My boxer growled at me...need advice

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shonna

Boxer Pal
My 3 1/2 y.o. female got a great treat today. She got a raw bone, which she has not had one since last summer. She walked around the yard w/ it very proud, along side me while I watered plants then layed in the yard chewing on it. My daughter and some of the neighbor kids came over and she growled. I told them to leave her alone. I went to take it from her so there wouldn't be any problems. She growled at me, and even started to show her teeth a little. From the time she was pup, we would "mess" with her when she would eat, have bones, etc. I have never had a problem with her and her bones or food. I took her bones from her before. Esp. the bigs ones because I didn't want her to get sick, so I would let her chew on it, take it from her, and then give it to her again, etc.

Has anyone had there boxer do this? How did you handle it? She has never been aggresive towards me or anyone in our family or kids or anything. I"m so shocked that she did it and I don't know what to do. Any advice????

Thank you,
Baylee's Mom
floppy fawn
 

Cami

Boxer Insane
What did you do when she growled at you? That will be a big determining factor is future displays of guarding.
For now I wouldn't let her have ANYTHING that she might want to guard. Get back to basics with NILF training for a few weeks and then slowly start reintroducing chew items. It may very well have been a one time thing but you won't know that unless or if it happens again. Don't take any chances. She may have been overly stimulated with the new yummy bone but that behavior is for sure not predictable.
 

shonna

Boxer Pal
I was shocked...so I scolded her, telling her no, then sprayed her w/ the hose so I could get the bone and put it up. I told DH about it and of course he was not happy. So I gave her the bone again tonight, when things had been calm. I gave her the bone, but still held on to it, and told her good job. I then let her have it. DH took it from her, you could tell she didn't like it but she didn't do anything. Told her good job, and she got it back. Shortly after that, I tried to take it from her and she growled at me. Needless to say, she is on a time out and I'm still speechless. She is my baby, I am the one that takes care of her, babies her, takes her walks, feeds her, etc. I can't believe she acted this way.

I"m still devastated...
 

silly24boxer

Super Boxer
I find that if I think about getting the bone away from a dog I am nervous but if I just march in and say drop and take it away I have not problems.
 

LILYLARUE

Boxer Insane
I find that if I think about getting the bone away from a dog I am nervous but if I just march in and say drop and take it away I have not problems.

Excellent post!!! Attitude is everything! Also, you can claim the bone as well. Stand over the dog, say the command once "drop it" and then don't back away until they do. Persistance! They will get the hint if you are confident that you want it.

It's interesting to watch dogs interract. If Bella wants something Lily has, she will stick her nose on it, looking at Lily out of the corner of her eye and just wait until Lily drops it. Lily always does and then wanders away looking defeated. Bella doesn't really want it though. Cause she will walk away from it when she wins the toy. But it is her confidence and patience that gets it every time!
 

boxerb

Boxer Pal
With our dog (sorry not a boxer) I do what the others suggested and get his attention first by saying "enough" than take it. Of course he follows me where I am putting the bone and than sits and cries for it back... :) but he doesnt growl.
 
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