Expert: Lindsey - 1/26/2009

Question
I have a boxer and she is about 11 months old. She is the most loving and sweet dog, she doesnt ever do this to me but every so often i'll have company and she'll be kissing them and fine and all of a sudden if they look at her a certain way or something she gets nervous and starts growling at them. She has never bitten anyone and everybody thinks it's funny but i'm worried that one day she might bite them. I was wondering if it was eye contact or what could be causing her to all of sudden get nervous?

Answer
Hi Brooke,
It could be the eye contact, or it could be that she is nervous or something startled her.  Not knowing enough about the situation to really give you a definite answer i would just say to watch her closely during those times.  Pick up on her body language, is she stiff, is her tail wagging or is it sticking straight up?

They may think its cute or funny but you still need to reprimand her during that situation so she does not learn to think that that kind of behavior is acceptable. Make sure she is slowly and properly introduced to company, too many people at once can be overwhelming for any dog, let alone a young puppy.

Just continue to watch her to find out what triggers her and if you pick up on any more information feel free to ask me again and include what you have learned.