Aggression at dog classes

Hi Dr Cam

We have a beautiful 10 month old female boxer dog, who is very boisterous at obedience school where she is only interested in playing with the other dogs, and not even interested in any of her treats.

We are somewhat embarrassed with her behaviour. We are wondering if we shold try to get her to socialise with other dogs and to be obedient otherwise she is going to be a burden to herself and everyone else. At home she will do as she is told, but she gets over excited when visitors arrive.........what should we do?

Thanks,

Shirley

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Hi Shirley.

Boxers are called the Jokers of the Dog World. They have boundless energy and at 10 months of age, your boxer has an active body but a soggy brain!

That she plays with other dogs is useful for socialisation but it does need to be controlled.

She has no interest in treats because she is too ‘immersed in the emotion the moment’.

The answer is simple. To reduced unwanted behaviour you need to reward wanted behaviour. Reward-based training is like growing an Oak Tree of knowledge from a seed you plant. Every time you fertilise that seed of knowledge the Oak Tree grows more quickly.

So the next question is – what behaviour should your Boxer grow when she is being boisterous?

While there are many answers, we find the most useful sequence is to follow the three step process of Leave (the other dog alone) Come (to me) and Sit for 5 full seconds.

The five second site is reinforced with a smile and a soft rewarding voice and then a food treat.

But – you need to teach this sequence away from the dog school when she is not ‘immersed in the emotion of the moment’. So teach the sequence in the comfort of your own home.

Now repeat that sequence of Leave – Come – Sit for 5 seconds again and again in your home and you will grow your Oak Tree of knowledge. Then and only then, should you move to the dog school.

With dogs, reward-based training grows precise knowledge very easily but you need to know how to do that.

Listen to the two hours of Podcasts and other information on this link. Your Boxer will be delighted!

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