Posted by Jann on January 2, 2004, 2:11 pm
207.179.133.232
Hi; We're hoping for a little advice about Maggie, our nine yr old boxer. I'll give a little background. We got her from a home that wasn't able to give her the time she needed at about 10 months of age, she had been misbehaving due to being alone. After being with us, (a family of four) for about 8 years, she has been great. A real loving pet. Altho she has always been somewhat 'skittish' or nervous, since we owned her... we don't really know how she was treated in her 1st home, other than being neglected, but lately she had been getting her 'back up' with our 16 yr old son. When he goes to interact with her she now often growls. I thought it would be a good idea if he put her in the alpha position and told her he was ahead of her in the food chain so to speak. They always played together before this and Maggie is totally fine with our 13 yr old daughter. Maggie is mostly MY dog.. in the facts that it was me who took her to obedience and for walks, she does listen to me most... so when she growled the last time (today) I got her in the alpha position and tried to get my son involved to perhaps yell at her or something. He wouldn't. He really loves Maggie, as we all do, and doesn't want to yell at her. "I can't yell at my Maggie!!"
I know it sounds as tho maybe this kid has done something mean to Maggie, but that is not the case.
Should I just tell him to cool it with her for a bit. Maybe ignore her til she comes to him?
Any input would be apreciated. This is a very loving sook of a dog, we've not had any other major things with her... other than stuff that may be expected from any dog.
HELP!
Jann
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