Hi Everyone,
I am the proud owner of two boxer dogs - one is a male - 8months - Darcy. The other is a female aged 15 months called Ludo!
I am nuts about the two dogs and they are both fantastic - except Ludo since she was about 13 months has sometimes started growling at male teenagers but at the same time wagging her tail - the only connection i can make with this is that she was spayed around the same time.
She was fine with all children until this and i have tried to socailise her well, having three brothers under the age of 14 means we have too many males passing through the house!
However after about 5 mins she is fine and generally goes towards them, and by the end of the day is best friends with them.
When she is growling it is really quietly and she wags her tail, at the same time, she growls more if they stare at her or reach out with their hand to stroke her head. I am not really sure what to do about this as before she loved all people, it is not a major problem, as she is fine as soon as she realises they are no threat.
She once growled at a lad who suddenly reached out to pat her on the head, often she is with me when she does this, i have noticed she is not so bothered when she is with my parents or friends, could she be being protective towards me as she is my dog rather than the family dog.I am q.nervous often of strange male teenagers as got harrased by gang of them once - on holiday- could she be picking up on my fear?
I don't think she would actually attack anyone but i would rather she didn't do it.
Both dogs have free run of the house and a 6 acre garden, they are fed twice a day and walked twice ( morning 1hr 30 mins - evening 45 mins), i try to alternate their walks and she is fine with other dogs and young children, grown up males and all females - just seems not to like teenage males! Darcy is fine with everyone - but is generally a much more confident dog - Ludo is a bit nervous - scared of buses etc even though i took her out loads everywhere as a young pup. Neither of them are rescue dogs and both come from good breeders. Except this i am really delighted with both of them.
Thanks any help on this would be really appreciated
Alicia - Ludo & Darcy xxxx

Also does anyone know how to stop their dog rolling in dead animals found - Ludo loves doing this and the smell is awful!

Hi Darcy and welcome,
Yep, it's quite natural for your dog to pick up your fear or caution towards others. Why should she be happy and fearless if you aren't? So you need to work on your timidity in conjunction with her uncertainty.

When she growls at someone when you meet them, tell her "NO". Don't accept it. If she continues, walk her in a circle right back to the person. It's a break and a reset, imo.

Her wag is possibly showing that she's conflicted on how to behave and she's trying to get a read from you about what to do. Have her sit to meet someone and make it a semi-formal occasion where you are in control. Obviously, 5 minutes after she's figured out it's ok for the men to be around. You want her to see immediately it's ok and not 5 minutes later.

Personally, I prefer people to scratch my dog under her chin. Otherwise her eyes are blocked for sight, and it also makes her actually look at them instead of just some large hand. But that's me. It's made my dog a lot more confident of other people....she's also a small dog, so a hand suddenly emerging to pet her on the head is quite startling.
I hope this helps give you some ideas ....but you also have to work on your fear. I can understand it completely. I've had problems with gangs of males in the past. Even if she lets out a small growl when she sees a grouping... You could tell her to "stop" and "ok". You know she's worried, but you're the one in control.
regards,
toodles

I do feel from what you have said, she is picking up your anxieties.

This means that whilst she is around you, or you are handling her, she will pick up what you are feeling and so it is important to ensure that when you do train her, you are feeling OK about whatever the situation is. It will be very hard for her to understand if say, you are saying one thing, but your body language and voice pitch are betraying your true emotions! :) In this instance, she will not "believe" you and may understandably get confused.

I feel too it is best to not encourage lots of lads to stroke her because, as she is not happy about it, it will not really help. I agree the tail wag is almost certainly showing uncertaintly and conflict.

I don't let anyone touch my dogs on the head as it is hard for a dog to cope with and can be threatening as it means a stranger "looming" over them; instead I ask people to approach sideways on, and gently stroke the chest area.

I think if things get worse, even slightly, I would be getting in touch with a reputable behaviourist to help and support you. They will visit your home, go over everything and advise you of a programme which will help you and your girl. They will be able to take into account the effect your anxiety is having, will see body language, house set up, etc etc. /They will also give telephone or email support.

If you do go down this route, please make sure the behaviourist is a member of a reputable organisation, such as the UKRCB or APBC. Your vet should be able to refer you or you can contact them yourself.

I do agree you must show her you are in control, but need the tools to do this, as if you try to tell her you are in control and she just reads fear, she will not believe you.

I do wish you all the very best. She is at a stage now where things can work out, but don't let it carry on too long.

LIndsay