Expert: Angela Donald - 6/28/2010

Question
I have a 2.5 year old male Boxer (Yuri) who has begun showing aggression to any one not in the family. Due to a knee injury I had to bring in a dog walker (as I don't have any family help)and I'm sure he was hit by the walker. The Dog walker has since left and Yuri will not accept another walker. What can I do to change this situation? I am aware it could be difficult to change this behavior.

Answer
Hi Inez,

There are a few things you might try, first consider a dog walker of the opposite sex than the one you had. Continue to interview dog walkers until Yuri accepts one, he will let you know, dogs have an uncanny way about people and are usually a good judge of character. Second, try having your guests come in your home without touching, talking to and no eye contact with Yuri, have them come in and totally ignore the dog and sit down without acknowledging him. Give your guest some dog treats to give him once he has calmed down and approaches them. He may soon learn that visitors are a good thing, he gets treats! This may rehabilitate his fear of people which can be over come with persistence and patience. I would not let my guests pet him during this training phase, when this training phase is over only allow visitors to pet him on his shoulder or chest as petting on the head could trigger the aggression.You should consider putting a leash on him before letting your visitors in, let the leash drag the floor and use it only to correct him if he tries to act aggressive. If you hold the leash before letting them in you may unknowingly trigger the aggression by tight tension on the leash, you need to be calm as possible because he will pick up on your energy. I personally do not let my boxers go to the door when I allow my visitors to come in, I make the boxers sit back away from the door at least three feet and do not allow them to cross that barrier while answering the door. I have no problem with them alerting me to visitors but when I go to the door I follow the above protocol. If this training doesn't help please have your vet take a look at him to rule out any underlying medical conditions and consider neutering him. If this aggression has just started since you hurt your knee, Yuri may be picking up on your debilitated injury and trying to protect you or it very well could have been the dog walker, thyroid conditions can also cause sudden aggression in dogs. Good luck and thank you for your question.

Angela Donald
Canine Behavior Consultant
Hi-Tower Boxers
http://www.hitowerboxers.com