i recently adopted a dog from the pound.he tried to kill my boxer.i don't know what to do with him now?

Question

he is supposed to be a boxer mix but he shows none of the characteristics of one ..my other boxer is scared of him when he sees him he shakes..i like the dog but i'm so scared for my other boxer...please help

when we got the dog he had alot of scars on his legs and wounds on his ears..the dog warden said it was from fleas..but i'm not so sure

Answer 1

I'm surprised they adopted him out to you knowing you had another dog.They should have had them meet in a park or any other place that is not home turf to either of them.I would call the place you got him and talk to them about this.They may have dog trainers that work for them that can address this.Otherwise, you may have to give him back.No need to freak your precious dog out other this.Next time you decide to get another fur baby make them meet on neutral turf first.Oh and if your dog is boy get girl dog and vice versa.

Answer 2

Obedience classes really help.
You'll also have to really think about your own actions. If this new dog is more aggressive than the other, you have to ALWAYS side with him when there's a scuffle. If he bullies your other dog, as hard as it is, you have to let him. Dogs need to sort out their pecking order. If you stop him every time you think he's doing something mean or unnecessary, you're only going to encourage your other dog to become more brave. That's just going to lead to a serious dog fight involving expensive vet visits.
Every time you comfort your shaking dog, you're disrupting their order - and you're going to cause another fight. You're not a dog, so stay out of it. Unless they look like they're going to start biting, just let them be. Ignore them completely, even if they're barking or growling. If you can't take their small disagreements, you'll cause fights.
If they seem to be bordering a real fight, walk into another room and slam the door or drop some pots and pans on the floor. Do something that doesn't involve your voice, and is completely unrelated to the dogs that's distracting. They'll come running to see what the loud noise was all about, and will forget all about their scuffle. Guess what - you're not taking sides in their eyes, so all is well in the doggy world.
Dogs aren't humans, and you can't treat them as such.

I have 2 females who were close in age and who used to get into some pretty serious dog fights. I was getting sick of the vet visits so I hired an animal behaviorist. She taught me how to watch their behavior, and really helped me understand what was going on between them. I'd made such a habit of trying to keep peace and order in their lives that I was causing their fights. Since then I've totally backed off. I now let the alpha run her pack. I ignore the barking and growling, no matter how annoying I find it. Guess what? Not a single fight since. Not even a scuffle. The alpha can just walk into the room and give my other dog 'the eye' and she goes running into the corner. It's not my place to say otherwise. I always take my alpha's side, and it stops the underdog from thinking she can take on the alpha and win.
It may seem harsh, but they're dogs - this is how they live. You need to understand and respect their way of life if you want things to settle down.
My dogs changed completely within an hour and a half of seeing this behaviorist. You should consider seeing one, it can really help.
Ignore the morons who suggest the dog whisperer. The ASPCA and every other organization dealing with dogs has denounced him because he teaches fear and aggression to control them. It doesn't work and can create more problems in the long run.

Answer 3

Introducing a new dog (or any pet) to the house is a lot more complicated than most people think. You can't just put everyone together and expect everyone to get alone. Please read this article from the humane society website. It will guide you through the process of introducing the dogs. It is possible the dog you adopted has an aggressive personality and shouldn't be in a home with another dog, in which case you will have to take the dog back.

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/introducing_pets_to_a_new_dog.html

Answer 4

You have to take great care when introducing a new dog to your own. It doesn't sound like you had the situation under control so now it's going to be even more difficult to go through the process. If you decide to keep the new one, you'll have to introduce them very slowly. They shouldn't have any physical contact for a while and when they first do, it should be on neutral territory. Are you sure that the new dog isn't already dog-aggressive? If he is then you'll have a much bigger problem.

Answer 5

The dogs are probably close in age and the rescue dog is trying to be the alpha. Chances are both are the same sex, which is when you get into this.

I bought a 9 mo old dog who tried to kill my 8mo old dog and I immediately rehomed him. You apparently cannot do this with a rescue dog, so I'd take him back if it was me. You need to know this dog is in the home that's right for him, and yours may not be that home.

Answer 6

Take him back!!

The animal control officer knows where those scares came from. Flea scares are not on the front legs.

Answer 7

Take him back to the pound. You aren't safe with him in your house. It's not your fault, but you can't live like that. Let them deal with him.
If you were wise enough to pay for him with a credit card then dispute the charges. You shouldn't have to pay for a dog that should never have been released into the public in the first place.

Answer 8

Consult a professional behaviorist before giving up. remember this dogs life has been turned completely upside down.

Answer 9

I guess you are going to have to take the little feller back to the pound sadly. Nobody is going to want an aggressive dog.

Answer 10

you should of asked about his background...he might not get on to well with other dogs,and not cause hes aggressive.he might of got attacked alot before you got him! so now he feels threatened by other dogs,so hes reaction is to attack cause he dont no any better!