Hi everyone:
We just got a new boxer girl a couple of days ago. She came from a breeder who took her back from a couple who divorced, so the although I don't have all the details of her history, the breeder does and placed her with confidence with us, (we have 2 small children.) I trust the breeder and so far Kaylee has been very gentle with us and our children. She is 3 years old. Today we took her for her first walk. We went to a small off leash area in our neighborhood, where we took our last two boxers for walks.
Not knowing what to expect, I kept her on leash. I was pleased to find out that she obviously has had some obedience training, cause she stayed close to my side in a pretty good heel.
Until we saw our first dog. He was off leash, a rather large long hair mixed breed. The dog seemed very happy and friendly and approached us, but when we got close, Kaylee got tense, I think, and kind of jumped towards him, I pulled back hard, then there was some snarls, and a bit of lunging on both parts, and I hauled her away. I think they would have fought.
So on we went, and next a wee dog approaced. I was apprehensive then, and kept a tight control of Kaylee. The other little dog ran up, and although I didn't let Kaylee close enough to actually sniff, Kaylee's tail was wagging, but she was pulling like h*ll on her leash.
So, now I don't know what to do. I do know that a leashed dog feels more vulnerable when approached by unleashed dogs, and is more likely to get aggressive. I was pulling on her very hard too, cause I was scared she was going to fight. I guess that pulling hard can increase the aggression as well? Also, she is very new to us, brand new to that park, and I know the breeder only ever had her on leash. I have a feeling she hasn't had much experience off leash. She was quite tense when we were there, just looking in every direction all the time, never even stopping to pee or poop.
I need some advice on how I am to find out what her degree of aggression might be, or might not be, without risking injury to herself or another dog. I would horrible if she bit another dog! Maybe she was just feeling protective over myself or my kids, maybe if she had of been off-leash she would have been fine, but how do I find out? I am too nervous to just take her off the leash to find out.
And what kind of collar should I use if she is dog aggressive? I don't want to hurt her throat by yanking, but how am I to control her if she is pulling and pulling? I am open to an obedience class if that might help....
Thanks for any advice. I am feeling a bit nervous about this. We just adopted her 2 days ago, and she has been a real sweetheart here at home, and gentle with my children.
Thanks!
Joni
We just got a new boxer girl a couple of days ago. She came from a breeder who took her back from a couple who divorced, so the although I don't have all the details of her history, the breeder does and placed her with confidence with us, (we have 2 small children.) I trust the breeder and so far Kaylee has been very gentle with us and our children. She is 3 years old. Today we took her for her first walk. We went to a small off leash area in our neighborhood, where we took our last two boxers for walks.
Not knowing what to expect, I kept her on leash. I was pleased to find out that she obviously has had some obedience training, cause she stayed close to my side in a pretty good heel.
Until we saw our first dog. He was off leash, a rather large long hair mixed breed. The dog seemed very happy and friendly and approached us, but when we got close, Kaylee got tense, I think, and kind of jumped towards him, I pulled back hard, then there was some snarls, and a bit of lunging on both parts, and I hauled her away. I think they would have fought.
So on we went, and next a wee dog approaced. I was apprehensive then, and kept a tight control of Kaylee. The other little dog ran up, and although I didn't let Kaylee close enough to actually sniff, Kaylee's tail was wagging, but she was pulling like h*ll on her leash.
So, now I don't know what to do. I do know that a leashed dog feels more vulnerable when approached by unleashed dogs, and is more likely to get aggressive. I was pulling on her very hard too, cause I was scared she was going to fight. I guess that pulling hard can increase the aggression as well? Also, she is very new to us, brand new to that park, and I know the breeder only ever had her on leash. I have a feeling she hasn't had much experience off leash. She was quite tense when we were there, just looking in every direction all the time, never even stopping to pee or poop.
I need some advice on how I am to find out what her degree of aggression might be, or might not be, without risking injury to herself or another dog. I would horrible if she bit another dog! Maybe she was just feeling protective over myself or my kids, maybe if she had of been off-leash she would have been fine, but how do I find out? I am too nervous to just take her off the leash to find out.
And what kind of collar should I use if she is dog aggressive? I don't want to hurt her throat by yanking, but how am I to control her if she is pulling and pulling? I am open to an obedience class if that might help....
Thanks for any advice. I am feeling a bit nervous about this. We just adopted her 2 days ago, and she has been a real sweetheart here at home, and gentle with my children.
Thanks!
Joni