Expert: Jannie Balliett - 2/18/2009

Question
Hi Janine, I have had male boxers and now have my first bitch.  She is desexed and is 1 year old.  I find that when I walk her and my 4 year old male boxer together, my bitch can become quite agresive to other dogs - no matter what sex, size or breed.  When I walk her on her own, she is completely the opposite.  Is this normal bitch behaviour.  I am putting it down to protectiveness.  She has been well socailsed, obedience trained and well looked after.

Answer
Did you get her at 1 year old?

If so, you don't know the history up to that age... it could have been she wasn't trained not to be aggressive to other dogs, etc.

She loves and accepts the male Boxer as her playmate/brother. They will fight once in awhile, but usually the male will let her have her way at all times; i.e. eat first, get attention first, etc.

As far as being aggressive with other dogs, it is a protective aggressiveness and a territorial aggressiveness. She is an alpha personality.

When you walk them, walk her on a leash and harness. This gives you better control of her.

Buy a dog whistle or loud obnoxious sounding whistle. Maybe a coach whistle.

When she barks and becomes aggressive on the walks, blow the whistle loudly, tug on her leash back to you, and verbally reprimand her in a stern voice. Use easy to understand commands and terms and be consistent with them.

Then tell her in a friendly, reassuring voice that they are "friends."

The word "friends" should become second nature to her soon and associated with other dogs.

Continue this for a month and see if it has worked and praise her after she sees a dog and doesn't bark and become aggressive with a treat each time.