Recent Aggression

[sandramast]

We've had our Boxer Rescue female, Adrian for three years and she has been a great dog. She is wary around other people and dominant with other dogs (except Cooper). We adopted Cooper (male rescue) in January. He was 10 mo old, sick and very malnourished. Maybe her maternal instincts kicked in but she has been really good with him. This last month she has become more aggressive with him and I've noticed him becoming very intimidated by her, especially regarding treats and food.

In June I went away on a 10 day trip and returned last Wednesday. Since my return she has lunged, snarled, and nipped three times at people (at home, in the car, at the vets - leash and no leash, but always when with me). This is behaviour never seen before.

Also Adrian is Hypothyroid and on medication.

This is so sudden and we're not sure if she's being protective of me or it's related to her hypothyroidism. Her thyroid was tested a little over a month ago but from my own experience with the same condition I KNOW that medically prescribed thyroid "ranges" have nothing to do what is each individuals "range" for good health.

Any ideas?

Sandra

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Get copies of either "The Dog Listener" or "The Practical Dog Listener" (available in UK online bookstores), and read and apply the techniques therein. Your dog is taking over and you need to communicate that YOU are Alpha of your pack, not the dog.

Good luck.

 

[Aimee]

Have you ever played around with her thryoid medication such as trying a lower dose? What were her levels, do you remember? Boxers thyroid levels tend to run low but that low being normal for them, did you have a full panel done prior to placing her on supplementation? How long has she been on supplementation? You may want to send her recent results to Jean Dodds for a opinion, she's wonderful. Has this behaivor been since starting supplementation or has Adrian been on it for a long time?

I do also agree with Dan, the book he recommended is a great read and must have