AmyDonnelly
Boxer Buddy
Long story short. We have 3 dogs-2 male boxers (Joe & Charlie, both neutered) and a rescue pit bull mix named Venus who is spayed, who we got about 2 months ago. We've had Joe for 6 years and Charlie for almost 5. When we initially got Venus, the dogs got along pretty well. Joe and Venus took to eachother instantly and I've had no trouble between the two of them. They play, they sleep together, and they are generally very respectful of eachother and don't challenge eachother for rank within the pack. Charlie wasn't as welcoming as Joe was, but he became more tolerant of her and after about 2 weeks of her being here, they got along beautifully too. About a week ago, Charlie started going after her though. I have to supervise the group while they eat, but mostly so they stick to their own bowls and all get the food they should. Venus usually finishes first and may try to go after the others food, so as a precaution, I supervise. No big deal to me. But about a week ago, Charlie went after Venus just for being in the kitchen. Then the next day, he went after her when she was playing with a rope toy. Then yesterday morning, I was pouring food into their food storage container and all the dogs were around, sniffing out their new food. Next thing I know, Charlie went after Venus and they were fighting. I broke it up, and nobody was hurt, but it was very unsettling. Then last night, Charlie was receiving some attention from our neighbor and he got up to end the play session, when Venus got up from where she was sleeping, and Charlie went after her and they had another full blown fight. Again, nobody was hurt, but it was frightening for my neighbors who had their 3 year old daughter here to play with my 3 year old daughter. Both girls were screaming, and obviously very scared. Today all has been good between them, and I obviously have to closely monitor them when they are together, but I don't want things to be this way! I have no worries when it comes to Joe and Venus and Joe and Charlie, but I am very nervous when it comes to Charlie & Venus. As soon as those two are up and about, I have to be sure my kids are not in between them because I don't know what sets them off and it happens so incredibly fast that my kids could get hurt if they happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. All of the dogs are extremely good with my kids and other kids, and I am confident that no harm would be directed at them on purpose, but I am concerned that they might end up getting caught in the middle of a dog fight. Charlie weighs 83 pounds and Venus is 47, so its a lot of dog bouncing around with teeth bearing and lots of growling. We do have a professional trainer through Barkbusters but I have not been able to talk to her about this yet, so I decided to come here for any and all advice that might help the situation. My thought is that Charlie is challenging Venus's position in the pack and is trying to put her in her place by attacking her when she's behaving in a way he does not approve of. She is the alpha dog in the house now, so it makes sense to me. Joe was prior to her arrival, but since she got here, he seems to be ok with relinquishing his alpha role to her. Maybe due to his old age, I don't know, but he is fine with her being above him. I can tell she's the alpha because the dogs allow her to eat first, drink first, walk in and out of the back door first, etc. So, 90% of the time, Charlie is fine with her being alpha dog, its that 10% where he isn't fine with it (if this is what is sparking his attacks) and I need to know how to correct it before anyone gets hurt.
So please, any help with this would be greatly appreciated. I love my dogs and I don't want things to be this way. I just want everyone to get along well. I am very into the NILF method and I make them do something for everything-they sit before I put their food & water down, they sit and stay before going outside, they walk behind anyone walking up or down the stairs, etc. Granted they aren't perfect all the time but there are rules in this house that I expect them to follow if they expect to get any sort of rewards, and for the most part, they follow these rules. Also, we do not allow them on the furniture unless invited, and we do not allow the to jump up on people. We reward them with affection once they are no longer interested in pushing their weight around, then we call them to us and praise them or pet them or whatever it is that is positive for them.
Thank you,
Amy
So please, any help with this would be greatly appreciated. I love my dogs and I don't want things to be this way. I just want everyone to get along well. I am very into the NILF method and I make them do something for everything-they sit before I put their food & water down, they sit and stay before going outside, they walk behind anyone walking up or down the stairs, etc. Granted they aren't perfect all the time but there are rules in this house that I expect them to follow if they expect to get any sort of rewards, and for the most part, they follow these rules. Also, we do not allow them on the furniture unless invited, and we do not allow the to jump up on people. We reward them with affection once they are no longer interested in pushing their weight around, then we call them to us and praise them or pet them or whatever it is that is positive for them.
Thank you,
Amy
