Reactive stalker? Long.

[Lovebrindles]

Hi there, so I'm looking for advice in how to handle some aggression issues our female boxer lucy has. I don't know what's causing it. We've had her for 7 months now (bought from breeder, retired show dog 5 years). Shes extremely well behaved when it comes to humans and listening to us, except when it comes to other dogs being around.
I took her to the dog park initially since her previous owner said she was used to this and great with other dogs. This was fine, she would mainly focus on the ball with no aggression if another dog took it. It's a small dog park so all the dogs are in pretty close proximity.
I would also take her early in the morning to an off leash area and we would walk through it, with very few people or dogs since it was quite early. Everyday we did this for a few weeks. Then one morning there was a woman jogging with a small fluffy white dog and Lucy took off running straight for it. I yelled for her to come, but she completely tuned me out and ran straight for the dog. I was still quite a ways behind her so I didn't see what she did, but she was definitely in The dogs face aggressively. Finally I grabbed her and then she had her ears back and sat for me, totally listening. The lady was mad, understandably. I apologized but she jogged off before I could ask if her dog was ok. I don't know if she bit her dog or not. So I stopped going there, and no more off leash until I know I can get her to listen. Then I noticed her "stalking" dogs as they approached which I know some boxers do playfully, but it's definitely not her being playful. I give dogs a wide berth on the side walk usually, but as i was bent over picking up poop a few weeks later she went for this
Airedale terrier walking behind me and forced him into these bushes. Normally I'd have her close, but i had her on a stupid retractable leash that wouldn't lock so I grabbed the rope and it just zipped through my hand. I finally grabbed her and she backed off and sat runt away all obedient. My husband didn't exactly believe me that she was this bad until he walked her loose leash past a black lab and she grabbed the back of his neck as he walked by and he had to get her off him, she didn't let go immediately.

We both love her so much, but I feel like she's horrible with other dogs and we live in a city full of them so avoidance is pretty unrealistic. Since all of this I've tried a few things: lots of treats when she sees a dog, lot of correction when she doesn't listen, but she's the same no matter what I do.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be so appreciated. She would have already seen a behaviorist but dh doesn't think it's necessary. I still might...

 

[Cami]

Unless DH has secret powers what is already being done isn't working. Call the behaviorist. You pretty much know the trigger but they can give you multiple options to utilize to help correct the problem. Not all dogs respond to "A" and a behaviorist will be better able to help determine what is the best avenue to try to resolve this.
Sooner rather than later so that you don't eventually end up with her having a bite history on record. She goes after the wrong dog and she could not only injure them but she could also get injured.

 

[ELubas]

As usual Susi is right on the money. I have a dog reactive girl and without constant vigilance, believe me, it does not get better but worse. The behavorist gave us the tools to manage this-not eliminate it. I stupidly listened to my dog walker for the first couple years and that really made a mess of things. My poor Nysa-she is on the right track now but it takes patience, kindness, and positve reinforcement. Best of luck with your girl

 

[LILYLARUE]

Find a behaviorist right away!!! To allow her to continue the behavior is only instilling that behavior as a practiced habit.

A behaviorist can assess and work with you on techniques to help her overcome her reaction and replace it with acceptable behaviors. A general trainer can not and is not capable of this and can actually do more harm than good. A behaviorist is really the ideal person to work with you and her.

On a side note: There are many show dogs ( and sports dogs) that do not really get along with other dogs. For the show owners, they usually don't take the risk of their show dogs playing with other dogs in fear of injuries that may hinder their show quality. So an aggressive/reactive show dog or sport dog is common. They usually don't have dog-to-dog socialization or training, except for the others they may live with or show with. This is not due to lack of knowledge on the show owners part, its just a different way and reason for raising thier dogs in a specialized field. Plus, there usually isn't much time between working, show training, grooming and traveling for their dogs to have a day at the dog park. Also, at shows the dogs really don't socialize with other dogs.....they see them, they are beside them, but they are trained and restricted from socializing. So I can see how once they have the freedom to socialize, they do it in a way that isn't condusive to proper introductions or play.

 

[rayandsarah]

I agree with everyone else. Capone is a rescue. He is was not socialized at all until he went to the rescue and then to us. He is a resource guarder and very reactive. My BF just like your DH didn't really think the behaviorist was necessary. He is a true believer now. We have been working with the tools she gave us for the past 2 1/2 months. Trust me Capone has a long way to go still, but everyday we see some progress.

 

[Lovebrindles]

Behaviourist

Well it seems unanimous what we need to do. Thanks to all of you for your feedback. I'm going to search online, but if anyone can suggest how to find a qualified behaviorist that would be great!

In the meantime, I think avoidance is the best for her.

 

[ELubas]

at shows the dogs really don't socialize with other dogs.....they see them, they are beside them, but they are trained and restricted from socializing. So I can see how once they have the freedom to socialize, they do it in a way that isn't condusive to proper introductions or play.

Excellent point! So much of this behavior is fear driven

 

[larrygs]

Ditto what all have said, get help from a behavorist with experience with this. We have known several highly respected trainers who are out of their element when it comes to reactive dogs. The sooner you do, the better.

Realize it can be confusing at first. Because they can be really fine one moment, then crazy, then fine again. You need to learn more about reactiveness, when it occurs and the triggers. They will indeed play fine with a dog, yet put either one a leash and it is a totally different scene. Improving your knowledge isn't a substitute for getting a behavorist, but will help your stress.

Also see a vet to be sure there isn't anything medical going on.

BTW, one of ours, Maxine, was totally non reactive. Yet once she ran down and jumped on a small white dog that was being running along side a girl who was screaming. Didn't hurt the dog, just held it down, but misunderstood what was happening and chose to protect the girl. Not your situation, however the point is things can look much different to the dog. Boxers are bred to assess the situation and take action.