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About Jannie Balliett
Expertise
I can answer any questions a Boxer owner might have concerning genetics, breeding, gestation, whelping, personality, character traits, health, needs and requirements, and family dynamics, including aggression and behavioral issues, including other pets in the household. I can help with aggression modification.
PLEASE RATE MY ANSWER. I RESEARCH AND DONATE MY TIME FOR THE CAUSE OF ALL BOXERS' WELL BEING.
Experience
I have over ten years as a owner and breeder, early training, and behavior modification.
Organizations
Boxerworld.net, Boxers Breeders Association, Boxer Rescue Austin Chapter,
Education/Credentials
Boxer owner, breeder, and trainer.
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You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Dog Breeds > Boxers > aggression
Boxers - aggression
Expert: Jannie Balliett - 11/5/2009
Question
I have a 7.5month old boxer pup who is an absolute delight to have. I also have 2 girls aged 6 and 8 and she adores them both. I also have a 5 year old grandson and my dog has never liked him. from day 1 of my bringing her home she has growled at him, snarled at him and at the weekend she actually bit his hand.
She is well socialized and i live on a small holding with chickens and ducks etc that although she chased initially she now virtually ignores. My girls have other children to the house and she has always been fine with them but she can be awful with my grandson.
He is scared of dogs and has a high squeaky voice and is of mixed race and she just does not seem to cope with him being around at times. Other times she is fine with him but I obviously can not tolerate the biting. It is so out of character for her as she is so lovely with anyone else and i was always told that boxers are fabulous dogs to have with children. Please help.
dawn
Answer
It is highly unusual for a Boxer to bite a child or not get along fabulously with all kids of all ages.
There could be a few variety of things going on here- or a combination of them.
The grandson, regarding of his age and ethnicity, might have harmed her when you didn't see it- which magnified a dislike due to being afraid of your grandson, and thus, being aggressive.
When dogs are afraid or feel threatened, they have but one mechanism: to be aggressive as a bluff.
Whether the dog is a delight and mild-mannered or not, in a pack in the wild (in nature) a dog must be aggressive and defend himself- and he must be aggressive even if it is a bluff. That is how the pack socializes- the order of things. And to maintain their position in the pack- they must be on guard, even if needing to be aggressive. Just like men in a prison act tough in order to get respect. Same with dogs and their pack.
Domesticated dogs' pack is their people family, and of course other dogs in the family.
The squeaky-sounding voice and the age of 5, make it a bit intimidating to your Boxer girl. But, I believe your grandson, whether intentional or not, hurt the Boxer girl and she has not forgotten it.
The only thing you can do is keep your grandson away from her and if brave, sit and introduce him to her. Supervised.
I suggest your leash her and maintain control of her. Then, in a soothing and soft, reassuring voice, introduce your grandson to her- but be sure to teach your grandson what is acceptable and what is not. He must know with no uncertain terms that she can bite him. If he is too afraid of her and dogs in general- just keep them apart.
Dogs can smell and sense fear- and use it those against the scared and fearful opponent. Unfortunately, this time, it is your grandson.
Your Boxer girl is only acting natural. But you can maybe use a whistle and verbal reprimands to modify her behavior and what is acceptable to you and what is not-- obviously, being aggressive to a child is not.
Each time you think she is on the verge of becoming aggressive, or does, blow the whistle and verbally reprimand her in a calm and stern voice with easy-to-understand commands.
If necessary, leash her and remove her from the scene of the behavior. Be sure to talk to your grandson too about being gentle with her- or leaving her alone for his sake.
I don't think she will hurt him per se, but best to be safe than sorry- so behavior modification is in order for both the Boxer girl and your grandson.
Sometimes, as in people, some personalities just don't jive- and for reasons we cannot put our finger on- we do not like someone. Same in animals.
Good luck and let me know how it is working out for you in a follow up.
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