Boxer becoming more aggressive?

Question

My boxer is 4 years old and has been the most delightful, happy boy ever. He loves people and other dogs and has always been very submissive. He was properly socialized as a puppy and has even been through training with a well qualified trainer. However, around the age of three he started to become slightly aggressive toward strangers and other dogs.

 It started on the leash, even though I have walked him almost every day since he was a puppy with no problems. If we saw a dog he would start to tense up and then totally lose it when the dog got close(barking growling, lunging). However, if the other dog doesn't freak out and they sniff each other then he relaxes instantly. But now he has started doing it to random people on walks or in the neighborhood. Whenever he sees a neighbor out of the window he goes insane barking and growling, and if anyone rings the doorbell he charges the door. I used to love taking him to restaurants that allow dogs, but now I can not due to the fear that another dog will show up. 

He has never been hit and has always been trained using positive reinforcement. He is a member of the family and loves everyone he knows. I am just not sure what has brought about this change. A few possible factors, he spends time at a good quality doggy day care once a week, but he does terrific there. Never has any problems with other dogs or people, and they say he is the best boxer they have ever had. 

I have had lots of different roommates move in and out of the house that we live in over the past 2-3 years, but he has loved all of them and gets depressed when they move out. Some of the roommates have had dogs, some he would play with, others he would ignore. 

I have tried obedience training, but it hasn't worked. He generally is on his best behavior and listens very well unless someone is at the door or he sees another dog on a walk or through any kind of barrier like a fence. If he is able to approach a dog with nothing holding him back, he is fine, but as soon as he is on a leash or held back by a fence, he loses control. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

dorothy s · Accepted Answer

It sticks out a mile, that he is frightened when he is retrained by his leash. This is because he cannot defend himself.

I also have a theory that dogs cannot see clearly through glass.  He barks because he does not recognise the neighbour and he is defending his home.

Even the most placid dog, will go crackers when a dog is on the other side of the fence.

My dogs have always loved visitors and they go wild when the doorbell rings.

He will be off leash when he is at doggy day care, consequently he is not afraid of the other dogs. Plus he hasn't got a worried owner, who has lost confidence in him and who tenses  up when they see another dog.

I think that you should speak to one of the helpers at doggy day care, ask them if they can arrange a few play dates for your dog. Offer to pay them, obviously you won't have to pay the owner who brings their dog.. Then  find a safe fenced area where your dog can have off leash fun. This will help your to restore your confidence in your dog.

I wrote the following some time ago, I will paste this.
In the wild and when our dogs are loose they do not walk straight past another dog, they CURVE  or sometimes they go into a play stance to see if the other dog is friendly. If your dog is restricted by the lead, he cannot follow his natural instincts. For now try to keep your distance from other dogs. When he is on lead you must either CURVE or cross to the other side of the road. If he barks or growls don't chastise him or pull on the lead, you must ignore his barking and keep silent. 
When he looks at dogs from a distance without barking or growling, praise him and give him a treat.  Eventually your dog will realize that looking at another dog without barking, prompts you to praise him and give him a treat, he will stop barking. I suspect that your dog will play happily with another dog if he is off lead in a safe fenced area.

Look up clicker training, then you can click when he please you. I have the details in my archives as to how to "Intruduce a Dog to the Clicker" email me if you would like this info.

? · Answer

Is he neutered? It could just be hormones if he's not! But some dogs just don't get along with others, so as long as he is friendly and loving towards you and other people, just try to train him slowly with maybe a friend and their dog walking at various distances while you have him on a leash. then reward him when he doesn't bark! good luck :)

CDog · Answer

This behavior should have been nipped in the bud as soon as it started. It's likely he's protecting you, but it has also become a fun game for him. Do you best to discourage the behavior by stopping, making him sit, going in the other direction. Bring treats to distract him and reward him when he behaves. Good luck.

Sammy Allbright · Answer

If he isn't fixed that can cause problems and if he is with you all the time he might be trying to protect you, my dog got very protective because he was always with me.

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Boxer becoming more aggressive?

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