I have a 3 year old boxer and a 5 year old Brittany who have grown up together and have been the best of buds until about 2 weeks ago..the boxer suddenly viciously attacked the Brittany. The boxer has always been the dominate one and the Brittany has never had a problem with it so that is why we are so puzzled as to what to do, since the Brittany already submits to the boxer we aren't quite sure what we can do to remedy the situation. There have been 3 vicious attacks since the first one several weeks ago. Any ideas to help make peace?
They used to be friends but now...
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matilda8255
Boxer Insane
Any change in temperment can be a sign of an injury or illness. Especially when it is a sudden as that. When my dog was in pain because of surgery she was very snappy and had never been mean a day in her life. I would take her to the vet. Are they both neutered/spayed? It could be a behavioural issue if they aren't. In the meantime I suggest you keep them seperated but please go to the vet.
Well the Brittany is spayed but the boxer isn't. And I guess that I should mention that the Brittany also has epilepsy and had suffered from Gran Mal seizures on the day that the first attack happened, but she usually has them about every other month so the boxer had seen them before. It seems that for some reason she reacted differently this time and for some reason that has changed her relationship with the Brittany. I did call my vet and he recommended a behavior specialist that I called right away and I made an appointment for her to come over Monday night. But Monday night is along way away when you have this kind of turmoil going on. The last attack she drew blood and my husband said one more vicious attack and she is gone. She is such a funny and loving dog other than this new sense of aggression and complete dominence over the Brittany. I absolutely love her to death and it would break my heart to have to give her up after 3 years.
matilda8255
Boxer Insane
Can we start using their names, I get confused easily. And what sex is the boxer? Female?
matilda8255
Boxer Insane
Spay Daisy it will help tremendously and could prevent medical problems in the future. Also I still think a vet exam is required. Hiring a professional is a great way to start. I also suggest some reading The Dog Listener & Culture Clash are two excellent books concerning dogs behaviour and pack status. If you keep them seperated until you see the behaviouist their shouldn't be any more attacks. I know what your going thru is very scary but try to be patient if you can. Have all the attacks occured after the last seizure or where there any before?
Yes, all attacks took place after the last bout of seizures. I have called and scheduled an appointment with the vet for next week to ahve an exam and have her spayed. Others have told me that having her spayed will indeed calm her down some, so it is worth a try..not to mention the health benefits as you stated. And I do plan on buying the books that you mentioned. Thanks so much for your support. I love both dogs and since my children have grown up they have been like our kids. By the way I just found this web site last night and think that it will be a wonderful resouce of info.
matilda8255
Boxer Insane
I am glad you have made the appts. It is always a good idea to rule out medical issues and the spaying should help too. I have some other ideas about Daisy's behaviour since the attacks happened after the seizure but I would like to hear what the behaviourist has to say first. G-d knows I am no expert. It sounds like you are doing everything correctly and I wish your family and furbabies the best. Please keep us posted as to how it's going. If we can help you with anything else please ask.
Stephanie
Stephanie
bustermom
Boxer Insane
There is an absolutely excellent ongoing story about Emma the epileptic dalmation at this link:
http://www.lascruces.com/~dalcrazy/Emma.html
One thing that is mentioned a few times is that the other dalmations in the house, particularly Tessa, attack the epileptic dog - the author claims it's a primitive instinct which many multi-dog households see (when one is epileptic). It's a long story, but it's wonderful to read as it details exactly all the things that worked for this particular Dal (medication, BARF, etc.) as well as those things that did not work.
You may find it interesting as Emma's story seems to parallel your own in some ways.
Best of luck and keep us posted!!
http://www.lascruces.com/~dalcrazy/Emma.html
One thing that is mentioned a few times is that the other dalmations in the house, particularly Tessa, attack the epileptic dog - the author claims it's a primitive instinct which many multi-dog households see (when one is epileptic). It's a long story, but it's wonderful to read as it details exactly all the things that worked for this particular Dal (medication, BARF, etc.) as well as those things that did not work.
You may find it interesting as Emma's story seems to parallel your own in some ways.
Best of luck and keep us posted!!
matilda8255
Boxer Insane
Bustermom that was exactly what I was thinking. It isn't just with epileptic dogs. It has to do with the packs relationship with the weakest link. Just as a nursing mother may not make an effort to nurse a sick puppy. And the other puppies might push a sick pup away from the mother and not let it nurse. It is all about survival of the fittest.
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