Boxer help...

Please no flamers.. I am writing because I need help.

Our 65 pound boxer is almost 2 years old and still VERY hyper/naughty. We knew that this particular breed is very energetic and mischievious, but thought that these things would tone down or not be as present with proper love, exercise, and training.

We've had a professional trainer, used corrective chains, treats, etc. He still pulls on walks, still barks, still lunges, still jumps on the table, still runs towards you at 100 mph, still jumps up to tug at your sleeve, etc. We've approached his training in different ways. He responds well to "time outs" but still does naughty things. He is exercised daily and brought to the dog park on the weekends where surprisingly, he act very much like a scaredy cat!

With a new baby in the house, we are even more concerned. We don't keep him from her (with proper supervision) and we allow him to go into her room, and sniff her stuff around the house. We don't want him to feel that he is now left out or forbiden to go near her or her things. But, with all these issues mentioned above, I'm very scared that he doesn't recognize his own strength. He mostly listens to commands when treats are presented. He knows his commands, just will obey more often when he's given a treat. He is very smart and I feel like he is either working us or just dominant and a bit aggressive.

We love him and he is part of our family, but we are afraid of what will happen when the baby becomes mobile. We don't want to keep him crated or in another room, but the safety of my daughter comes first.

Thoughts please?

Re: Boxer help...

Can you maybe get a trainer who will come to your house & work with the dog there?

I know it sounds crazy...but remember the "Dog Whisperer" guy? Caesar Milan? My Dad got a LOT of helpful stuff from hsi books with a Boxer they had. The dog was CRAZY off the wall sometimes.....snippy....you really had to be careful...but with info from his books the Boxer came a LONG way & was VERY well behaved.....and Jake was MUCH older then 2 when my tried those techniques

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Have you tried crate training at all? You might come to find he really likes it, I know our boxer/pit mix loves her crate. She's a little over 2 years now and she's still REALLY hyper, too, but she's settling down. Also, is he fixed?

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I have no advice but wanted to let you know I know exactly what you are going through. It is so sad for me to post this because I miss her terribly but I also had a boxer who was out of control. After numerous incidents, the straw was when I came home one day and found that she literally tore apart the entire couch - all that was left was a wooden frame and metal .. and of course stuffing all over the apartment. I had to give her up. It was the hardest decision I had to make but there was no room for her to run around and I think she just expended her energy negatively. The boxer rescue foundation found her an awesome home upstate where she has plenty of land to run around and have fun!

They are such active high energy dogs. I dont think they are bad dogs - they just need a ton of space and freedom ..

Im sorry you are going through this. I hope everything works out

Re: Boxer help...

Thanks everyone...

My husband thinks that our dog (and most boxers) are just misunderstood. He thinks that they need to get rid of all their energy by being active all day. Sometimes that's just not realistic with 2 people working. He's already eaten a kitchen towel (that cost us $3K to have removed) and unless he crated or watched at all times, would probably destroy the house. We love him terribly and just continue to reinforce the commands we have trained him with. I just don't want him to expend his energy on the baby!!

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I don't have a boxer, but do have a pretty high energy pup, but have you looked into any places by you that do doggie day care. I found taking her a few times a week really helped tire her out.

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Message edited 12/13/2010 1:19:52 PM.

Re: Boxer help...

As you know... we are in the same exact position as you right now and it really sux.

We made the difficult decision to rehome our Tyson, bc in the end, the wellbeing of our baby boy comes before all. We are still looking for someone to take him now, and now that our baby is home, our search has intensified. It is a really tough situaton to be in, but ultimately for us, this is what we have to do.

Good Luck!

Re: Boxer help...

Posted by greenfreak

Posted by wannabemomma

My husband thinks that our dog (and most boxers) are just misunderstood. He thinks that they need to get rid of all their energy by being active all day.

I agree with your husband. Not all exercise is created equal though. Unless he's getting an actual walk for at least 30 to 60 minutes a day, it's probably not enough. Even then, he may need more in the way of mental stimulation, like games or structured training.

It sounds from what you're describing that he's not aggressive. Dominance and aggression are separate, and he sounds like he's testing you and your status as a pack leader. Just the fact that he listens when treats come out tells me that he doesn't believe in you when it doesn't benefit him. I'm familiar with this because I have one of those too, but I'm wearing her down and she's worlds better than she was.

If your biggest fear is your child being hurt by him, exercise and an in-depth evaluation of his training is in order, I think. Even without aggression, a dog can knock a child down and hurt them. I know you said you had training but obviously, it's not 100% reliable so you may need a different approach.

My first dog was a piece of cake and my second is putting me through the wringer, so I feel your pain. I wish you luck with whatever path you take and if you feel like it's time you found him a new home, I hope you're able to do it soon so you have the ability to choose the absolute right family for him. [/QUOTE

Thanks so much for your feedback. I really thought about what you said and I agree with you completely. I am going to work him harder during the day and start "retraining" or reminding him of his training. Thanks again!

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