BOXER AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS NEW PUP

Question
Hi!  We have a 5-year old female Boxer. We had to put our 15-year old beagle/daschund dog to sleep in the summer.  We thought introducing a new puppy (Beagle) to the home would give our Boxer a "pick me up" as she was seemingly down over the loss of our dog we had for so long.  Since that time, our Boxer has "attacked" our Beagle puppy twice.  Once around her food bowl and the other time for no reason.  The first time we ended up in the ER with 6 staples to the puppies neck.  She doesn't act like she likes her, only very rarely in the backyard when they are on a potty break (she then wants to play and run in circles around the Beagle).  I don't trust her around the puppy now for one second.  We have been keeping them separated in the house with baby gates, etc.  Any suggestions as we love them both and want both of them to be safe, happy and healthy!

Answer
''She doesn't act like she likes her''  This could be part of the problem.  Most people agree 2 females is the combination most likely to be a problem.  In addition, most 5 years olds are finished with puppy biting games and just don't want the little needles in their ears.  Continue keeping them separated when you can't watch them.  Discourage the puppy from attacking the larger dog.  Keep them away from each other's food dish at meal time.  

I would strongly look into a crate for at least the puppy.  Other dogs may
not be as bad as the young Labs I am plagued with.  Still your house and dog
will be much safer with the dog in a crate when you are away.  The dog may be
happier in its den than loose in the house.  It relaxes, it feels safe in its
den.  It rests, the body slows down reducing the need for water and relieving
its self.  Dogs that have been crated all along do very well.  Many of them
will rest in their crates even when the door is open.  I think the plastic
ones give the dog more of a safe, enclosed den feeling.  They are harder for
dogs to open too.    Metal ones can be put in a corner or covered with
something the dog can't pull in and chew.  Select a crate just big enough for the full grown dog to stretch out in.

Leave it some toys.  Perhaps a Kong filled with peanut butter.  Don't leave
anything in the crate the dog might chew up.  It will do fine without even any
bedding.  You will come home to a safe dog and a house you can enjoy.

Accidents and damaged possessions are the fault of whoever was watching the puppy.  When you are watching it, immediately correct it as soon as it goes for anything except its own toys.  In a quiet, but firm voice ''Bad dog, its name drop!''.  Gently remove what ever and replace it with one of her toys, or if older, hold eye contact until the puppy drops it.


A dog that has not been crated since it was little, make take some work.
Start out just putting its toys and treats in the crate.  Praise it for going
in.  If you have been able to trust it with any bedding, put that in the crate.
Feed it in the crate.  This is also an easy way to maintain order at feeding
time for more than one dog.

Use the crate only when you must  I have a short length of chain fastened to
my computer desk.  With more mats around the chair mat, this gives a place
where the puppy is with me, but about as controlled as in the crate, while
still allowing me to get some work done, or at least answer All Expert questions.

The boxer may need better leadership.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

This question may be beyond my help.  Although anybody can take people's money, there are some good professional dog trainers and behaviorists.  You may find a good one.