Boxer stands over my 2-year-old, but doesn't threaten her

[Indiana Jen]

We are new boxer owners; we've had Sugar for 5 weeks, from boxer rescue. She's a little over a year old, spayed by the rescue people, and a sweetheart with all five of us. We have three girls, ages 8, 6, and 2.

Our two-year-old just loves on Sugar, hangs on her, plays with her paws and lips, and Sugar tolerates her enthusiasm with a look that says, "Okay... I'm hanging in here..." No sign at all of any aggression with the kids or with us.

However, when our two-year-old lies on the ground, Sugar stands over her. Is this a dominance behavior? We've read about how to establish the hierarchy of the pack, and we can do something about it if it's a problem. But we aren't sure if Sugar is protecting our child? Or subtly trying to show her dominance over her?

Our 1-year-old niece came to visit last weekend, and Sugar did the same thing with her. No aggression, very tolerant, but then stood over her when my niece lay on the ground. So what's she telling us when she stands over a child?

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

More than likely it is a sign that the dog is being protective of the child. If it were "dominance" one would expect at least a growl or some warning from the dog.

That being said, however, it is my belief that one should NEVER allow a dog to stand over you under any circumstances. This could just be asking for trouble later. Especially a child. When the dog does this, I would suggest calling the dog to you, reward and praise for coming to you when called, and then distract the dog with a toy or some other activity. Do not let the child(ren) lie down to play with the dog. Childen need to be taught how to properly play and interact with dogs as well as the dogs need to know how to properly play with small children. And of course, children and dogs should always be under careful, close supervision always when playing together.

Hope this helps.

 

[doggiestyle]

I would agree that it is a protective thing, otherwise there would most likely be a warning growl. A lovely family that bought two of my puppies out of the last litter, had a small fire in their living room early hours of the morning, one of these pups (now 8 months old) woke the household to alert them, everything worked out fine luckily, but since then if the younger kids happen to lie on the floor next to the fireplace (which is where the fire originated) this particular bitch gets off her comfortable couch and stands over that child until they eventually move then she returns to her seat. I don't think anyone could fault the boxer initiative and inner senses. Supremely smart and damned loyal family dogs.
Di
Tiger, Tayla and Bear (all reds with black masks)
http://www.doggiestyle.co.nz