Questions & Answers on AllExperts.com

I'm an expert in the Boxer breed category for AllExperts.com and thought it would be helpful to post some of those Q & As here.


Question
My male boxer is 5 months old. recently he has been very aggressive, he gets in these moods where he growls, barks, jumps, and bites. You can tell him off or no, but he gets more aggressive. I am at my wits end at what to do. I have already tried taking him to the classes, and that is when his behavior got out of control. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!

Answer
You took him to classes and that's when his behavior got out of control?

Was the "classes" with a trainer and you and your Boxer, or did you leave him with a trainer without being there?

These are important factors. Leaving him doesn't help establish that you are the master-- the "alpha" of him.

He is only 5 months old and at a playful stage.

Do you have other dogs in your home?

It is too difficult to answer because I don't know everything about your home and classes to evaluate for you.

Please tell me if there are other dogs in your home and what kind of classes absentee or present... Tell me as much as possible.

Since he is 5 months old, his playing style is aggressive and growling is a normal Boxer play (as well as a warning) and barking is playing, etc. Does he "play bow"? That's putting his butt up and his front down... That is playfulness.

It does sound like a Boxer playful mischief, and that can get out of control. It does not sound as aggression.

Spend time playing with him, let him bark and growl playing and play fighting with him. Use a tug-of-war toy, a ball, any toy he likes, throw ball, tug-a-war with him, rough house, etc. It's pent up energy and a release for him.

He isn't getting enough exercise to release his energy and tire him. He needs to be in the backyard to run, and when nice weather, you play outside with him too. Spend quality time with him as you teach him the things you want to teach him.

Have you leash trained him yet? This is EXTREMELY important for a Boxer owner. Have you trained him to mind you on command?

Start now before it's too late. Reward him with treats, or small pieces of cheese when he TRIES and when he gets things right too.

Be sure to call him by his name so he knows you are talking directly to him, capture his eye to eye contact to know you have his attention, and make him stay calm when training and leash training. There is a difference in that and in wildly playing and rough housing around.

If you don't want the playing all the time or at certain times, start the command training now to discontinue the playing except when allowed. Tell him to "settle" and physically make him stop and sit and calm him. Use a soothing, reassuring voice to assure he is loved and all is okay.

Make play times routine at routine times if possible, because dogs have a built in clock and he will know when to play.

Feel free to ask me more but provide the answers I've asked so I can get a full picture to evaluate the problem if it is a problem.

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Dog Food Comparison Tool (Blue holistic pet food)

Blue is a natural, holistic dog food (offers cat food too) that is great, but expensive.

This is a great formula for dog's with food allergies and easily available to most anyone.

Learn how to read a label!

Help For Your Pet's Allergies

Many pet owners don't recognize the signs of allergies in pets. People generally think of sneezing, runny noses and watery eyes as signs of allergies, but many animals with allergies have different clinical symptoms.

By Jennifer Blair , Star Tribune Sales and Marketing-Last update: August 14, 2008 - 3:39 PM

Many pet owners don't recognize the signs of allergies in pets. People generally think of sneezing, runny noses and watery eyes as signs of allergies, but many animals with allergies have different clinical symptoms.

Itching, licking and chewing

Pets with allergies can be extremely itchy and will often lick, scratch and chew at the affected areas until they cause self-trauma and secondary infections. The most common areas include the muzzle, eyes, ears, feet, belly, butt and flanks. Often, pets are brought to the veterinarian with secondary complications such as bacterial and yeast infections. These problems cause further itching and discomfort, and must be treated in addition to addressing the underlying allergies.

Two types of allergies

There are two main types of allergies in dogs and cats. Atopy is sensitivity to environmental allergens such as pollens, dust and molds. A food allergy is an allergy to a specific food item or ingredient. Atopy is more common, but clinical signs for both types of allergens are similar and many animals have a combination of both.

Since allergies can resemble other skin diseases, it is best to consult a veterinarian. Your veterinarian will perform an examination and may recommend several basic diagnostic tests such as skin cytology, skin scrapings or cultures.

Food allergies

Food allergies can develop at any age. To diagnose a food allergy, an elimination diet trial must be performed. A prescription hypoallergenic diet or a diet with a single protein (venison, rabbit, fish, duck) and carbohydrate (potato, sweet potato, pea) is fed exclusively for 8 – 12 weeks. During this time, your pet cannot have any other treats, table scraps, rawhides or flavored medications. If the elimination diet is not fed exclusively, the results will be inconclusive. A decrease in itchiness is considered a positive response, though in pets with both allergy types, this response can be difficult to assess.

Environmental allergies

If a diet change did not help, it is likely that your pet suffers from atopy. The best test available for atopy is the intradermal skin test. This test involves a veterinary dermatologist injecting small amounts of various allergens under your pet's skin and observing whether there is a reaction. A blood test is also available that measures the level of allergen-specific antibodies in the blood stream, but it tends to be less sensitive.

Determining appropriate treatment

Despite the many medications and topical therapies available for the treatment of allergies, no magic treatment exists that works for every pet. Therapy is generally tailored to each individual. All allergic pets should have good flea control, as flea allergies can worsen itching significantly. Pets with mild allergies may be managed with topical therapies alone, including shampoos, conditioners, topical sprays or ointments, and proper ear care. Omega-3 fatty acids are also commonly prescribed.

For moderately allergic patients, antihistamines may be necessary. Examples include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine, hydroxyzine and clemastine. Pets with severe allergies generally need steroid medications or cyclosporine (Atopica) to control their discomfort, though these medications have more serious side effects. It is important to consult your veterinarian prior to giving any medication to your pet, as even over-the-counter medications can have serious side effects.

For atopy that is unresponsive to symptomatic therapy, allergy injections are available. These injections are created from the allergens detected on the intradermal skin test or blood test. Systematically giving these injections helps to desensitize your pet to the offending allergens.

It can be a timely and expensive process to find the appropriate allergy treatment. Ideally, helping your pet avoid the offending allergens is the best strategy. In practice, however, this is often difficult to achieve. There is no cure for allergies. However, using a combination of treatments, most pets can be very comfortable.

Jennifer Blair is a veterinarian and the owner of St. Francis Animal & Bird Hospital in Roseville.

Introducing PETA's ABC Campaign

In the US, homelessness is not just a human problem. U.S. animal shelters must put to death nearly 4 million dogs and cats every year because of simple math: too many animals and not enough worthy adoptive homes. You can help prevent this; it's as easy as ABC—Animal Birth Control!

Never Breed or Buy. Always Adopt. Always Spay and Neuter.

Please join countless other kind people who are practicing animal birth control. Find out how you can help, and please pledge to practice animal birth control.

Every year in the United States, open-admission animal shelters across the nation are forced to put to death roughly half of the 6 million to 8 million unwanted dogs and cats who pour into their overwhelmed facilities. Wonderful, healthy, social, loveable animals lose their lives because of simple math: too many animals and not enough homes.

Every animal bred and born—on purpose or by accident—and every animal purchased from a breeder or a pet shop fills a home that could have taken in a dog or a cat dying for a home at a local shelter. Never breed or buy from breeders or pet stores, and always practice your ABCs—Animal Birth Control—to work toward the goal of a "No-Birth" nation.

The Goal: A 'No-Birth' Nation

The only way to make our communities "no-kill" is to work toward a "no-birth" nation through legislative measures that mandate spaying or neutering unless a proper permit is purchased, with permit revenues used solely to subsidize sterilization surgeries for low-income families and citizens. For a list of jurisdictions that have passed such laws, please click here.

Until people spay and neuter their animals, euthanasia will remain a tragic necessity. No one wants to have to euthanize animals—least of all those who hold the syringe—but every day, animal shelter workers see fates far worse than a humane death: animals who are cruelly killed by mean people; animals who are chained, neglected, and starved; animals who perish on the streets, where they are considered a public health threat and a nuisance; and more.

Be Part of the Solution: Practice Your ABCs!

Sign our pledge saying that you will never buy an animal from a pet store or a breeder and that you will practice your ABCs! If you already have an animal companion in your family from a pet store or breeder, that's OK! Pledge not to buy again and to practice your ABCs!

Be an ABC volunteer! We are looking for volunteers to help citizens make life-saving spay/neuter services a reality for their animals and their communities. If you want to get more involved in your community, e-mail us for more information!

To receive more ideas on how you can help animals, join PETA's Activist Network.

Environmental Green Web Hosting

There are a lot of environmentally green web hosting companies now.

After researching them, some use energy credits and some are solar powered as AISO.net




If we really want to do our part in keeping the environment a better place, safer, and GREENER, why not host our web sites on a GREEN web site?

A Laugh (or maybe two)

Women Threatened With Trespassing Charges

I found this brief, but interesting news item today on the Dog Relections blog, written by Dan.

Women Threatened With Trespassing Charges After Bring Service Dogs To Dunkin' Donuts

Kiersten Niles, who uses a service dog for seizure alert and hearing assistance, says she was refused service at Dunkin’ Donuts in Manchester, New Hampshire last month. Ms. Niles was told that her service dog, Loretta, was not welcome in the store.

After Niles was told to leave with Loretta, she called Judi Bayly, of Assistance Canine Education and Support Inc., an advocate of service dogs. Judi’s dog, Crystal, helps her with mobility and detects health changes. Judi and Kiersten returned to Dunkin’ Donuts together, armed with a brochure showing that state law and the Americans with Disabilities Act grant public access to service dogs assisting persons with disabilities.

Safety and Practical- What More Do You Want?

Ten years ago, my son-in-law and myself, thought of a new dog collar (and leash) that lit up with lights and/or flashing lights so you could see your dog outside at night and walk your dog at dark. Not only is it a great safety precaution- but practical knowing where doggie is in your back yard at night!

Well, guess what? Someone had the same idea and was smarter than us- and manufactured them!

Check out this great doggie sight with any and all collars, leashes, balls and more that light up, flash, blink, glow in the dark and more! Keep Doggie Safe

I could've been rich!

Poop Scoop Business

I found this on article on CummingHome.com which is a great idea for our environment and the latest in trends which is here to stay!

Local Firefighter on a Mission to Provide an Eco-friendly Service for Busy Pet Owners

Originally Published Jul 6, 2008, 10:00am
(Updated Jul 8, 2008, 9:49am)

Forsyth County firefighter, Mike McCarthy, combines his love for animals, serving the community and protecting the environment into a clever business that is “picking up”, after Fido. We’re on Doodie is a full service professional pet waste management “pooper scooper” company servicing Forsyth, Dawson, Fulton, Cobb, Cherokee & Gwinnett counties. McCarthy saw a need for this kind of service while his family was researching, on the internet, ways to decrease their own carbon stamp on the environment. Pet waste can be harmful to our environment and our health if not disposed of properly. As a husband, father and pet owner, McCarthy decided, with his family’s full support, to don a pair of rubber boots, purchase a pooper scooper and jump feet first into being a full fledged ‘entremanure’.

“The fact is, not cleaning up after your pet contaminates your yard or common space and eventually the local water ways”, McCarthy says. “Proper disposal of pet waste is an important responsibility of all pet owners. Unfortunately, our lives are becoming increasingly busier and picking up after the pooch seems to be last on the “To Doo” list”, McCarthy continues. .That’s where We’re on Doodie can help. The company was designed to offer residential and commercial customers an affordable, earth friendly service focused on the nastiest part of pet ownership, scooping the poop. Employing the use of bio-degradable bags, “Doodie Stations” and in ground pet septic systems, We’re on Doodie customizes a plan to deal with your particular pet waste problems.

Customers’ reasons for hiring We’re on Doodie range from being earth conscience, improving the look of their yard or community to improving the health of their family and pets. “We meet with clients, discuss their concerns and develop a customized plan” McCarthy says. “Sometimes that means discussing information that the client did not know, such as the spread of bacteria through the household and the damage pet waste can cause in our rivers and streams”, McCarthy adds. “It feels good to know that what we are doing makes a difference and we take great pride in that”.

We’re on Doodie scoops for residential and commercial clients. “The running joke is that we go where the dogs goes”, says We’re on Doodie owner, Mike McCarthy. “You have to have a pretty good sense of humor to be a pooper scooper, especially being a firefighter. “The guys I work with at the fire department thought I was a bit crazy when I told them about my business plan”. McCarthy, works out of Forsyth County Fire Department Station 2 and oddly enough is a member of the department’s Hazardous Materials Team. Mike says his expertise in handling hazardous materials comes in handy. “I know I don’t want to step in poop or have it anywhere on my body. I make sure to decontaminate all of my equipment before I move on to the next client and myself when the day is over”, McCarthy jokes.

In addition to ridding the Atlanta area of hazardous poop, We’re on Doodie has started a tradition of volunteering time and money to local humane societies and rescue groups. “We are very proud of our efforts to help organizations like the Humane Society of Forsyth & Dawson Counties and Labrador Friends of the South, Inc.,” says McCarthy.

In short, We’re on Doodie is the solution to pet pollution and serves the community with pride.

To contact We're on Doodie, call (770) 780-0072 or visit their website www.wereondoodie.com.

A Collection Of Poems (some very, very, sad)

Last Night

I stood by your bed last night; I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying you found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today; your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today; you tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you; I smiled and said, "it's me."
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
- author unknown

A Dumped Dog's Prayer

Don't close the door! Don't push me away.
Why are you leaving? Don't make me stay.
Slow down the car, I can't keep up.
This pavement is hot and my pads are cut.
I've got to quit running or my heart will pop.
Every muscle is aching. Why don't you stop?
I'm so hungry and thirsty. Darkness is near.
But I shouldn't leave, he will come for me here.
Several weeks have passed, I am dead on my feet.
They call me a nuisance because I eat off the streets.
Every car that passes, I chase it to see
If it's my master coming for me.
Though I approach those that come near
With trust in my eyes and no sign of fear.
With hate in their voices and a cold, heartless stare,
They threaten to kill me - they don't even care.
Batter my body with rocks that they throw,
I will not leave, he will come, don't you know?
Overtaken with weakness, my body is numb.
I'm sick and so lonely. Oh please, let him come!
I will go back where he first threw me out.
I'll wait for him there, he will come, no doubt.
My thoughts are fading. My chest feels like lead.
I'm sleepy, so sleepy - I can't lift my head.
It's so quiet, so peaceful -- all remains still.
There is my master at my home on the hill.
Yes, I can see him, he's calling my name.
His voice is so gentle, his hands are the same.
He decided he wants me. Things will be fine.
I really do love him, that master of mine.
My tail wags with pleasure. I can't catch my breath.
He came in my dreams, but so did my DEATH!!
- author unknown

The Life of a Puppy

This morning, I woke up and kissed my dad's head
I peed on the carpet, then went back to bed
"The life of a puppy, oh my, this is great"
Then I thought about breakfast, "I hope it's not late"

Mom took me outside, we walked for a while
This never fails to make mama smile
I sniffed at everything that we did pass
I ate something weird and it gave me gas

I'm sure God loves me, I know that is true
He gave me so many great things to chew
Rugs, plants or rocks, I really don't care
What I truly like best is dad's underwear

That obedience book was sort of yummy
Though it didn't sit well on my poor puppy tummy
I threw up a bit but that was all right,
When mom found it later, I was well out of sight

I made streamers of T. P. while running at full speed
Mom is pretty quick but I was still in the lead
I flew under the bed and mom flew past
She stopped and shook her head and breathed
"You're too fast"

Mama later phoned daddy and said, "it was frightening!"
That afternoon she was sure I'd pooped lightning
She sat at the computer while I chewed the cord
She thought I was mad but I was just bored

When mama had enough and couldn't take anymore
That's when my tushy got shoved out the door
I love it inside but outside is best
Lay in the cool grass and had a good rest

That didn't last long as there was too much to do
Can't quite remember where I hid daddy's shoe
I found an old bone and scratched at a flea
I watched the dumb squirrels as they jumped in a tree

I barked at the kids when they got off the bus
I can't figure out why this makes mama fuss
I barked at the neighbor, I barked at the wind
I barked and barked, till mom yelled, "Come In"

The sun dipped in the west, soon daddy would come!
I sure love my daddy, we always have fun
I barked at my daddy and then turned on my charms
I woof woofed, "hello," then jumped in his arms

Sitting under the table, it's sooooo hard to wait
Daddy slipped me a goodie right off his plate
I raced through the house and scattered my toys
Ricocheted off the furniture and made lots of noise

Mom found her purse, the one I had abused
Daddy let loose a chuckle
Mom asked "are you amused?"
I cowered down low, I must be in trouble
Dad said, "wasn't my boy, it must be his double!"

Mom turned off the TV and said, "it's time for bed"
Dad said "let's go boy" and patted my head
I got in my spot between mom and dad
I thought about my day and what fun that I had

Mama kicked out my bone from the covers below
Then let loose a sigh, a sigh deep and low
She gave me a kiss and snuggled me tight
And whispered so softly, "my darling, good night"
- author unknown

Boxers' Angels

For those Boxer Babies in the sky
Who have left our loving arms
Don't stop to ask or wonder why
Just know they're free from harm

No pain or fright confronts them now
They've left that all behind
They're embracing joy and freedom
And still live in our minds

Eyes are bright and seeing now
Velvet skin is healed
Legs aren't stiff, and ears can hear
Our love they still can feel

Embrace their memory, hold it tight
Wipe away your tears
The Boxer joy that filled your life
Will last throughout the years

Think of them with happy thoughts
Say a thankful prayer
All those happy Boxer angels
Still know that we care
- author unknown

If It Should Be

If it should be that I grow weak and pain should keep me from my sleep.
Then you must do what must be done, for this last battle can't be won.
You will be sad - - I understand, don't let this grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest, your love for me must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years, what has to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so, the time has come, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend, and please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm, and speak with me, until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see, the kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved, from pain and suffering I've been saved.
Please do not grieve. It must be you who has this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years, don't let your heart hold back its tears.
- author unknown

If I Could…

If.....

I could go back to the day we brought you home I wouldn't even ask your breeders about your flashy brindle already promised litter-sister because I'd know that you
were going to own my heart before supper time that night.

And speaking of that night, if I could go back to the car ride home I wouldn't bother to tell the rest of the family that you were going to be properly trained to sleep in a crate because I'd know that you were going to spend that night and every night for the next six years sleeping next to me on the bed.

If ....

I could go back to the spring after your first birthday. I wouldn't yell about the way you kept digging up the newly planted trees and bushes. The pear tree you dug up and dragged to the front yard at least a dozen times is much taller and bears more fruit than the one you left alone. And the day-lilies you kept dividing produced twice the blooms by the lilies you didn't shred. You were quite a gardener, buddy!

If...

I could go back to the day we brought that kitten home I wouldn't scold you for chasing him. Because I'd know that he was swatting your nose to get you to do it.
By the time he was a year old he wouldn't run when you did want to chase him. Stupid cat.

If....

I could hear you drinking your water again. I wouldn't fuss about how much noise you were making or the mess you made around the water bowl or how often I had to fill it for you because I'd know that a noisy, sloppy, frequent mess was not nearly as depressing as seeing that tidy, quiet corner when I enter the den.

If....

I could hunt you down in the house again I would still laugh when I found you sitting in the bath tub holding a bar of soap in your mouth. You didn't like baths but you sure loved soap!

If....

I could walk into the den and see you curled up in my chair again, I wouldn't crab at you for being there because now I know how much I hate sitting in a cold chair.

If....

I could have one thing I really want for Christmas – I'd have you back. Healthy and whole without the fear that this would be the day, week, or month we'd have to start learning to live without you in our lives. And if I could have two things I really wanted for Christmas. Researchers would unlock the mysteries of BCM so good dogs might not die so damn young.
- author unknown (BCM is Boxer Cardiomyopathy)

I Wish

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you posses.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final
"Good-bye."
-author unknown


If these poems don't make you cry and go hug your dog, then nothing will.