Help me dog people! Dog psychologist needed!

[Madhouse Pullet]

I just read through this thread. I love Boxers so much! My family thinks they're big mean bitin' machines, though.

Any dog can be "big mean bitin' machines" if raised or handled wrong.

I was raised with a boxer until I was 12 - best dog I've ever known.

Thank you!
They told me that they no longer remove the sac in older dogs. They put all sutures on the inside and say that it helps prevent injuries from chewing and licking.

That's interesting. Never heard of that before.

 

[janiedoe]

So adorable though! Haha more vet bills but now an adorable kitten to keep a close eye on. It was destined!

Thank you. She was a very hungry baby. I trapped her using sardines. Lol. She isn't sorry that she was trapped either.

I just read through this thread. I love Boxers so much! My family thinks they're big mean bitin' machines, though.

Awe. We have never had a human aggressive boxer and only one that couldn't live with other animals. This is our 6th one. The only downside is that none have lived no more than 12 years and we have spent a lot on vet bills.
A lot of people are scared of bully type dogs. I myself was frightened of pit bulls (though I think they are beautiful) until my kids adopted and fostered several. I found that most are really sweet natured. Like all dogs, you only hear the bad stuff in the news.

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

Thank you. She was a very hungry baby. I trapped her using sardines. Lol. She isn't sorry that she was trapped either.

Awe. We have never had a human aggressive boxer and only one that couldn't live with other animals. This is our 6th one. The only downside is that none have lived no more than 12 years and we have spent a lot on vet bills.
A lot of people are scared of bully type dogs. I myself was frightened of pit bulls (though I think they are beautiful) until my kids adopted and fostered several. I found that most are really sweet natured. Like all dogs, you only hear the bad stuff in the news.

Hahaha sardines for the win! Have you thought up any names yet?

 

[addctd2plnts]

I've been fostering for rescues for 20 years and have fostered over 1000 dogs during this time. It's not too bad to integrate a dog into your pack, but it takes thought and consistency. If you throw them together and don't cut off bad behavior, you may get two dogs that fight constantly. First, assume you are going to be crating the new dog for most of the day for the first 3 weeks, in the family room, where you are most. It's important they see each other consistently, but not be able to fight. Then when you take them outside to go potty, you take both for a good fast paced walk. Two people are needed. Each walks their dog and keeps the dog focused on the walk, not the other dog. No greetings, just walking, 4-8 times/day. After a week or two, if the current dog seems relaxed, take them to a neutral place that is fenced. If you're worried about a fight, get a Marine Air Horn from Amazon to safely break up a fight. In the neutral place, leave the leashes on, but drop them and back off. If either dog tries to put their neck over the other, IMMEDIATELY say a LOUD "AAATTT" and simultaneously cut it off to distract. One dog putting their neck over another is a prelude to a fight, within seconds. If one dog is intently sniffing the ground or yawns, that is good, if the other dog doesn't continue to overwhelm the 1st dog. Those are diffusing & calming signals in dog language. If neither dog is possessive of toys, we try to keep the dogs active together, while insuring no dog is overwhelmed. We do this for a week or so, gradually increasing the length of time they are together. Then try walking dogs and doing the same in your outside back yard, and finally allowing them for short times together, supervised in the house. The goal is to never have a fight because once you have a fight it's much harder to integrate them.

It's VERY VERY important that when you work with the dogs, you feel calm and happy. If you're stressed and nervous, it can cause a fight. Dogs react to the moods of the people. The walking helps both people and dogs to get rid of nervous energy. My attitude is always somewhat like my kids...you're going to behave and get along. If one is too hyper, tell them to knock it off. If they won't wind down, they go to their crate. Once and awhile, I can know two personalities won't be good and we pair the foster with a different play group.

Hope this helps...

 

[janiedoe]

Hahaha sardines for the win! Have you thought up any names yet?

I'm thinking Sunday or June or Maybee. What do you think?

I've been fostering for rescues for 20 years and have fostered over 1000 dogs during this time. It's not too bad to integrate a dog into your pack, but it takes thought and consistency. If you throw them together and don't cut off bad behavior, you may get two dogs that fight constantly. First, assume you are going to be crating the new dog for most of the day for the first 3 weeks, in the family room, where you are most. It's important they see each other consistently, but not be able to fight. Then when you take them outside to go potty, you take both for a good fast paced walk. Two people are needed. Each walks their dog and keeps the dog focused on the walk, not the other dog. No greetings, just walking, 4-8 times/day. After a week or two, if the current dog seems relaxed, take them to a neutral place that is fenced. If you're worried about a fight, get a Marine Air Horn from Amazon to safely break up a fight. In the neutral place, leave the leashes on, but drop them and back off. If either dog tries to put their neck over the other, IMMEDIATELY say a LOUD "AAATTT" and simultaneously cut it off to distract. One dog putting their neck over another is a prelude to a fight, within seconds. If one dog is intently sniffing the ground or yawns, that is good, if the other dog doesn't continue to overwhelm the 1st dog. Those are diffusing & calming signals in dog language. If neither dog is possessive of toys, we try to keep the dogs active together, while insuring no dog is overwhelmed. We do this for a week or so, gradually increasing the length of time they are together. Then try walking dogs and doing the same in your outside back yard, and finally allowing them for short times together, supervised in the house. The goal is to never have a fight because once you have a fight it's much harder to integrate them.

It's VERY VERY important that when you work with the dogs, you feel calm and happy. If you're stressed and nervous, it can cause a fight. Dogs react to the moods of the people. The walking helps both people and dogs to get rid of nervous energy. My attitude is always somewhat like my kids...you're going to behave and get along. If one is too hyper, tell them to knock it off. If they won't wind down, they go to their crate. Once and awhile, I can know two personalities won't be good and we pair the foster with a different play group.

Hope this helps...

Wow! That is excellent information.
I really think, that you should write an article on here. It is amazing how many dog questions are asked each week on BYC.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

The sack will probably shrink. And that is very good info, esp about dogs putting their head over each other's neck. That's not snuggling, it's dominance. If one dog is a lot smaller than the other and puts its paws on the other's shoulders, same thing. Is a direct challenge, says, "I'm bigger than you." Don't allow it, a fight will follow. Is also why you should not allow your dog to jump on you. Very disrespectful. Dog is saying, "I am the boss of you."

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

I'm thinking Sunday or June or Maybee. What do you think?

Wow! That is excellent information.
I really think, that you should write an article on here. It is amazing how many dog questions are asked each week on BYC.

I like those names! Simple but cute. What "calls" you the most?

 

[janiedoe]

I like those names! Simple but cute. What "calls" you the most?

We decided on June...which I'm sure will become Junie.
The dogs are curious, but more interested in her kitty food than her. Boo cat as decided to hiss every time she gets close.
This is the first time that we've had more than one cat in the household.

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

We decided on June...which I'm sure will become Junie.
The dogs are curious, but more interested in her kitty food than her. Boo cat as decided to hiss every time she gets close.
This is the first time that we've had more than one cat in the household.

I love the name June! I had a cat that put every new kitten we got through a week-period where she literally attacked the kittens for no reason Then after awhile she'd love on them as if they were hers and no attacking. Maybe... hopefully Boo cat is just setting her territory. First Brewster and now June the month has been eventful!

 

[janiedoe]

I love the name June! I had a cat that put every new kitten we got through a week-period where she literally attacked the kittens for no reason Then after awhile she'd love on them as if they were hers and no attacking. Maybe... hopefully Boo cat is just setting her territory. First Brewster and now June the month has been eventful!

It is sometimes hard to resolve the "predator Boo" and the "sweet baby Boo". Lol. I guess all cats are that way, efficient killers and cuddlie too.

Boo is pretty self sufficient. She kills squirrels, moles, and rabbits for her meals. She rarely eats her cat food anymore. She spends most nights outside.
On the other hand, She will playfully, swat my roosters tail, never bother a chick, and rub against the dogs and purr. She will sit in my lap, any chance she gets.

In my opinion, God made a good decision, when he made the domestic cat smaller than most dogs. I'd hate to run into a 50 lb, hungry or angry cat.