Expert: Jannie Balliett - 11/17/2008

Question
We have two Boxers. Our first is four years old, a male who is such a loving and wonderful family pet and we couldn't ask for better.... except we had some really mean next door neighbors about a year ago and they have since moved but have turned my friendly boxer into the protector of our fence line and perimeter of our house.  He will charge the fence and threaten to bite and has even nipped at people who approach the fence. Once you are in the yard he is still nervous and unsure about what he is supposed to do and sometimes when people try to exit the yard or house is when he trys to nip them. How do I put a stop to this because he is not a mean dog I actually think he gets scared.

Answer
Yes, the mean neighbors provoked this behavior.

Now you have work ahead of you to change it back.

Stay outside with him when he is out, and have a leash on him but allow him to run loose with leash attached to collar, and each time the behavior appears; charging the fence, etc., reprimand him and grab him leash and tug.

Every time you tug his leash and tell him "no" and verbally reprimand him in a stern voice (no shouting or yelling because that causes more excitement)pull his leash and him away from the fence line.

Continue this each and every time until his behavior changes. It shouldn't take more than a few weeks if you are diligent.

Do the same when you have company in the house and he charges upon their arrival or departure.

Wherever and whenever he behaves this way, use the leash tugging method with easy to understand verbal reprimands, and stay consistent with those words and actions.