She bodychecks me!

[neilsmom2000]

I've almost finished reading 'The Dog Listener', and have been applying it's principles for a couple of days now. Actually, the obedience school we have been taking Lara to for the last 6 weeks teaches much along the same lines as The Dog Listener, so I feel we've had a good head start. But...
I've been working on walking without pulling with Lara, and she gets really, really physical about trying to remain leader. The other day we were practicing in the back yard, and 5 times in a row when I said "let's go" and stepped forward to begin the walk, she jumped up and bit my arm. When I turned away to ignore her each time, she literally jumps up as high as she can and body checks me with all her might. She's come pretty close to knocking me off my feet. Then she was so worked up she tore toward the house, slamming into my toddler and gave him a bleeding goose-egg on the side of his head, poor fellow. When I took her to obedience classes that night, she refused to look at me, or pay attention to what we were trying to teach her. I was so dissappointed, since the previous week she was totally golden in class, doing everything perfectly on the first try!
I am sticking to it with the Amichein, and things have improved over the last two days. I guess what I'm wondering is will this full-force bodychecking to get my attention stop, and when?!

neilsmom and Lara (the normally good grrrl)

[Trish727]

Well I have always heard that just like wolves they will test your "limits" and you have to show alfa over your boxer. I do with my boy and he is strong but I think if he ever bit me I would bite him back.
You can't let your girl get away with it because she will do it again and maybe it wont be you this time it could be you child. Not trying to scare you but seriously show her who is boss and if you have been taking her to class then you need to be the one who dominates over her!!!


Trish boxer mom of
Domino 2 1/2 yr old spoiled male

[neilsmom2000]

Lara was a persistent little critter the day I wrote my original post, and I have to say I haven't had trouble with her since. I've really been sticking with the principles of The Dog Listener, and it's working out quite well. Lara is an opportunistic dog who tries to take charge when she sees an opportunity, but I now have no trouble regaining authority when things start getting out of hand. Walking away, excluding her from whatever I'm doing or just not paying attention to unwanted behaviour really does work when Lara is being naughty. The thing I like best is she is a MUCH more laid back dog when she realizes I'm boss. Yesterday was a good example: she didn't freak out when my dh mowed the lawn, she remained in down stay through dinner and cleaning the kitchen, she didn't bolt through the front door when it was wide open, she didn't pull on her lead at all on our walk, she didn't freak out about meeting other dogs on our walk and she would automatically heel when I stopped walking. I'm telling you, I am a Jan Fennell convert! Anyone who doubts it should see the progress Lara has made in just a few short days..

neilsmom and Lara