been letting them get away with things that normally they could not do. I can see how that could confuse the situation - maybe Raider is feeling like there is no pack leader anymore and he has to take over?
I will get back to more exercize, attention and better discipline and hopefully things will get back to normal. The thought of having to find a new home for one of them just breaks my heart! (believe me, I have considered it many times!)
Thanks again for helping me look at the big picture and get a better perspective.

 

[SanpeteBoxer]

Establishing Dominance

what it sounds like to me is they are probably not neutered? I would take it? so the younger dog is challenging the older dog for his place. I would start with neutering the dogs. It sounds like you don't intend to breed themto females? And the old wives tale about male boxers get fat and lazy when they get neutered.......... horse pucky my Benson didn't miss a beat when he got neutered and is still as sleek as before. Hope this helps some if not tell me more.

I have 3 boxers - Baxter is about 8 yrs. and I have had him about 3 years.
Brothers Raider and Tank are 1 yr and I have had them since 10 weeks.
I had the pups neutered at 5 mo. and Baxter was already fixed when I adopted him from the Humane Society.
All 3 have been living together with no problems for a year - But suddenly Raider is acting like a bully! Tank just walks away from him, but Baxter isn't going to take it and Raider and Baxter have started fighting. The first fight was last week and another today - I think Raider is challenging Baxter for dominance but I don't know what to do. They havent hurt each other yet - but it scares me to death, now I don't dare let them get together. When I let them all in together Baxter's hair goes up immediately and he looks like he is ready to attack and Raider walks around glaring at Baxter like he's daring him to do something.
Do I have to keep them seperate?
Do I let them have it out?
I realize there are books to read and professionals that can help, and I will be doing those things, But what do I do right now to help and not make things worse?
Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks