Expert: Jannie Balliett - 6/14/2011

Question
Hello, my fiance and I just adopted a 1 yr old male boxer from a rescue org. and he is fixed. We have had him for two days and he has had diarrhea since he has come home.  He is housebroken and crate trained, but has had accidents both nights he is in his crate. Is he defacating in his crate because of the diarrhea or because he isnt properly trained? How can I stop the diarrhea.  Also, at our home he is very friendly to friends and family that have come over, but when we take him in the car or to petco he growls with his hair up and teeth showing at anyone who approaches him. He is very sweet and they said he was the most social dog they had but I am seeing a more intense side to him outside of the home. We love the dog but do not want a possibly violent boxer, can we treat this or is it just nerves from being in a new home?

Answer
You have to remember-- he is a rescue. Do you know his history? If not, there is no telling what baggage he carries.

Since he has diarrhea, I recommend taking him to your vet. He needs a complete check-up anyway and the food that you feed him now might be different than what he has been eating and the diet change causes diarrhea. But, it could be something serious and better for a vet to check to be sure.

As far as his growling and teeth showing-- you need to remember, he is in a new environment, and changes are traumatic for him especially not knowing his baggage-- he needs to get used to you and family and his new house and environment BEFORE taking him out in public and BEFORE allowing people to come over.

Give him adequate time to become accustomed to his new surroundings and family and become secure. Vet only, and fenced back yard for now-- only.