Dog Health Questions: Is dog training worth it? I'm desperate!?

We are very borderline on getting rid of our 1 and a half year old boxer. Although she listens to my husband, as soon as he leaves, she starts barking at me, she won't listen and if she is left out of her cage, she completely tears the house up. She even ran away the other day and was picked up by animal control. She is a very nice dog (not at all aggressive).

Also she went to a puppy obedience class when she was younger and she learned how to sit, stay come, etc. etc. But can further training classes help her or are there things I can just do?

A Little About Dog Training

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There are dog trainers who specialize in "difficult" dogs; I would check the Yellow Pages in your area or search on the net. Generally, these trainers work one-on-one with both you and the dog. It sounds as though your dog has learned to treat your husband as the "alpha" dog in the pack (your family), and to treat you as "bottom of the heap". The trainer will show you how to assert your dominance over the dog and change the pecking order.

Dog Training Tips - Equipment Needed

• It not only trains you, but also the dog.


• Yes, if you want to keep the dog.


• One thing to understand about dogs: even tho' they are slow learners, they are fast forgetters.
  
  The major thing that will be corrected is this matter of who is in charge. Provided that YOU take the dog to a training class and not your husband.
  Even tho' My Lab is a titled Master Hunter, we train about four days a week so that he will stay a Master Hunter. Training starts the day you bring a puppy home and continues through the dogs entire life.


• If you get National Geographic, start watching "Dog Whisperer" with Cesar Millan.. You can even go watch episodes at their website : http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/ch…
  
  He shows people how their dogs think and changes behavior almost immediately. Most people are right on here. Your boxer is considering herself as the alpha dog over you. Your emotions and body language show a great deal to her. Watch some shows of Cesar's and you'll start getting an idea.


• if you would really like to keep the dog, what's the harm in trying ... a well trained dog can uplift your spirit and can be a really good companion. give it a shot...


• Yes, if you love your dog. Do you have cable? If so you should watch Ceaser Millon, The Dog Whisper. Or get his book. That will help you.
  
  Your dog doesn't see you as the alpha female. You need to establish that you are the alpha and she is the subordinate.
  
  Good luck.


• Training is a must. And the training is to train YOU, not the dog. You have to learn how to understand your dog using doggie psychology and not human psychology. No offense, but it's your fault your dog is this way. I learned the hard way myself, and later than I should have. It only gets worse if you don't train your dog and learn how to do it. Daily routine: 1. Exercise 2. Discipline 3. Affection (Dog Whisperer)
  
  What helped me was to speak in a firm and deep voice w/ a command, meaning no high pitches, and don't give a command as though your asking a question. Your dog does not see you as the Alfa leader. Alfa leaders get the better meal, eat first, walk through the door first, get in the car first, sit on the better seat (while they remain on the floor), sleep in the better bed, etc. As for tearing up the house, the dogs got a lot of energy and needs long walks and playtime. Get a bunch of toys to stimulate the dog. Once he's bored buy new ones and alternate and join in on playtime to build a positive bond. It's good to give a command and if they listen, the reward is playtime with you. The dog is also feeling your anxiety and reacting to it.


• I'm sorry to hear of your dilemma. YES, additional training may be necessary. BUT dogs do look at one person over another as the leader as in ALPHA dog type things. I have five dogs and my Rotti is the alpha dog. BUT they ALL listen to me better than they do my wife. Even HER DOG listens better to me than it does her. I think you should look at additional training as in advanced courses.


• yes well if she was dog trained years ago were you with your husband when the do g was being trained if you were ma by its because you need to practice with her while your in separate rooms so she can know your both in control.


• A boxer is a breed that should only be owned by experienced dog people for this very reason. This dog knows that she is in charge, not you. You, not your husband, need to take this dog to obedience classes so they can teach you how to train her. If you could teach the dog that you are pack leader she wouldn't need classes, but I really think you need help to save this dog. You say she's not aggressive, but you need to teach her right now that she's not the leader before she becomes totally uncontrollable.


• Of course training is worth it. Obviously not continuing training hasn't been worth it!
  
  Do a search for a good dog trainer...not just a regular obedience trainer....
  
  Might be the dog is bored. You need to become the leader, and exercise and play games with it.
  
  Boxers are quite high drive