My boy was aggressive today ??

[LanhamV]

Odie had a playdate today with a friends' 8 week old male boxer. It was at my house, and the 8 week old was very skittish at first. Odie, of course, was so interested in smelling, etc. and was a bit overbearing (he is taller and larger at 13 weeks) and kept getting on the pups back and hovering over him. Unfortunately, it didn't take long to find out that these two just weren't going to get along. They growled and snapped at each other in a playful manner at first, but then they really got into it Had to pull them apart. It happened several times during several hours to the point I had to separate them because Odie wouldn't let the pup alone to even sleep. Was always going for him. Is this normal for a 13 week old?? I have had Odie play with my brother's 13 week old bulldog and they were great together, right down to drinking out of the same bowl. This was a couple of weeks ago. I am concerned because he starts puppy Kindergarten on Thursday and I am wondering how he will be around a group of dogs. Any advice or experiences you can share?? Thanks!!

[ELubas]

Hi. I would not worry about this too much. I am dealing with an aggressive girl right now and I am sure you will get some great insight from folks here like I did. Pups are all different just like us and your boy will react differently to different ones. Class will be good for him and for you to see how he is with other dogs in general. Hopefully the trainer will also have good insights for you. If he can play nicely with the bulldog then chances are he will be fine. Think about what was different about the two play dates and that might give you a clue as to what was going on. Were they inside or out/lots of room or cramped space ? Had they both been exercised before hand or were they "reved" up? Was the puppy small and skittish and the bulldog bigger and pushier? There was a dynamic at work and not anything sinister-just dog stuff. Boxers generally play rough-mine are brutal!-and maybe this baby boy at 8 weeks was just tired out and overwhelmed. I think you will see that your boy is a typical annoying boxer pup. Let us know how class goes and good luck!

[LanhamV]

Thanks, Eileen, for your insight. I think there were several things that led this to be an unsuccessful interaction. We were in my home (Odie's turf) and the playdate with the bulldog was at my brother's home. The 8 week old boxer was very skittish (his owners just got him the day before). With Odie being bigger (27 lbs to the pups 18), he just overwhelmed the pup from the git go. I know he can play rough, which I am learning is a boxer trait (bless their little hearts and I am sure if the situation was different (bigger dog, etc.) it would have been a different outcome. I am really anxious to see how his puppy class goes. Just hoping he isn't the biggest dog there (my luck a class full of small dogs). I will keep you posted.

P.S. On another note . . . Odie rang the bell this evening to go out - YAY! and when I let him out he went potty! I was so proud. It's the first time he has shown any interest in the bells hanging on the backdoor.

Vicky

[ELubas]

There you go-there were a number of things at play that impacted the encounters. I am sure your boy will do great in class. Remember boxers do play rough and noisy so don't let that freak you out. And, yes, hopefully, there will be some other big boys for him to rough house with. And obviously he is brilliant to have gotten the bell so young! Good luck and have fun!

[BXRBESTFRIND]

Try tiring him out a little before the play dates with smaller dogs and going to school. Ive always had better results in class when I took a long walk right before.

The 8wk old was probably just overwhelmed give it a week and let the younger one get a rutine and some confidence and they will be good friends in no time

Good Luck and remember if you think things are getting out of hand with the playing its ok to stop them to catch thier breath.