Abnormal behavior or 'normal' boxer/puppy behavior?

[LittleB]

Hello!

Our 9 week old male has some odd behaviors (well, odd to us!). We are wondering if they are normal puppy/boxer behavior or if we should be concerned. Please don't laugh if my questions are silly Haven't had a dog in YEARS and this is our very first boxer.

1.) when he sits, he never sits completely down all the way on his butt. It is like he is sitting up on his back legs (if that makes sense). Do all dogs do this?

2.) he gnaws and bites his back leg HARD-like it is attacking him or hurting him or something. We can't find anything 'wrong' with it (a scratch or sore, fleas, etc). Normal behavior?

3.) We think he has an identity crisis. He thinks he is a cat!! He pounces and paws like a feline LOL! I've already read that this is normal boxer behavior..I find it hilarious!!

 

[Louise501]

Hello!

Our 9 week old male has some odd behaviors (well, odd to us!). We are wondering if they are normal puppy/boxer behavior or if we should be concerned. Please don't laugh if my questions are silly Haven't had a dog in YEARS and this is our very first boxer.

1.) when he sits, he never sits completely down all the way on his butt. It is like he is sitting up on his back legs (if that makes sense). Do all dogs do this?

2.) he gnaws and bites his back leg HARD-like it is attacking him or hurting him or something. We can't find anything 'wrong' with it (a scratch or sore, fleas, etc). Normal behavior?

3.) We think he has an identity crisis. He thinks he is a cat!! He pounces and paws like a feline LOL! I've already read that this is normal boxer behavior..I find it hilarious!!

Lol, yes it's all prety much normal, except the leg biting, I don't know why he is doing that! maybe take him to be checked over at the vet? Ruby is 18 months and still sits like that, sort of over to the side! The cat like behaviour is called jackhammering, again Ruby loves to do this too!

 

[Bodiesmom]

Yep. Bodie sits on his legs/feet, not on his rear. If he is sitting at attention he'll sit right on top of them. If he is sleepy or plans to stay awhile he'll sit to the side.

Bodie often looks like a cat. He stretches like a cat, pounces on his toys/other dogs like a cat, he plays using his paws like a cat-he'll grab his toys in his paws. Instead of chasing dogs at the dog park he'll crouch down and wait for them to come back and then pounce! He is really a funny boy!

I agree that the leg biting isn't normal. I'd ask the vet when you go for your pup's next shot. I assume he has plenty of chew toys?

 

[LittleB]

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, he has plenty of chew toys. He doesn't do the leg biting thing often...maybe once a day but he really goes at it. I'll def. have the vet check him over at the next visit.

 

[rvngal]

Rocky not only sits off to the side but he wants to lean on things. The leg thing, I don't know,...but I see mine trying to bite the end of his tail, but he is so muscular and clumpsy that he can't reach it and it seems like he is biting his leg. I always have to scratch it for him. My Vet says that when dogs tails are docked they sometimes get this itchy type feeling in the docked area that comes on suddenly and thats why they try and relieve it by biting. Maybe thats it...I would still consult your Vet though.

 

[miri_tx]

Your post made me grin.

Millie (13 wks) never lets her bottom touch the floor or the ground unless she is tired, which is when she sits "side saddled". She usually just sits on her "heels" as I call them.

As for biting, I'm not sure about that one... Millie does it, but it's more like she's grooming herself when she does it and not "attacking" herself as you put it. Ask your vet about that one.

And the cat behavior! LOL That's normal (and very cute!)

 

[Lola's mum]

Yup as others have said all normal boxer stuff

 

[Alex C.]

What are you feeding him? I've heard that gnawing on a leg or so, could *possibly* be allergies.

 

[sargejimenez]

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, he has plenty of chew toys. He doesn't do the leg biting thing often...maybe once a day but he really goes at it. I'll def. have the vet check him over at the next visit.

Sarge does this I think its alergies. Sometimes he really goes to town on his feet! I have to yell at him to stop! He's just scratchen a good itch

 

[Teagan'smom]

... Instead of chasing dogs at the dog park he'll crouch down and wait for them to come back and then pounce! He is really a funny boy!


That is so funny! Teagan crouches down when other dogs are walking close by also! I think it makes other dog owners get nervous like she is going to attack their dog, so we always tell them she is friendly. We call her our little lion, because she totally looks like a lion that is trying to sneak up on its prey in the tall grass. Except when Teagan does it there is no grass to hide in!!! She cracks us up!