I need some reassurance

[Krikkit]

Originally posted by Agent Scully
as far as playing with him, we used to play tug and it's the only time he would growl at anything, our trainer said to stop because it's bringing out his aggression towards me. so we stopped. i tried throwing balls and kongs for him and he'll chase after them, but after a few times he'll loose interest and start exploring with other things. it's like, i'm done with that i don't want to play with you anymore.

Are you sure it was you he was growling at and not the tug toy? I play tug with our four and use a game of tug as a reward in obedience / agility and our Boxers are all very noisey, growly, boisterous tug players. I do, however, have an excellent relationship with them and they turn on and off the game on command.

You need to find things to do with him that you both enjoy - teaching tricks is an excellent bonding / relationship builder for you and your dog. Shake, roll over, crawling, weaving between your legs, finding your car keys or similar, learning 'touch' on command...there are endless possibilities for you to have fun with him and cement your relationship with him at the same time.

I too would recommend that you read, then re-read 'Culture Clash' by Jean Donaldson It is available at Dogwise http://www.dogwise.com

 

[Jaelle]

For the dominance thing, remember that, like teenagers, dogs needs to have clear limits and to know what they can do and what they can't, to feel secure. Dogs will have more confidence in you if they can feel you can handle any situations and protect them, like a pack leader. It's sure that your boxer will try to see where your limits are, like any teen, but if you are firm and constant, he will learn to respect you. (I'm a specialize educator (for humans ).

 

[Agent Scully]

thanks to everyone's input so far, sounds like firm consistant trianing and praise is the way to do it. and most important "time".

 

[kakennedy]

good luck and .....

I wanted to also let you know that with our Jake we wrestle and tug of war and he growls up a storm and we growl back and just really play hard sometimes BUT we have a command 'ENOUGH' that means end of game. We never let things get to wild. And with "enough" he has to sit or lie quietly for a few minutes while we love him up and make him calm down. It's like a light switch!!!

Wrestling with us is his favorite thing. Since a puppy we have ALWAYS included a toy to ensure he focuses on bitting and pulling the toy and not a hand or someone's shirt. Now when he wants to play he goes and gets a toy, or when we get on the floor and start things first he jumps up and goes and gets a toy before he starts playing. I suggest keeping a special play toy that you bring out just for you and his play time; preferably a squeaky one!!! It might help with your bonding.