we have a boxer we have had seven years we love him how ever we have a two year old granddaughter our boxer ohdis has try to bite her three different times first time we thought she stepped on him but it happened again he is un adopptable because he is so nervous all the time scared of his own shadow we love him but should we put him down are these our warning signs and we just dont want to see them my granddaugter is my world but i feel guilty about putting ohdis down please help what should we do?
2007-01-26 04:11:33 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have a boxer- 10 yrs old...
Mine is the sweetest thing, w/ no signs of agression.
Usually there are behavioral changes you can make & things you can do around your home to keep your dog calm... sometimes the vet can even prescribe medications to keep a dog calm.
I would much rather see a dog medicated & the family work to get rid of whatever causes the problem than see the dog put down.
How long has the dog been nervous? what are the triggers?
my Boxer use to have separation anxiety-- he'd chew up everything around the house if I didn't kennel him -- we put him on a doggie medication for about 2 yrs & it really helped calm & balance him (without making him groggy-- almost like doggie prozac) he doesn't take it anymore & can be left out in the house w/o doing any damage now.
Please talk to a dog trainer and/or your vet about this & until then, keep your granddaughter away from the dog
2007-01-26 04:34:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Keep this dog far away from kids. Don't chance a child's safety - ever! A dog who's tried to bite 3 times and is nervous cannot be safe around kids at this time.
2. Consult a behaviorist as soon as you can. Nothing an replace an actual person coming to your house to see what's going on with your dog. Behaviorists have a lot of experience and will be able to make suggestions based on the reality of the situation - please don't give up on your dog without trying this! Good luck, I hope there's a happy resolution here.
2007-01-26 04:58:36 · answer #2 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would everything I could before I want to the extreme of putting him down!! Try gating him in another room so he can watch her and get used to her being around & all the sounds a 2yr old makes. Don't let her get in his face, tease him or go up to the gate where he's at. Also try a long walk before your granddaughter comes over,so he'll be tired,boxers have so much energy they need to get rid of it with play or a walk. Also when he is gated with you holding her, (you) give him a treat or a favorite toy so he will associate her with good things. You also need to see your vet for other advice and or medication.Good luck!!!
2007-01-26 05:05:31 · answer #3 · answered by brneyedgirl70 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog has weak nerves, as a result from poor breeding and genetics. These dogs respond very well to obedience training because they need to feel secure. Almost every dog wants to be a follower (exept dominant dogs) and when they are forced to be pack leaders, because of poor pack structure (the owner's fault) they start to stress out. The owners should be the Pack Leader. These insecure dogs CRAVE a Pack Leader, someone who tells it what to do, when to do it. It is important that if you decide to find a trainer for obedience training, it must take place in distraction-free environment. Your house would be an IDEAL place for your dog to be trained in obedience. Forget Petsmart or Petco, your dog will be surrounded by multiple dogs, and as a result, your dog will have a very difficult time trying to learn things. I guarantee it that if you work with your dog on basic obedience, your dog will be more at ease, but it won't stop the biting. That's another issue. Compare this to someone who is very insecure about themselves, and are then forced to a manager's position. They will stress out very easily. Now, about the boxer biting your granddaughter. This is inappropriate pack behavior. The easiest route for you to take is by getting yourself a dog crate, and putting it to use. Before, or when your granddaughter shows up, put your boxer in the crate, and your problem is solved. You won't have to worry about the boxer trying to bite your granddaughter, eliminating the thought of putting him to sleep. Toss a toy or a bone in the crate with him. If this is what you're going to do, you're going to have to crate train him. To get him to get into the crate, toss a piece of good food that the dog would like (piece of hot dog) and toss it in the crate. Once he's inside, close the crate. At the same time when you toss the piece of food in the crate, say "crate". With time and consistency (after about 40 or 50 times), your dog will go to this crate by simply saying "crate" because he knows that he's gonna get a piece of real good food. At first, he's gonna throw a fit in the crate, because it's not going to like the crate. Ignore the whining and barking. It might drive you nuts, but it's important that you ignore it. Again, toss a bone or kong in there for him. It won't take him longer than 2 weeks to accept the crate, guaranteed. Might take him even less to accept it. It took my dog about 2 or 3 days to accept it, and the barking/whining was decreasing day after day. If you have more questions, email me at jm_460@yahoo.com, I'll help you. By the way, have you been supervising your granddaughter while she's around the dog? You need to also try and see if your granddaughter has been doing anything to the dog. It's already a nervous dog as it is, and teasing the dog will only make him stress even more. Statistics say that children and owners are the ones who get bitten the most.
2007-01-26 05:34:26 · answer #4 · answered by J.M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well ask yourself can this dog be secluded when your grandchildren are around and if that is an option then maybe put him in a kennel when they are visiting and warn the children not to approach the kennel or maybe putting him down is an option as this dog is older and is not used to being around kids and some dogs just dont like kids as they are the same face level as themand feel they are a threat
2007-01-26 04:22:41 · answer #5 · answered by mikemassey2003 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
When your granddaughter comes to visit, put your dog in the bedroom and close the door. If your granddaughter lives with you, find out if there are any rescues near you who will take him in.
2007-01-26 04:26:25 · answer #6 · answered by doggzma 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you know the dog is nervous. any dog will bite when afraid. Keep the child away from the dog until she's older, expose the dog to her just a few minutes at a time & teach her to be gentle & quiet when interacting with the dog
2007-01-26 04:23:15 · answer #7 · answered by wanda3s48 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Consult a certified behaviorist immediately. There can be a happy ending to this story if everyone is trained properly.
2007-01-26 04:45:12 · answer #8 · answered by W. 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
put him down or don't let him around kids
2007-01-26 04:19:35 · answer #9 · answered by somanyquestions 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋