boxer dog behaviour?

Question

hi all, i have a boxer ***** just over 5 years old, she is a very well behaved dog at home, but when walking and seeing other dogs she is very uncontrolable, and will not hear anything i say to her, is there any way someone could advise me on how to handle this behaviour.

Answer 1

First of all, only professional trainers should use aversion methods (such as choke collar) on a dog exhibiting aggressive behaviour (im guessing it is aggressive?). She could be responding this way for a number of reasons..

1. Fear aggression, some dogs are fearful despite how much socialization they may have had.

2. Dominance aggression, can be exhibited by bitc*es aswell as males due to they naturally being an top bitc* and top dog within a pack system.

3. Over excitement, not knowing how much socialization she has had as a puppy it is hard to say which of these is going on. Over excitement at the sight of another dog can be misinterpreted as aggressive.

4. Over submission. A type of fear response, some dogs are naturally oversubmissive despite their breed.

If you frighten or hurt her by mistake (Im not going into whether choke chains hurt, just pointing out that it can happen more often than not if you are unused to using them) while she is concentrating on another dog all that will happen it she will associate that pain/fear with the other dog.

If she is responding because of reason 4, the worst thing you can do is 'show her who is boss', this will only serve to damage her self esteem and make the behaviour worse.

By far the best way to deal with this would be to consult a professional in your area. Failing that, gently introduce her (give her plenty of time) to a Halti or GentleLeader (headcollars) to give you better control without the need for physical force.

When you see a dog coming get her to sit in front of you and use a treat or two to keep her occupied...perhaps practice some heelwork. If you have friends with dogs you can 'set up' these situations initially (make sure the other dog just walks past her) for added control.

The point is that she learns to accept and ignore the other dogs presence and even associate with treats from you!
It may take quite some time before she will be totally at ease but I hope she will get there in the end.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do :)

Answer 2

You could try a 'half choke' chain (fabric collar with a small amount of chain) full chokers can be a bit harsh. you could also try a 'stop-pull' harness, slightly different from a standard harness. My male boxer was a handfull on the lead until we invested in one. it works by lifting them up under the front legs when they pull - wonderful invention! i agree with the poster that advised some basic training classes and perhaps enlisting the help of someone with a friendly dog to aid the socialisation. Only other advice i can offer is try the distraction technique - carry a piece of food with you (sausage is good) and when you see another dog tempt the dog with the sausage, distracting it until the dog has passed then give verbal praise and the sausage as a reward. carefull not to reward the negative behaviour though!!!! it only works if you start the distraction BEFORE your dog starts the negative behaviour. Good Luck!!

Answer 3

See a dog trainer. You have the choice of standard training classes or to get your vet to refer you to a behavioural trainer. If you have pet insurance the cost might be covered by that. You need some one to one with the trainer observing, then designing a treatment plan and showing you how to use it.
It can't be much fun walking her at the moment, so do youself a favour and get it sorted. Boxers are powerful dogs and my gut reaction would be try the Halti; BUT the problem is you have a short nosed breed and if she gets out of it she'll get loose.

Answer 4

A well-trained dog makes everyone happy, including his owner. Take a little time training him, and you'll never regret it; you'll always have an obedient dog by your side. Find more https://tr.im/aKHLv

By their nature, dogs are pack animals with a well-defined social order. Through basic training, you need to consistently make sure your puppy understands that you are the leader, not him. So in teaching him the basic rules, you take on the role of pack leader.

To fit into the family circle, your dog must be taught to recognize his name and such commands as come, heel, lie down and sit.

Answer 5

you need to teach who the boss is outside the house as well. but best bet if you want a very quick fix, go with dog training.
i use a choke chain, i walk dogs on the right next to me, so i use a backwards p formation of the chain. keep it at the top of the neck just below the skull. a quick pull- release. another thing i do is make sure i'm relaxed, and when dog sits and isn't fighting move forward. stop when pulls, dog sits, i go, continue.
but she needs to be socialized with other dogs that means smelling them not trying to attack them playfully or harmfully.
a training class maybe the way to go.

Answer 6

A halti is a great idea i use one for my boxer x and its the best thing i have ever brought and at around £8 its well worth it.

Answer 7

My dog had the same problem I got her a choke coller(dont worry it doesnt kill them)and if she diobeys or gets giddy around another dog i give her a quick yank of the lead to show her whos boss if your friend has a well behaved dog get her to bring it to see your dog to get it used to other dogs.

Answer 8

if u are using a normal collar and lead try a halti, they are better at controlling them, why not try training classes with her .if she is hyper .

Answer 9

be very strict its all in the tone of voice