Expert: Jannie Balliett - 9/18/2010

Question
Hi Jannie,
First off THANK YOU for your time/work, for animals and Boxer dogs.
I have 3 dogs, a 5 yr old male boxer, a 9 yr old beagle and another really
old female beagle who may not be with us too much longer due to old age.

Once and a while the boys (male Boxer and male Beagle) get into a fight
and I break it up. I think it's a jealousy thing, I don't know bc I rescued the
boxer 'after' I already had my beagle, and their both males? I don't know.

A friend of my husband has a 2 year old female Boxer his family has no
time for any longer and asked my husband if we could take her, that they
want someone like 'us' to give her to b/c they see how we are with our
dogs. I know if I were to just go see her I would take her (out of
selfishness) in a second! Which is why I haven't gone to see her, I'm trying
to do the right thing here, meaning the right thing for 'our' dogs, and find
out from someone who knows more about this. My Boxer is VERY attached
to me and I'm with them 27/7, he never ever leaves my side, even going to
the bathroom in the middle of the night he's right there. He also does NOT
like my husband hugging me, he barks at him (he'd never hurt him) non-
stop when we stop hugging then my Boxer gets on top of me (between
us). I figured it's b/c he has separation anxiety (rescued from the shelter).
There's lots more to tell you about his attachment to me but I think you
get what I'm saying. Also, he loves my husband. He's attached to him as
well but with me,,,it's like he doesn't want 'anyone' messing with his girl,
it's weird. My first Boxer so lots to learn about Boxers personality and
behavior. Since he also sleeps with us, I think it might be a problem if we
take in our friends dog if she tries to get close to me too. Will he be willing
to share me? I see you're very familiar with Boxers so any help you can
send my way is greatly appreciated as well as rate your answer.
Maybe they wont fight bc males and females don't fight, or is that not true?

Thank you,
Cindy

Answer
No, your Boxer will not allow her into the pack because of his jealousy-- you have to know exactly how to control the jealousy, separation anxiety, and socialization of the entire pack in order to introduce another into the pack.

This has not been done. You have allowed your Boxer to bond in a unhealthy manner to the point he believes you are his entire world and his life depends on you-- instead of being independent and in an order within a pack.

Help your friend find a loving home for her-- maybe another Boxer owner that wants to add a second Boxer.

Call the Boxer rescues-- vets, Boxer breeders and get leads. Place free ads Online with local.com and kiji,com and craigslist.org.