Expert: Jannie Balliett - 4/14/2010

Question
we have got a 3 year old boxer ***** yesterday, she is so cute. She lived on a farm with 2 other boxer dogs but she was the one that was picked on so they had to get rid so another couple re-homed her but they only had her for 4 weeks and they two had to re-home her due to work. We have her now and even thou she is only been her 24 hours she is so good, the only problem we have is she will not sleep down in the kitchen as the other couple let her sleep in there room which is a No way for us, i no she is just settling in to her new home, but tonight is the night she we be staying in the kitchen, the other thing is she hates other dogs as we find out today with my partners dogs but we controlled the situation, just wondering if anyone can help and give us sum new information please thanks a million

Answer
She is 3 years old. She is accustomed to sleeping in the bedroom with her owners. And, being re-homed again, and then again, causes insecurities and anxieties.

You cannot expect her to be comfortable with a new environment and a new place of sleeping.

As far as the other dogs, she doesn't hate them, she is trying to establish her dominance so she will not get picked on like before. She simply wants to let the other dogs she is not a push over.

You have to supervise her with other dogs and do not allow her to be aggressive, but only to protect herself. Once she is accustomed to them, all will be alright.

I suggest you get her a really comfy bed for her to sleep on in the room you want her to sleep in. Or, allow her in your bedroom in a cornet on her dog bed.