Hi-
I haven't posted anything before, but I need help!!! I have two male boxers, Max (2) that we got as a puppy from a breeder, and Cassius (2 1/2) that we rescued a year ago in August. Max was socialized from a very young age and was always great with all other dogs. He was friendly and playful, not at all mean or aggressive. Last summer (before we got Cassius) Max was playing off the leash at a park with two other dogs. One was a large, intact, male german shepard that bit Max's head and cut his ear before I could separate them. This dog did this for no reason. Max seemed okay afterwards, and healed fine. Then we got Cassius, who is now about 22 pounds heavier than Max. He has become the more dominant male, although they get along great, Cassius likes to take Max's toys, and "mess" with him. Max defends himself well and they have a good relationship.
That's the story: here's the new problem. There is a great dog park in my town where people can bring their dogs to play off-leash in a fenced in area. From the first time we brought Max there, he has attacked dogs that he meets. He starts by just sniffing, and then his hair stands up and he growls loudly. He then pounces and pins the dog down. He does this more aggressively with male dogs, although he's done it to females too. It scares other people and makes me look like an irresponsible dog owner. I trained Max and took him to obedience school. He is great with humans and is soooo sweet. He even does this to dogs that we come in contact with on-leash during walks. I have to keep him away from all other dogs now. I have tried everything I can think of to resocialize him, but I am at a loss. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am so frustrated that he can't play.
Thanks.
Karen
I haven't posted anything before, but I need help!!! I have two male boxers, Max (2) that we got as a puppy from a breeder, and Cassius (2 1/2) that we rescued a year ago in August. Max was socialized from a very young age and was always great with all other dogs. He was friendly and playful, not at all mean or aggressive. Last summer (before we got Cassius) Max was playing off the leash at a park with two other dogs. One was a large, intact, male german shepard that bit Max's head and cut his ear before I could separate them. This dog did this for no reason. Max seemed okay afterwards, and healed fine. Then we got Cassius, who is now about 22 pounds heavier than Max. He has become the more dominant male, although they get along great, Cassius likes to take Max's toys, and "mess" with him. Max defends himself well and they have a good relationship.
That's the story: here's the new problem. There is a great dog park in my town where people can bring their dogs to play off-leash in a fenced in area. From the first time we brought Max there, he has attacked dogs that he meets. He starts by just sniffing, and then his hair stands up and he growls loudly. He then pounces and pins the dog down. He does this more aggressively with male dogs, although he's done it to females too. It scares other people and makes me look like an irresponsible dog owner. I trained Max and took him to obedience school. He is great with humans and is soooo sweet. He even does this to dogs that we come in contact with on-leash during walks. I have to keep him away from all other dogs now. I have tried everything I can think of to resocialize him, but I am at a loss. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am so frustrated that he can't play.
Thanks.
Karen
