emgrove
Boxer Buddy
We are the proud owners of Brinks, our almost 8 yr old very easy going BIG (81 lbs) boxer boy. We have had him since "birth", if you know what I mean. I KNOW him, he's my baby. Last week we adopted Phoebe.....an adorable 3 year old rescue girl half his size.....46 lbs. Phoebe is delightful.....funny, friendly, quirky, absolutely hysterical. They nap together during the day and I have to say overall it is going very well! We have only had her since Saturday.
Here is the issue I am desperate for advice on, please. Their play styles are a bit different, and they're trying, in my opinion, to figure each other out. The first day there were a few grumbles....Phoebe was trying to "claim" me every time brinks came over. Once corrected, she immediately stopped. She was neglected, but we don't think abused. She has a very sweet personality and seems very trusting of us already. She will start to "play" with Brinks....maybe a quick bow (not always), but will be running around the house like a crazy woman, then run up to him and try to play. I think she snarls when she plays, and it IS freaking me out! I think it freaks Brinks out a little, too! Her tail is NOT all waggy when she plays, and she will be bouncy, but then her stance will stiffen. Both of these I know can be signs of it NOT being play! My energy may not be helping. I do fear dog fighting ever since Brinks was viciously attacked by a 150 lb mastiff/pit several years ago. So when she does this, I find myself snapping "Hey!" or "No!" at them to "diffuse" the situation.
I don't want to make it worse, but when she is not wagging and then stiffens, HOW am I supposed to tell they are playing?? I brought her into our home to make our and Brinks' life even better, and if she hurt him I would be devastated! Help, help, help.....I am totally stressed out over this, my boxer friends! We adopted her intending forever, and I absolutely want to stand by this! I just lack experience in the world of two dogs that live together! Thanks!
Here is the issue I am desperate for advice on, please. Their play styles are a bit different, and they're trying, in my opinion, to figure each other out. The first day there were a few grumbles....Phoebe was trying to "claim" me every time brinks came over. Once corrected, she immediately stopped. She was neglected, but we don't think abused. She has a very sweet personality and seems very trusting of us already. She will start to "play" with Brinks....maybe a quick bow (not always), but will be running around the house like a crazy woman, then run up to him and try to play. I think she snarls when she plays, and it IS freaking me out! I think it freaks Brinks out a little, too! Her tail is NOT all waggy when she plays, and she will be bouncy, but then her stance will stiffen. Both of these I know can be signs of it NOT being play! My energy may not be helping. I do fear dog fighting ever since Brinks was viciously attacked by a 150 lb mastiff/pit several years ago. So when she does this, I find myself snapping "Hey!" or "No!" at them to "diffuse" the situation.
I don't want to make it worse, but when she is not wagging and then stiffens, HOW am I supposed to tell they are playing?? I brought her into our home to make our and Brinks' life even better, and if she hurt him I would be devastated! Help, help, help.....I am totally stressed out over this, my boxer friends! We adopted her intending forever, and I absolutely want to stand by this! I just lack experience in the world of two dogs that live together! Thanks!
. It is a riot, because she is HALF his size and far more vocal. He is figuring it out, too. It was definitely also MY energy. I took a deep breath and told myself to relax and yesterday was fantastic. She is a bit spry for him and occasionally lands right on top of him which he didn't love, LOL, but he grumbled and moved on. No, her hair was not standing up. His was a bit, but that happens whenever he is excited with another dog.
