what do i do???

[txbevo]

We have a boxer mix 13months old (Bevo) we've had him since he was a pup. This past Sunday we took in a boxer (named Ty) apparently 11months but he is huge. They are both males, Ty is neutered and Bevo is not. I was kind of skeptical of taking in Ty but upon meeting each other they looked like they were going to be the best of friends. Today Ty, Bevo and I were playing running in and out the house and they both had a bone and then all of a sudden Ty attacks Bevo, I was barely able to take Ty off and I put him in the kennel. I was thinking maybe he thought Bevo was going to take the bone away. While Ty in the kennel Bevo would walk by him and lick him through the holes. Bevo wasn't afraid. Then I decided to take Ty out but with the leash on. Everything was fine Bevo was trying to play with Ty but Ty would just ignore him. So Bevo left him alone and sat down. After a while later, I was petting both back and forth and for a second I was sitting with Bevo, Ty comes towards us and is just looking at Bevo weird. I'm talking to both of them trying to get Ty distracted but he doesn't lose sight of Bevo. Then Bevo moves away from us and Ty just follows him, by then I realize Ty is up to something so I grab the leash. I'm calling Ty and petting him, but no reaction from him. Bevo is just sitting there not doing anything. All of a sudden he charges towards Bevo again. Luckily I had the leash. So I put Ty back in the kennel. About 30min. later I bring out my video camera to show my boyfriend I'm not making this up. And I'm standing by Ty and I call Bevo. Bevo doesn't come because he's afraid now. He takes a few steps but then runs back to the other room. I finally convinces Bevo to come towards us and when he finally does, Ty starts barking and growling and going wild in the kennel.

So is Ty just being protective of me? If so why all of a sudden? Or did all this start because of a bone? What can I do? I was so happy because Bevo finally had someone to play with and they played so good for the past 3 1/2 days. I don't know what changed today. Sunday up to today he had not showed any aggression, he seemed so sweet and playfull. We took him in from someone who had to give him up and we thought we were doing a good thing not only for Bevo to have a friend, but also because he was going to end up in a shelter.

Please help and sorry so long.

 

[BetsyB]

Just give it some time and patience. Sometimes when a new dog is brought into your household, and it realizes it is there to stay, there can be some status challenges from one or both of the dogs. The new dog is probably trying to assure himself of his place in your pack, and he wants to be above Bevo. As much as you think Bevo was here first so he's the Alpha dog, the dogs themselves need to determine who is in fact the Alpha. There will probably be some skirmishes in determining, but like you said, Bevo is already submitting and keeping out of Ty's way. The three biggest reasons that scuffles occur are due to food, attention, and toys. For a little while, feed them in separate areas. Pay attention to them only when you choose to and ignore any butting in or diversion tactics, and keep all toys put away. As much as it frightens you, you'll just have to let the two of them work it out. Best of luck to you, and Thank you for opening your home and heart to a boxer in need.

 

[ehayes21]

Agreed! You also want to look into having Bevo neutered as well. Intact males often become the target of aggression from neutered males - they don't like them and they will pick on them.

 

[DiverDiva]

You may also want to search the forum for 'nothing in life is free' suggestions. They may need to sort out their heirarchy, but you need to be sure they, but especially Ty, know that you are the alpha and the position is not open to any other. Search for NILF or NILIF. I found the book "Feeling Outnumbered" by Karen London and Patricia McConnell, and also "The Other End of the Leash" by McConnell to be helpful as well.

 

[EAO76]

Ditto on the neutering, that is a MUST. It’s very common for neutered males to attack intact males. And I’d get on that right away because it takes six weeks after the neuter for the testosterone to leave his system. Also the dogs need to be separated for some time. It can take up to 72hrs for the adrenaline levels to go back to normal after a fight. So by allowing them to be loose together right now increases your chances of another fight dramatically. And the more they fight the harder it will be to fix.

 

[tinaharold]

I totally went through this with my boxer and schnauzer. I've had my schnauzer for 10 yrs but always wanted another dog so I got Chloe, my boxer. She is two yrs old. They got along beautifully the first week. Chloe is so calm and sweet. She loves people and attention.

One day I gave both of the dogs some raw hide chews. I did this because Chloe was trying to find things to chew on. Well, this is how the fights started. She had my schnauzer (Felix) on his back and I thought she was going to kill him! I was really upset! But, I felt better when I contacted the rescue where I got her and they told me this is normal. They are trying to work the heirarchy out. Chloe is very dominant and gets jealous if Felix comes up to me to get petted. When Chloe gets out of line with Felix, I do the Cesar Milan submissive thing and get her on her side and use my hand gently on her neck until she settles down. You have to show them that this behaviour is not acceptable. Its been almost 4 mos. now and they get along fine. Felix and her lay together, etc. but do not play together. Felix is getting old and unfortunetly does not trust Chloe after the few incidents. Chloe is also demanding to get attention and to be petted all the time. I only give her affection on my terms. If you have a dominant dog, do not let them on the couch or bed with you. It just reinforces a dominant dogs bad behavior. Chloe also tries to stand up on me when I'm on the couch and I do not let her do this. If I'm the alpha, she cannot be dominant over me like this.

I know its scary when they have these fights. Just get rid of the bones. Treat them both the same. I think this is what Cesar says to do.

Sorry for rambling on. I hope this helps.

Tina