It breaks my heart to have to do this...

joncasfam · #1 08-16-2009, 01:45 PM

Since the birth of our second child our boxer, Stat, has become very jealous and aggressive towards our three year old son. Although he is very protective of our family his demeanor towards our son has changed. Stat has always been a mamma's boy. He goes on runs with me and sleeps on the floor next to my bed. The last few months Stat his behavior towards my kids has changed. He is competing for attention. He doesn't like it when my son comes close to me. He stands between us and has growled and nearly snapped at him. Now my daughter is crawling I am worried to even put her down.

Stat is a good dog. He is current on his shots and is neutered. When it is just me and my husband he is amazing. He listens, is sweet and very calm. He loves to go on walks and play fetch. He is a good traveler. I hate to have to see him leave our home. He just needs to be the center of attention and I can't give him that. I am hoping to find him a home.

If you interested in more in pictures and more information of him please let me know. We are located in the West Valley of Phoenix, AZ. Please contact me at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx email address removed by moderator. Please respect the site rules. Thanks.

ehayes21 · #2 08-16-2009, 05:23 PM

Have you thought of looking into a behaviorist? It doesn't sound like you have exahausted all of your options. Only you can be the judge, but it sounds like your problems with Stat are pretty manageable with a little behavior modification. When you bring a dog into your home, it should be a life long commitment. You owe it to Stat to try everything you can to make him a successful member in your home. Get a professional's opinion, please.

joncasfam · #3 08-16-2009, 06:09 PM

I have been doing obedience training with him but I actually have never heard of a behaviourist. Whenever I would feel like there was progress with him it was always like two steps forward one step back. My husband and I have been agonizing over this decision for over 5 months. And luckily today we had an answer to our prayers. I contacted the breeder that sold us him a few days ago and after talking with her she decided to welcome Stat into her home. She doesn't breed puppies anymore and just 2 months ago Stat's dad passed away. She was so happy to be able to adopt one of his puppies! She has a 1 year old brindle and was excited to have 2 boxers again.

I am so sad. I loved my dog. He was such a great companion for me. But I was very worried about my children's welfare. I am relieved to knew that Stat will be taken care of by people I know. Dawn, the breeder, was very kind and understanding. She also promised to keep me updated on Stat. I know that is it a lifetime commitment to bring an animal into a home, but as a mother I felt like my children were in danger. Hopefully in many years, when I don't have small children we can welcome another boxer into our home. But until then I will just miss Stat.

LILYLARUE · #4 08-17-2009, 08:23 AM

I understand your situation of wanting to protect your kids first. Of course, that is of utmost importance. I think the breeder came at a good time. Everything happens for a reason. You are so busy with a 3 yr old and now a new baby......the dog will come in last. It's natural.

I'm glad it worked out for you. It makes me happy that Stat went to a good home. Thank God you didn't have to revert to any other methods like rehoming or the shelter.

Good luck to your growing family, and when the time is right, I hope you do well by Stat by adopting another dog, hopefully a boxer. Pay it forward.......save one before buying another puppy.

ehayes21 · #5 08-17-2009, 09:47 AM

That's awesome the breeder took him back. IMO that's what every good breeder should do in a situation like this. I am happy for you that it worked out for everyone. Big hugs to you, I know this wasn't easy.