Hi
We have a 2 year old male Boxer which we've had since he was 7 months old. We're his fourth home and before he came to us he spent the majority of his time tied up outside. We've had a rocky time with him and on several occasions have doubted our ability to look after him but, we persevered and he has to some extent become a lot more sociable. The main problem that we're experiencing with him at the moment is that he seems to have become overly protective towards my husband who's at home with him all day. The dog's ok with me but has real issues with my teenage son and will try to go for him if he goes near my husband. Son and husband have also had their difficulties, usually resulting in heated arguments. I think that the dog has therefore started to see son as a threat to husband. The arguing has stopped now and dogs behaviour become generally more tolerant towards son, but not if he goes anywhere near husband. This behaviour has also happened on occasions where we have had friends round to the house and one of them has gone to sit near my husband - the dog will snap and snarl. Does anyone have any suggestiong about how we can tackle this behaviour?

Carefully..........

I'd suggest getting a referral to a 'behaviourist' (I hate that word) from your vet. They should come and observe the family in your own home to asses the dynamics that appear to be affecting your dog.  To advise anything else over the 'net would be foolish as it would involve too many assumptions.

Sorry I can't help further.

Thought I'd make the effort of registering, so I could say thanks for that suggestion. I guess my previous post made us sound like a completely dysfunctional family - we're not really! I have considered a behaviourist but unfortunately at the moment I'm not in a position to be able to cover the cost. Does anyone have any suggestions of what I could be doing in the meantime - I don't  want any of us to be inadvertantly encouraging / reinforcing the behaviour? Thanks. Clare

The only thing I can suggest with any degree of safety, is to shut the dog out if hubby and son want to get physical.......  Maybe get the dog used to being out of the family loop for a part of each day so Dad and son can relax with each other for a while........

Have you tried getting the son to take over feeding/training of the dog?
This may help your dog to see your son as a 'friend'

Might also be a good idea to keep the dog on a lead & if he snaps your husband could shut him away for 10mins to show him he is not pleased with that behaviour.

Be careful of shutting the dog away for this behaviour - he may see the approach of the son as the trigger to his 'punishment' and become even more adamant that the son has to be kept away.......

Do you have insurance for your dog, claireh?  Many insurers will cover the cost of behavioural consultations up to a set amount.