Posted by Diane on July 12, 2002, 7:16 pm Good Luck!
It would be best if you can get him into a well run obedience class once a week for starters. A good trainer should be able to work with you and teach you how to build up a relationship that, kindly but firmly, makes it clear that you're in charge. It sounds to me like (and he is the right age for this) he has decided that he is in charge and, therefore, he must guard his pack territory and any interference from you is not to tolerated. This is how things would work in a dog pack when the leader was trying to sort things out, no interference from subordinate members will be put up with. I know that sounds silly as you're the human after all, so you're in charge but you'd be amazed how many dogs figure that they are. Often it is due to a lack of understanding in canine signals and expressions from us humans. For the time being I would assert myself by insisting he move off a favoured spot, then I would sit there (that's very alpha - dominant), putting all toys away (remember that they are not "his" toys - they are yours and his being allowed to play with them is a privlidge to be earned). Make him sit before feeding him, make him wait prior to feeding him too. Ensure you don't feed him and then eat your meal after him (that's a sign of a lower ranked pack member). You might like to try NILIF (nothing in life is free). Karen (Westwind Dog Training) has some terrific info on this concept (her link to her web site is in the info in the header of this board). She also has an "ask the trainer" board which is terrific. If you go along to an obedience school they will be able to offer you further info on all this and, if need be, guide you towards a proffesional behaviourist. My last comment would be that Boxer boys can be a real handful around this age, just work with him and make sure he knows he can't get away with stuff like this and you'll have a great chance of having a wonderful companion for many years to come.
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