Boxer Behavior changes

Question
QUESTION: I have a 3yr old boxer who tried to mate with a female dog of unknown breed.  Because he was in a doggie day camp, the attendant sprayed them with water, therefore separating them.  She noticed my dog was bleeding and call the veterinarian to check them out.  He advised that my dog should be fine, that this was normal and that he might be swollen for a couple of days.  Currently he seems to be okay, he's eating and drinking water fine, however, he keeps trying to lick himself and looks at himself as if something is bothering him. Also, he demonstrated aggressive behavior in the manner of trying to go after the mailman today.  He has never gotten to the point that he does not listen on command nor actually try to attack any body.My question is, do they start getting more territorial as they get older? He also just started to howl when he hears fire engines go by, which he never bothered with.  Also, once a boxer has mated for the first time, does their behavior change?
         Thank you.

ANSWER: A lot of things going on here:

First, yes, once a male dog has mated, he has "carnal knowledge" and knows what it is like.

Dogs have one instinct- to breed. Reproduce. Period. That's it. Everything in between is need, i.e. eat, sleep, poop. Love and family is a luxury.

Getting him nurtured is an option. His instinct will still be instilled, however, he won't react on it. And can't anyway.

But, the question is; did he "try" to mate, or did he actually mate?

Secondly, the bleeding: is he bleeding from his genitals? And your vet checked him and said he is okay? It sounds like he did actually mate and was swollen (the penis swells after climax for approx. 10-20 minutes to ensure fertilization of the female- that's why they get "stuck" together afterward.) and then they sprayed them with water (in which I would sue the daycare for sure!!!!!!!!!!!) which forced them to separate before the swelling went down, thus hurting his penis badly.

Third, he is not "older." 3 years old is still very young. Older is 7-9  years. He is still "puppy" in much regard.

Fourth, howling at a fire engine is normal. The siren hurts his ears. He howls because of the "pitch" of the siren. It might not have bothered him before, but it does now and always will now., so you will have to live with that quirk.

Fifth, his aggression: This can be due to many things. Too many variables are involved that I am not privy to, so all I can tell you is to get a grip on it now.

Get a fly swatter (I prefer this over a squirt bottle of water) and when he becomes aggressive, swat him and verbally reprimand him using simple commands being very, extremely consistent. Swat his butt or legs. Not his face.

This should work within a couple of weeks.





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response.  In answer to your first question, I would say he did mate because he was stuck with the other dog.  He was neutered when he was approx 8mos old. Apparently the female was allowed in the day camp while in heat. He was no longer bleeding when he was picked up and hasn't bled since.  Would you recommend I take him to his regular vet to be checked?  The one that saw him was from within the store.  As far as his aggression, he is not normally aggressive, only when someone approaches our door or car when he is in it with us. He is a very good natured dog sometimes afraid of his own shadow.    Thank you.

Answer
It is unusual for him to have mated being neutered... Yes, take him to YOUR vet, not theirs-- they will down play the entire incident in fear of liability.

Hopefully, he is healing.

Aggression in a car toward people passing by and approaching, and front door of your house is natural, normal, and Boxers believe it is their duty and job.

He is a normal Boxer. He is protecting you and family and property. He is warning you of approaching people, which he perceives as a threat to you and family.

All you can basically do to tame the behavior somewhat, is verbally reprimand him but I prefer to tell my Boxer "that it is okay-- friend(s)" and also "good girl/boy, but friends, it's okay" in those types of words and praise.

If this continues, then you should use your stern voice (not yelling or threatening though) to tell him, "No-- No--No" and whatever, like "barking" or "bad boy"... until he learns that growling and barking at people is "bad" and gets "reprimanded." Association is the key for him-- good behavior equals praise and love and treats, and bad behavior equals reprimand, sterness and disappointment- not pleasing you.

But-- he is perfectly normal-- just "Boxer."