Behavioral abnormality

sjosephy · #1 27th July 2002, 03:46 PM

If anyone can offer advice, I would appreciate it. I got my boxer at 7 weeks. He is now almost 8.5 months. Hes absolutely great with my wife and I, but sometimes he is very aggressive towards strangers, especially children. He has never bitten anyone, but seems to get about as close to biting as he can, without actually doing it. I am especially worried about his aggressiveness towards children. At the same time, he is sometimes extremely timid and shy around other dogs, even ones one third his size.

Since he was very young, I have taken him to obediance school, and also to puppy socialization classes. This has helped some, but the problems still exist and they are serious. Im beginning to feel that his temperment may be flawed, and this may not be correctable. He is not fixed.

Has anyone had similar problems? Does anyone have any suggestion? Thanks a lot!

Steve

MyBabyBoxer · #2 28th July 2002, 03:15 PM

Is he around kids ever?? Or is it usually you and your wife? I have heard that a dog is sometimes scared or threatened around what they do not know. For example, it is those dogs that are not around a whole lot of other people besides the owners, that bite. Thats why I said if he is not around kids, he may not know what to do and it might have bad consequences. I would try and bring yoru dog around people as much as you can. It makes the dog very social. If you never read it yet, get Jean Donaldson's book called "The Culture Clash" I am reading it right now and it has a lot in there about that.

Des11 · #3 29th July 2002, 02:37 PM

I agree. My guy has two skin siblings and tons of neighborhood friends.

If there are no kids in your home, maybe you can introduce him to some around the neighborhood during your walks. It does feel good to know that strange kids can come and pet my baby.....................I hope you get to experience this proud pleasure too. Best of luck.

sjosephy · #4 31st July 2002, 05:02 PM

Thats the thing. He's aggressive even towards kids he has met many times. Thats why I dont think that the issue is socialization. Just the other day he lunged, growled and barked at a neighbor kid he has met tons of times since being a very small pup. It just makes me all the more concerned, and am really wondering if this is the type of behavior that can be changed. Thanks.