I need a behavourist for myself to help Mr B with a few niggly things that Im not sure how to handle.  Ive had a recommendation from the Boxer rescue, he specialises in boxers. My trainer is also a behaviourist but mainly with the hound breed. 
Any help would be appreciatted as Im an owner out of control.
regards
Emma  

Emma, it depends on what sort of problem it is, how long it takes to sort, if you need a home visit. If you are insured and the vet said you need help from a behaviourist then it will or should be covered if not then you will have to phone around. What is the problem?

His jumping up is getting out of hand.  He will suddenly for no reason jump up at you,  which has taken my mum out and given me a couple of fat lips.  If I sit on the sofa all of a sudden bang he is there on the back of the sofa.  Sometimes you can tell what he is about to do,  so we put his halti on and lead,  this seems to calm him down.  But he can't live in his halti all evening its not right.  Im just unsure on how to stop him.  Turning you back on him makes the jumpng worse,  he has ripped two jumpers and three T shirts when jumping at your back.
When visiters arrive it all goes off,  he jumps so high that he has hit his head on the top of the door.  He's like a giant flea.

Hi Emma,
Bess used to jump up at visitors and us too when we returned home and I now make her sit down until she's calmed down, then she gets a cuddle.  I think because we are actually giving her something to do (sit) instead of just telling her to get down, it's worked very well. :)

Kath.

Not a big problem honiest. try to find local help here

excellent thanks for the link and for the support. 
I know there is light at the end of the tunnel its just past the learning curve.

Hi Emma

Jumping up is not a behavioural issue in my opinion but a training one.  Teach him to sit (and to sit when you say, and for as long as you say) and use a release word, such as "okay" to let him know he can move.  "Good boy" should be praise for remaining where he is.

Agree Christine, that is why I gave Emma a link to APDT who will help with a trainer & behaviourist if needed.

hi

my boxer does the jumping thing but not as bad as yours she rarely jumps up at me its more at visitors and people on walks so shes on a lead now in parks until she learns, i have spoken to a behavourist and he has suggested a hour long one to one to teach me how to train her to stop it, my friends boxer does it too, its a trait of the boxer dog apparently, a bloody pain in the arse if you ask me!! louis also likes to box us which is pretty painful too with them long claws!

regards
jojo

Why do you think they were called 'boxers' in the first place?! ;)

Keeping the nails really short at least makes it less painful!
:)

hi jeangeanie

i have clipped her nails a little bit i was a bit careful as she has clear nails and you can see the pink bit really easily but there did'nt seem to be much nail after that which you could cut off, so their still really long, your right and i have certainly learnt where they got their name from i have the bruises on my backside to prove it! LOL

kind regards
jojo

I don't think they should be called boxers 'Giant fleas with a great left hook' is a more accurate discription

hi

i think mine is crossed with a kangeroo LOL

regards
jojo

Hi Emma,
As others have said this is more of a training issue than a behaviour one.  You could try leaving a short line on him (a lead WITHOUT the loop on the end, about 9" in length) and use this to manouver him into a 'sit' position.  Make sure when he leaps he gets NO attention at all - minimal physical contact, no looking at him, no talking to him (there's no point is telling him 'off' if there's no invitation for him to come 'on').  At the moment I'm in the process of teaching my own partner and our Springer that she can only come on the settee with him when HE says so. If she jumps up she's not allowed to stay - but if she's sitting calmly he will invite her up......... She's learnt it with me, so it's easier for her to transfer it to him as well.

Its not just the jumping up he still challenging me.  See post Boxer is challenging me.  The challenge is not as bad but but I do feel I need a little direction.  On a few occasions there has been tears and the feeling of I can't cope.  I need to learn the tools to cope. As I said its probably my behaviour that is creating the problem for him.  
Last night my brother came round,  yep you guest it he sat and waited until my brother was settle and then sniffed his feet.  That was all he did.  So I would like to know if Bradley is reading my posts and trying to make me look sillier than I am.
I just like to add we still have the close relationship we have always had. For example on a recent jaunts we went for a walk in dartmoor regardless of the rain.  We arrived at the top of a hill and admired the view.  (bradley on an extendable lead.  I stood there discussing with my mum how id race her to the bottom of the hill (the hill was very steep with a large selection of sheep poo). Then all of a sudden Bradley thinks the race thing is a great idea.  Bang off we go,  I dug my heels in trying to hold him back ending up on my back being pulled down the hill by Mr B.  I can safely say with the rain, mud and sheep poo, I, yes me, came first.  followed shortly by Bradley. His poor face when I overtook him was hilarious (in hindsight) it was a look of 'oi your cheating'.  When I did come to a hault at the end I was given a thorough sniff to ensure I was all ok.

hi emma

i think the males can be a lot more stubborn than the females my neighbour has a male and when he was young he reduced her to tears to a point where she even contemplated rehoming him she has got through it although he does have to be walked in isolated fields as he jumps up at people and he is huge, but she says she couldnt wish for a better house dog now, mine is 8 months she a very loving intelligent dog but has as endless supply of energy and she has been and still is really hard work at times, although if i could stop the jumping up i would be so happy so fingers crossed for both of us++

kind regards
jojo

I could never rehome Mr B he is very very affectionate.  We like to sit together and watch the simpson.  He sits on the edge of the sofa with his feet on the poffet (sorry no idea how to spell it).  I have to say we do almost everything together,  when I hoover he moves the rugs. When I dust he likes to take the duster outside and give it a good shake (he won't give it back but the thoughts there).  He has also help eliminate the myth of the sock monster, it was him all of the time. I save money on batteries for the door bell. 

hi emma

ah he sounds like a cheeky little devil just like my louis, boxers are so funny at times especially when they play, louis has a knack for chucking things way above her head, we are always finding our shoes right up in the blackberry bushes she certainly keeps us on our toes!!

regards
jojo

I've looked at several options in behaviourist consultations (which my dog does need).  I don't think any are guaranteed to work so I'm going on a recommendation from my groomer (who also has a border terrier who HAD the same problems as mine).  It's not cheap.  About £60 for an hour or hour and half but if it makes an improvement I'm certainly prepared to pay.  I'm saving up!!

CG

Hi emma, answering your original question, how much?  i can help here , we have just been to see David Appleby at his pet centre in Pershore. I was told it was £75.00 per visit and would last approx an hour an a half. He was very good,(but alot i already knew- just needed to be told by an expert!!!) and we were there for over 2 hours, but our end bill was £108.00 as we were advised to buy his double ended lead and his book, and we are also having a second visit which we had to pay £30.00 deposit.   mand x

Hi Mand

I for one would be very interested to hear if you thought this helped your dog.  I haven't gone for any training yet.  Did you feel obligated to buy the book etc?  I'm interested because I want to do a (non profit) study on dog therapy.  I think my dog is the ideal candidate to "test" the experts :D

CG

Hi CG,
  My friend had a problem with her dog running up to people and growling at them when out for a walk, so she ended up getting Barkbusters in - cost £175, and basically all they told her to do was 'growl' at the dog so that it would think she was in charge.  She has found this works a little bit, but I doubt whether she would contact them for advice again.
  Hilda

Oh dear - that is worrying - if somebody were to 'growl' at a dog whose already feeling threatened they are asking for the dog to attack them :(

i hate to say it, but so far i haven't heard a good word about Barkbusters :(

They seem to have no real understanding of underlying issues etc :(

Lindsay

Barkbusters is a franchise which anyone with NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE can buy into. (Read their web page)! Anyone can call themselves a "dog trainer" or "behaviourist".  Do not spend money on those people who have done a correspondence course ONLY; theory is totally different to empirical experience!

Only go to reputable people who belong to a professional association such as the APDT, UKRDB or APBC

Hi CG,we are trying our hardest to carry out what was on our written report, but we do find it difficult as it takes both of us to take 'madam' out, as we need 3 pairs of hands :D 2 hands are needed for the double ended lead,1 is for the treat,1 is for the water spray,1 for the clicker and another to throw down the can of stones(which is from the hand of god !) Oh and i also pick the can back up again -while madam is performing..!!
   But seriously, she is improving :)     We were asked if we had a double ended lead, no i didnt ,so off he went and got one for us 'here you need this as well' -as he handed me the book , i thought it might have been in with the cost of consultation but was'nt. The lead helps and the book is doing the rounds in the hairdressers :D :D  mand x

Hi Mand, did you buy his book.  I have book galore.  Gwen Bailey's What is your dog thinking'. I know what Bradley thinks, jump, eat, chase anything, attention and not forgetting, look at all I own.

Hi Emma

Not here to offer advice, just support. I guess Bradley is going through the big 'n' bouncy teenage phase - as is Cam (I seem to remember they're about the same age). I sometimes think that walking Cam is like trying to control an elephant high on drugs, but console myself with the thought that he's Mr Friendly personified and very confident, so we're not doing too bad. Like me, you've got one of the less easy, big breeds that need lots of stimulation - and are known for being "lively" teenagers :D  Hang on in there - there is light at the end of the tunnel - you will sort it out!

Find a trainer you trust and respect to show you hands-on the simple techniques you need to apply to discourage the behaviour you don't want. It is a minefield out there - out of about 5 supposedly highly competent trainers in my area, there is only one I would let within 10 miles of Cam (but he is fantastic, and Cam's best friend  :D  ). So ask them lots of searching questions about their technique before you let them loose on your baby. :)

Bradley sounds like a cracking dog ... you've clearly done all the ground work with him so give yourself a pat on the back for that. :)  And order some crates of wine. Enough to last until he's about ... 18 months to two years. :D :D :D

Good luck. Keep us posted - and remember, there's nothing like a good moan if you're feeling pi**ed off. :D

Jo :) :)

Hi Emma

Sorry .... but I've been giggling away to myself reading your posts - my male Boxer is almost 1 year old and I'm glad to hear that his behaviour is similar to Mr B's. I know its not meant to be funny but I can just imagine you 2 watching The Simpsons - with Mr B having the prime spot in front of the TV. I have a huge leather bean bag (our last dog wasn't allowed on it) which I regularly have to fight for the pleasure of lounging on it as Dexter absolutely loves it and thinks its his. So you can see why I find your posts funny - sounds familiar. I think our biggest problem is the fact that we have well and truely "spoilt" our Boxers - to the extent that they are getting the upper hand. Does Bradley respond to a male voice at all? When my partner raises his voice to Dex - Dex does as he's told - but not to my voice, seems that the one who feeds, walks, plays, cuddles them etc... is the one they just don't seem to have any respect for. One thing Dexter does especially in the garden (can't catch the little devil once he's outside) he runs at you and kind of barges you - I've still got a bruise from before Xmas. When he was little I used to teach him to "come" to me in the garden and "fetch" but its useless now he's older - something to do with his selective deafness I think.

Dexy

Dexy, i completely agree with you Mr B is spoilt.  Its because I do most things with him.  When I go to the pub he comes.  He behave as long as he has a pint and a packet of pork scratching to sit behind,  he seems to feel a part of the action (occasionally butting in the conversation if its about a member of the family). 
Does your boxer sulk,  by pushing out his lower lip out. He does this if its raining or if he gets banned from the kitchen.

Hi Emma

I had to laugh at the lower lip sulking. I know what you mean.

My 6 month boxer boy does a deep sigh when sulking.  Every now and then he makes a  weird noise like the star wars character (think someone mentionned it here before, cant spell the name, the big hairy thing :D )

I'm dreading the adolescent stage, as just as you start to make progress with the training he could become 'kevin'

As much as i make sir sit he still jumps up at people and i'm forever aplogising and walking away quickly. :rolleyes:

I look forward to him being mature ( well as much as boxers can be :D :D )

Ahh the chew backer impression. Always a winner in our household. Also the huffing making his jowls ripple. Ohh and have I got plans for you look,  where he grins with both eye brows slighly raised whilst looking very alert.

that's the one i also like the startled look, " what me didnt do anything "

popped out for a 30 mins on sunday came back and there he is in the kitchen with a bright blue cloth ( for wiping paws when covered in mud and poo :rolleyes:) as soon as he saw me he pretended to look away with the havent got anything, done nothing wrong look ( the cloth was hanging from his mouth).

i'm sad i like going to bed earlier than other half as me and the boy have a cuddle  :-) then he snorts when its his time to get back onto his own bed.

some days i have to insist that the slippers on my feet are staying there, his ploy of cuddling by my feet whilst attempting to discreetly pull them never works.  he is so brazen :D :D

Bradleys latest and most impresive trick is to steal my car keys and sit infront of them and watch me darting around franticly looking for them whilst he sits there and grins. 
He also likes to stash his bonio's under the rug, so every now and again something will go crunch and Bradley would arrive looking very upset that you have broken the bone he was saving.

hi

i also have a cloth to wipe pooey feet no matter what louis always manages to step in pooh i've never known a dog to step in poo so often!

jojo

Emma

Dexter doesn't really sulk - instead you can see him looking a bit bored. If he were a human he'd be sat there with his elbows on the floor, propping up him head! Little monkey has just been playing me up - he's been out in the garden and wouldnt come back in the house - so I was crouched behind the kitchen door pretending to cry (he doesn't like the sound of anyone sounding distressed) and after a spell of himself crying he came in to see what I was doing - hey presto - a result! Hope my neighbours couldn't hear me! When he's on the outside of the kitchen door you can almost see the "red devil horns" on his head - when he's on the inside of the kitchen door you can see his halo.

Its his birthday soon - yes you can guess - he'll be getting a card and pressies!

dexy

We paid 50 pounds for a one hour session with our behaviourist who was recommended by our vet and it was worth every penny. Jazz was alot better within a month, he was suffering from seperation anxiety.  I say if the problems so bad you can't sort it yourself then get the help your dog needs

Michelle :)

I have been a practising and very successful behaviourist for almost 20 years, with no formal qualifications (as there weren't any in the days i started), although i have since studied canine psychology to Masters level. My advice would be, take behavioural advice only on personal recommendation. I know some behaviourists who belong to these 'accredited' organizations who give out some very dodgy and potentially damaging advice some of which i have had to rectify myself. It's always best to get someone who has been recomended by a friend or colleague. It's not the letters after your name that counts, but the understanding of the canine psyche and the ability to assess and modify behaviour successfully without resulting to aversive techniques or spouting 'dominance theory' or 'pack-related' drivel. Good luck in your search.

Hi Animus,
I was wondering if you could let me know about the route to take in studying canine psychology?  I'm currently studying psychology (for humans - how dull) and philosophy, but will hopefully be able to change to zoology at a later date. I had tried to find animal psychology degrees but couldn't find any anywhere.  Just wondering what courses etc. you would recommend and where I would need to go to find out etc.  I'm doing a correspondence course with the Canine Behaviour Centre but without the practical aspect it does pose a huge flaw!
Thanks!

Elaine:  metalwerewolf@hotmail.com