12 week old growling

[aaronyarm]

Hi All,

well boxer ownership is going well so far - we have learnt some basic commands, he has received all his shots - and is a true joy (especially as one of my colleagues who has a boston terrier the same age told me he dreads going home, I just cant wait)
I have noticed tonight a couple of times he was trying to mouth/light bite my hand and seemed to growl. He is very vocal when he plays, but not sure if this was a play growl (if that makes sense)
I try to practice NILIF methods and if for example he is on the couch and does this I take him off the couch when he does it (i.e. lose a benefit).
I find saying no in a firm method just seems to escalate the situation (i.e. he gets more excited, so I use signs such as pointing etc...)
He was biting at the trousers and I followed the advice on here and times him out for 30 seconds (took a week of doing this) but no more biting at the trousers.
Could this be dominance, and if so what is the best thing to do about it?
any help as always would be greatly appreciated.

regards

 

[Sansal]

No, not dominance, he is just a wild boxer puppies, wanting to play and not knowing what any boundries are. This will probably continue for a good while, so get ready no need to be concerned about the growling either, puppies are very vocal. Is he getting enough exercise/off leash playing time? I would encourage you to look for a puppyplaygroup in your area. It's a great way to socialize him and also a good way to get to know a training facility. Continue with the short time outs- you might have to repeat over and over but he will eventually learn. You can also redirect him with toys, playing tug etc. Keep us posted and feel free to come back with more questions.

 

[brucemcq]

Been There!

My boy just turned one so I know what you're talking about. Fortunately it is just a phase, and I agree with redirecting attention. I think with biting it's important to let them know you're not happy about it. I would say ouch and walk away, then I would tell him to go get his toy and he'd come back running with his rope toy. Sometimes I don't mind mouthing but he is more than happy to switch to a toy if I tell him to. Likewise with feet sometimes I just took that opportunity to start a small training session. Good luck! It will pass

 

[aaronyarm]

great - thanks for the help -
The vet said that he can start to go walking now, so that has released some of the energy, re the playing inside he gets plenty, people play with him all the time.

Are the time outs the best way to teach the boundaries?

 

[brodieboxer]

You sound like you're doing a great job so far! Can you enroll your pup in a puppy class? That would help a lot. If he gets nippy again (very common in boxers!), you could Google "The Bite Stops Here", which gives some good tips for stopping this. It sounds like your time outs are working well. Boxers hate to be ignored, so they can be pretty effective!

Boxers "talk". My 5 year old boxer still does this, especially when he's excited right before going outside and before eating. I give him a loud "tssshhhh" sound, and I make sure he's quiet before he gets to go outside or eat. They'll even make a "woo-woo" sound sometimes - hilarious!