ShepNBoxinCA
Boxer Pal
Some history first...I have an 18 mo. old boxer female. We got her when she was 12 weeks old from a local family, not a breeder. For whatever reason, she has never grown larger than about a 6 mo. old puppy but she has a clean bill of health. We've had issues with her in the past such as peeing out of fear, happiness, exitedness, whatever. That's better now but not gone. She licks like there's no tomorrow and she is also incredibly submissive. She cowers, crawls and rolls over almost every time she is called, is told to do something, like "sit" or "down". We are a happy family with 2 kids (ages 8 and 13) and love our pets so I don't know why she's like this. We also have a German Shepherd female we got at the same time we got the boxer and she was 8 weeks old, now 17 mo. She's perfect in every way...good with our kids, obedient etc.
Lately we've noticed a change in the boxer that is a little disturbing. She hides under our bed and refuses to come out, even when treats are handed out. When she won't come when called and we go get her, we literally have to drag her, she won't get up and walk. Her cute little nub of a tail stays tucked and most of the time anymore won't play. She seems fearful of our Shepherd for some reason, although they are inseparable. There has been no death of a close family member (unless you count the disappearance of a couple cats that they were never in contact with in the house). There has been no change in our daily routine. I just can't figure it out. She eats fair enough and drinks a normal amount of water. She does get excited when she hears the car keys but that's about it.
Any suggestions for helping her? I know a vet visit is probably in order to rule out physical issues. Thanks!
Lately we've noticed a change in the boxer that is a little disturbing. She hides under our bed and refuses to come out, even when treats are handed out. When she won't come when called and we go get her, we literally have to drag her, she won't get up and walk. Her cute little nub of a tail stays tucked and most of the time anymore won't play. She seems fearful of our Shepherd for some reason, although they are inseparable. There has been no death of a close family member (unless you count the disappearance of a couple cats that they were never in contact with in the house). There has been no change in our daily routine. I just can't figure it out. She eats fair enough and drinks a normal amount of water. She does get excited when she hears the car keys but that's about it.
Any suggestions for helping her? I know a vet visit is probably in order to rule out physical issues. Thanks!
While they may be having bitch/bitch dominance issues, all it requires is some vigilance on their humans' part. Unless it escalates to the point that injuries are occuring or they become a danger to themselves or people, why rehome? 