Boxer Dog Agression

Question
Hi Jannie,
My husband and I rescued two dogs who were given up together and have lived together for three years prior to coming to live with us. They are the ultimate odd couple. A four year old male Boxer and a five year old female Boston Terrier. They are buddies and get along well. The Boxer is sweet and friendly to adults and children, knows basic commands and walks well on a leash. He gets jealous when the Boston Terrier gets attention and tries to push her out of the way, but in a mostly friendly way. We couldn't ask for a better-behaved dog, accept when unfamiliar dogs are involved. As soon as we get within a few feet of a neighbor's dog, small, medium, or large, he growls, pulls on the leash and wants to attack. We thought this behavior happened only when the dog is on a leash and maybe feels fearful that he couldn't protect himself so we tried releasing him in a dog park. Unfortunately he attacked the first dog that came up to him. We removed him from the area immediately and noticed when we got to the car, where we gave him a bowl of water, that his hind legs were shaking. He was panting and frothing at the mouth. This was very upsetting to us. He is otherwise a perfect dog and we want him to get along with other dogs in our neighborhood and extended family, which visit frequently. We know that we can help him accept other dogs but are not sure how and would love some constructive advice.
Thanks so much,
Monica


Answer
Boxers are friendly dogs, loves children, but they are protectors.

I don't know if you know his complete background history, or not, but possibly a dog or dogs, have confronted him, maybe when younger. This type of experience can form a protective behavior: jump him before he jumps me.

He also perceives other dogs as a threat to not only himself, but to his pal, and the family. He thinks it's his job to protect.

The shaking and panting is an adrenaline rush. It is not unusual at all. He had a rush of adrenaline flood his body (the fight or flight syndrome) and it caused his body to shake and the panting is the "warmth" hotness the adrenaline causes the body. Panting is how dogs sweat and cool themselves.

The training must be to keep him on a leash outside his own backyard. When he goes anywhere, leash him. Do not take him to dog parks, obviously.

Use calm, soothing words, simple words, telling him that another dog is a "friend." The "friend" needs to soon be learned and associated with "okay" and "acceptable" and "friendly-play." They learn by association of the sound (your calm, soothing, upbeat-happy, voice and the word "friend." Soon he will understand that the other dog is okay and associate your approval and calmness to the dog. If you are calm, he is calm.

Your almost perfect dog, like any other, has his quirks and bad characteristics and behaviors.

You can modify his behavior only if you are willing to work at it, and be consistent.

In about 1 month or so, his association to other dogs should improve. But do not be surprised if it takes awhile- it is most difficult to undo the damage done at an early age. But work with it and try. Leash-- calm voice-- good words--- dog= okay, nice.

Give him a special treat each time he calms down and is learning this, reward and praise gets the good behavior you desire. He will associate making you happy/ pleasing you with a treat and his own gratification.