Expert: Jannie Balliett - 11/16/2009

Question
My boxer is 6months old. The problem is she plays ruff with my 5 yo son. Problem is they weight is the same amount. And my dog knows that she can over power him. What is the best way to break her of this without being too strick.  

Answer
Your Boxer is a puppy, and puppies play rough and tough, they are taught by momma to be "big, bad, Boxers."

Since the puppy knows no better, then you will have to teach him/her what is acceptable play, and what is not.

Buy a loud, obnoxious sounding whistle.

Each time the puppy plays too rough, blow the whistle and verbally reprimand the pup in a calm, stress-free voice.

Remove the puppy from the situation, and when the pup plays again- continue this if the puppy plays too rough.

The pup will learn the sound of the whistle to the behavior by association.

Be sure to teach the pup appropriate play so not to discourage the puppy from playing with your son at all.