Vet thinks puppy should be put down!! Help!!!

[alisonCO]

Thank you all for your responses. I think that it will help them knowing that most of you think that this is pretty normal boxer puppy behavior. I was not alot of help because I just don't remember having so many issues with my boxer when he was a pup. Sure he had accidents and would bite and scratch, but he was also very receptive to training with both my husband and I and was never "agressive" or dominant with any people. I have suggested that she get this dog evaluated by a behaviorist and they go from there. I also think that group and one on one training would help to stop some of these things and lead them in the right training direction for this particular dog. I think that her dilema now is whether to try some training and hope that the dog is responsive - if he is, will she always be worried about the agression thing and if he is not responsive she feels like it would be even worse to give up the dog later.

Please keep the responses coming and thanks again!

 

[Julie P.]

Give the puppy a chance

I agree with what shannonmac suggested...have them read the "Dog Listener" before making any snap decision with the puppy. This book changed my husband and I forever about raising puppies. We rescued an 18-month-old boxer who played very aggressively. At first, he overwhelmed and scared us a little. After reading this book...we now have a sweet loving playful baby boy who is now very gentle. I am so glad to have him.

I would also ask your friends how they play with their puppy. Sometimes, people roughhouse with puppies/boxers. It may be just my beliefs, but I never roughhoused with puppies until I can trust their self-control. Tug-a-war and other games may cause early aggressive behavior. The "Dog Listener" will explain how to get back control.

I also agree with Rlr.Giraffe about a stranger flipping the puppy on its back. I know the dogs that I have owned are naturally fearful of the vet. I also know, with out a doubt, that if a tech. tried to flip my dog over he would have a heart attack.

Puppy hood is a challenge, but to me, I very much agree with all the others that this behaivor can be normal. He is way to young to be judged so harshly.

 

[Cami]

I understand that they have other pets in the house but have they ever had a boxer pup before?

Just from my own experience (Cami is my first Boxer), boxers are WAY different from other dogs. When Cami was that age she would make the most horrific noises, I literally was afraid of her (for about 3 days). She would lunge at me, bark, make a weird noise (woo-woo) and I had no idea what to do with all of her naughty-ness.

Then I decided that I needed to try and figure out the "boxer mind". Boxers are the most lovable dogs, albeit they are also quite vocal, which threw me for a loop as I was used to dogs that barked just to bark but she never did or (does). She just talks, and woo-woos and makes strange noises that "most" other dogs don't make. Her play style is totally different than any other dog breeds that I have been around and its all totally normal.

As for the vet(s) opinions, wonder if either of them have ever had boxers as pups verses only seeing them in their offices for short encounters? I bet that neither of them own a boxer.

I really don't even think it's possible to label a 9-10 week old puppy (of ANY breed) aggressive!!! Something just doesn't add up.

Susi & Cami

 

[hanley]

Thank you Cami! This makes my blood boil!

I have never heard of any Vet. suggesting such a thing as putting one down for this reason at 9 or 10 weeks!They go to school & learn to save dogs lives instead of ending them! Any idiot or cold blooded killer can do that, it doesn't take training, to kill a baby pup just a cold blooded killer! If a vet even suggested this to me,I would report him to the Vet. Med.board & let everyone know this vet. should not be allowed to practice med. with a license!I still can't believe people can be so stupid & take such treatment from Dr.s you pay good money to, Would you listen to such nonsense if this were your skin baby!NO, & you would report it him if your Dr. told you your baby should have been aborted,cause he is a bad seed!Please give me a break,This is just total nonsense on the owners part for even listening to these vets, if that is what you can call them!Hanley

 

[Shanz]

just wanted to know if the puppy is still freaking out when they leave the house? My Cinnamon used to freak otu when we left and had her crated.. wed come home and her food and water were knocked all over in her crate and her blanket was all messed up.. but eventually she came to realize that when we leave were coming back.

 

[alisonCO]

Another update:

They contacted a local rescue and were given the name of a vet who knows Boxers as well some boxer puppy specific training info. The rescue person said that he is way to young to be labeled aggressive and that he is also too young to see a behavior specialist. Today they went for a walk and their puppy was so happy when these kids stopped to pet him. He licked them and was wagging his stubby

Thanks again!

 

[Shanz]

im happy to see they didnt take the ves advice and contacted a rescue for the "proper" info.

 

[bosco17]

Alison - Congrats on that great update!! That was a horrific experience your friends had w/ those 2 vets. I'm still learning this "boxer world" and my boy is 1 year and 1 month!! I'm sure they still have a ton of learning at just 9/10 weeks! I personally think the boy is still trying to figure out his place in the pack. Looks like he's taking the husband as the alpha figure but hasn't really accepted him as the alpha. When training occurs, the 2 of them definitely have to be HEAVILY involved so that it's consistent. Consistent w/ the alpha representation and the way that the commands are given. Keep us all posted. This is definitely an interesting thread to follow as far as development is concerned!! GOOD LUCK!!

 

[sandy's mom]

My Napoleon had a major dominance problem with me when we first got him.
He was almost 7 mths and apparently had been mistreated by the female of the house he came from. He will be 1 year old in a couple of weeks and he has changed his entire attitude with me. Occasionally he still has an episode but they are few and far between. Having him altered also helped.


I made sure I am the one that feeds him, bathes him, lets him in the house, puts him in his crate. If anything needs to be done for him I am the one that does it. I also do all his training. At first I used lots of treats and hugs, now lots of hugs and a few treats. When he misbehaves I put a leash on him and tether him to me for a while and he straights up. Be very regular with your training...every day. Have lots and lots of patience and read the dog whisperer. It really helped me.

The wonderful members here at BW helped me through the rough times with advice and it really paid off.

Good Luck!
Debbie

 

[magoo's_mama]

Unfortunatley it's hard to find a good vet, So many of them don't seem to have a clue. I'm so glad your friend contacted a rescue and got a recomendation! The first time I took Magoo to the vet he did not like him at all. It was the first time I had ever heard Magoo growl at someone. The vet told me that when he did that I was supposed to grab him by the sides of the face and stare him down. I told him Magoo does not normally do that, he is very friendly. He just acted like everyone says that about their aggressive dog. Needless to say we were off to a new vet, Magoo obviously knew that guy was an idiot!