other dogs

[TheDukes]

Hi. We've had 4 year old Dukes for about a month now. My fiance and I have had other dogs in our lives, but this is our first dog together, and our first Boxer. Every dog Ive ever had has gotten along great with other dogs. Dukes loves playing outside with dogs. He will run, sniff, jump all over dogs, and let other dogs jump on him. The problem we have found is that once inside, its a different story. He seems to be fine, but then every once in a while (for no apparent reason) he growls at a dog, and a couple times has lunged at him or her (he doesnt bite him, but i dont know if he would have if we hadnt separated them). He grew up with another boxer all his life, and his old owners said he has always been fine with other dogs, but his girl boxer sometimes started fights with him in the hosue. Does anyone have a similar problem, or is this typical of a boxer??? He is our only dog, but I was hoping to get him a brother or sister sometime down the road. Is there anyway to stop this problem??
Thanks, Annie
ps- he LOVES cats... go figure

 

[TheDukes]

any help? i read you can let them fight it out until there is blood? but that kinda scares me (especially since the other dogs are those of my friends)

 

[hanley]

I think he would be fine with a female, since he moved in with you he loves all the attention, do you have a cat? Once he settles in your home, I bet he will be fine,right now he may not be too certain about his new family,once you get the pack order lined up & he is settled,I bet he would love a playmate.Just let him settle. Hanley

 

[Luvnmyboxer]

Hmm..I'm not positive on this one since Titan isn't too fond of other dogs, unless they're other boxers. But I would think that if you want another dog that neutral territory and going slow with the meeting would be best. You dont want your dog to feel like an "old shoe" with a new dog who comes in the picture from nowhere. I know you all wouldn't treat him like that, but I'm sure he'd get his feelings hurt anyway. There is probably other posts on here similar that maybe you could refer back to for more info. I know there is a lot on bringing a new dog into a house with an established boxer. Hope some of this helps!!

 

[TheDukes]

yes, i do have a cat.. and he is in love with her.

 

[TheDukes]

Muzzle??

Would anyone recommend muzzling him when he is inside with other dogs? He is an only dog with us, and there is no problem there. I am thinking in situations when we go to visit family for a weekend or holiday. He loves my parents dog outisde, but wants to pick fights (once in a while) when they are inside. We are planning a weekend trip there in 2 weeks, and I would rather not kennel him if we dont have to. Previously we have just kept them separated inside, but Im trying to not be an inconvenience. Would muzzling Dukes while they are together be an idea??? Ive never used a muzzle and do not know much about them. Please let me know what you think, and if you have had similar situations.
Thanks