I hate to say it, but we're thinking of giving up

[Siruss]

Okay our dog Sirus just turned a year old like last week. He causes so much stress in this house. He absolutely does not listen to us. He's wild and out of control, plus hes super strong. Good things about him, is he is completely tolerant of our 2 year old, and has never in any way been aggresive.

I do not work, i stay at home with our kids, one of which is an infant, so i really dont have time to train the dog. But thats just what he needs, some very aggressive training. I did obediance classes with him but that was months ago and apparently did not work. He's absolutely horrible with guests.

Anyway at this point we're seriously considering finding Sirus a new home. We are reluctant because we feel so badly, and would feel bad for our 2 year old who is very attached to the dog. Never did we ever think we would be one of those people who gets rid of a pet, we are absolute animal lovers, but I dont really like our dog. I wish he was good and listened, thats all i want. I dont pet him much because it always turns into him getting crazy.

I'm just looking for advice.....we dont know what to do. I have had dogs all my life and i want a dog now, but i want a good, trained dog.

 

[Siruss]

Oh i want to add....if anyone has suggestions of anything we can do to improve his behavior..... Like i said i really dont have time during the day to work on training with a toddler and a newborn. I'm going to start taking him for walks in the evening when my husband comes home, but i dont think that will be enough.

 

[Fawn's Mom]

Unfortunately, a boxer probably wasn't your best choice of dog.
They need constant companionship and a lot of attention.
If they are not given enough stimulation throughout the day, they will drive you crazy. They NEED that stimulation otherwise they will go crazy.
If you don't have the time to spend with your fur-baby, then unfortunately, there isn't much you can do to make your life OR your dog's life easier.
You need to spend more time with the dog...
He doesn't listen because he's so excited for getting any attention at all from you. He is just looking for something to do and to let out pent-up energy.
This is simply IMHO...maybe the mods can give some more advice.

 

[x19er]

I appreciate your situation with your small kids and a hyper boxer but he's not going to suddenly start behaving the way you want without training which requires time and effort. Boxers need lots of exercise - we take ours for a long walk each morning before we leave for work - when my husband is away I get up at 5.30 am to get it done - you really need to fit this into your daily routine. Our 2 year boxer needs at least 1 walk per day plus a really good run round the garden to tire him out. Routine is also good - walk same time each day, food same time etc etc. Have a read through the training section on the forum you'll find lots of tips for training - if you remember the training you went through at obedience classes try fitting in 5/10 minutes sessions through out the day - you need to keep on training over and over again so it sticks - use the commands during the day - sit before food, stay before opening the front door etc etc. I hope you can find a way to get back on track - there really is no magic answer - time and patience are key.

 

[LilygirlCO]

Have you tried the NILF method of training?

Read this thread. It will explain more about NILF
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106790&highlight=nilf

 

[EAO76]

I have had dogs all my life and i want a dog now, but i want a good, trained dog.

Then train the dog you have now. The one you made a commitment to.

Like the other post said there is no magic answer, it’s just whether or not you and your husband are willing to put the time into it. He needs love, affection, attention, training, and exercise, exercise, exercise to turn him into a well behaved dog. You’d be surprised what a half hour a day of total focus on the dog could do. Maybe you could seek some help from trainer who can come to your home?

 

[SandyHG55654]

What are the problems you are experiencing with your dog? I'm a stay at home mom with 3 skin boys ages 4, 7, and my oldest turned 11 yesterday. I have 2 pups ages 6 months and 9 months.
My advice is EXERCISE! EXERCISE! EXERCISE! and a marrow bone about every 5 days fed away from the kids! It helps them not want to chew on my stuff.
Every morning mine go out in the yard for a few minutes of fetch or just running around. My 4 year old helps too. Then again after lunch. Even 15 minutes would help. Then when my DH gets home from work and after dinner but before bed we take them for a walk or take them to the park to run around. It really does help and I can tell when they don't get enough exercise. Training only won't really do it because they have so much energy to burn off.

 

[BXRBESTFRIND]

I agree EXERCISE is key.... A tired Boxer is a Good Boxer....

the Nilif is a great method and really doesnt require MORE time than a dog would need normally The difference is in the way you interact with the dog.

THis is definetly an issue that can be corrected but it will take time and patience. It sounds like the Time aspect is what you are lacking. Please realize though that most Boxers (if not all dog types) will act "crazy" if thier needs are not being met. Meaning Excersise discipline and affection(god i sound like the dog whisperer)

My advice would be if you dont feel that you can commit to this dog being apart of your life then the responsible thing is to find a family that can provide everything your pup needs to be a healthy well adjusted Dog.

I hope you will remember this situation If you ever decide to bring another dog into your household. Srry if that sounds, whats the word, Crass but as you have probably gathered its a serious topic here on BW.

God luck with whatever your decision is

 

[Kerry Jane]

Is it possible that every evening, or early in the morning your family could go for a long walk - take the kids and the dog - wear everyone out? Or if you think that you would be able to take him yourself that would be great. Do you have a yard that he can run in? What about investing in things like kongs and other similiar toys or bones that will keep him occupied?

A few minutes training the dog every day can work wonders. I also agree with the suggestion to pursue NILF ( do a search on this site for more information). Make your dog do something for you before he gets anything - for example, make him down before he gets his food, make him sit before he goes through the door. Simple things like this don't really take time.

 

[dazsAngel]

Then when my DH gets home from work

Okay, I just have to ask. I see MANY people use this reference to 'DH'. At first I thought it was someone's initials, but it is used to many times, so I don't think there are that many people out there at BW with only those initials (or are there?). Anyway, I am completely baffled. Thanks.