Pet Information > ASK Experts > Dogs > Canine Behavior > boxer becoming grumpy

boxer becoming grumpy

18 16:54:34

Question
i have a old springer and a 3year old boxer who got on very well together ,in janury my boxer had a litter of pups witch we keeped one just recentley my boxer has been agresiv towards other dogs and allso towards her dougter

Answer
It may not have been wise for you to keep a female from this litter, as it is not uncommon for females of like temperament to develop problems between one another.  Additionally, I have to assume your Boxer has not shown aggression toward other dogs prior to this, but is now showing aggression commonly toward other dogs (not just the puppy.)  The 8 month old female puppy is approaching her first heat cycle and this might be one provocation of the problem, but that's impossible to tell from such a short description.  I suggest you take the dam (mother of the puppies) to the veterinarian for a full examination, including blood work, and schedule her to be spayed (although she may be close to coming into season, in which case you would wait at least twelve weeks after the onset of her cycle.)  I also suggest you spay the juvenile Boxer.  Do not allow any further escalation of aggression between the Boxers.  Learn about multiple dog households by reading Patricia McConnell Ph.D.'s book on the topic and, if necessary, repost with full description of the veterinary examination results and the problematic behaviors.