Can a boxer be too friendly?

[jimseabee]

Dakota is 4 now, and is super protective of the DW and the home, car where ever he is with his family or extended family except for my SIL, he does not like him. :D

Dakota only barks when someone come near the home, comes to the door.
I believe he would attack someone who broke in.

Yes they are super friendly to everyone, (you are with them and everyone they meet is a friend) but as they get older, they become more protective, well at least Dakota is.

 

[jimseabee]

How old is Wickett? He may become a bit more wary or strangers when he gets a little older. I have found though, that with most boxers, strangers are just friends that they haven't met yet. It really sounds to met that you need to teach Wickett to walk nicely on a leash. Maybe a Gentle Leader or an Easy Walk Harness would help, while you did that.

Good luck!

yes the easy walk harness is a life saver, (no more choking) and a 6 ft strong leather leash. Dakota is 90 lbs and can pull you down the street if he wanted to. the harness pulls them back into you and makes it difficult for them to pull against it.

 

[Skywalker]

One of the things that I have found most interesting about having a puppy is seeing the stages of development. At six months our boy was also happy go lucky and wasn't the least bit protective etc....now at 14 months he is acutely aware of what is happening around him, noises in the house, animals in the garden and he now barks when hes not happy ie he can hear the neighbours talking outside or a rabbit has dared to come into our back yard!! It is very funny to see new developments and I'm sure your young one will change too, make the most of the puppy time!!

 

[wicket]

Your pup wouldnt be luke, as in luke skywalker would he?

One of the things that I have found most interesting about having a puppy is seeing the stages of development. At six months our boy was also happy go lucky and wasn't the least bit protective etc....now at 14 months he is acutely aware of what is happening around him, noises in the house, animals in the garden and he now barks when hes not happy ie he can hear the neighbours talking outside or a rabbit has dared to come into our back yard!! It is very funny to see new developments and I'm sure your young one will change too, make the most of the puppy time!!

 

[Skywalker]

Well he was actually named Luke by the breeder and had a brother named Duke. When we picked him we decided that Luke actually suited him so didn't re-name him. So when joining here I decided he could be a skywalker....maybe our next boxer will be Obi-Wan or chewbacca !!!

 

[wicket]

haha thats great, We want another pup eventually and gonna name him teebo. To have wicket and teebo, both ewok buddies!

 

[Elphaba]

I'm also going to say the real problem lies in the dog walking on leash. No dog should be pulling you anywhere unless you ask them to. Teaching leash manners is essential.

Please do not use a halti or gentle leader. They can easily cause injuries, especially with an inexperienced handler. Dogs aren't built like horses. Now, that being said, they do have their uses, just like any other piece of equipment. They're good for socializing reactive dogs. There are other uses too, but it's not the first thing to try here. And easywalk harness may work. But just teaching the dog to heel or walk on a loose leash would be the best long-term solution. I use a martingale not only for the safety aspect (no slipped collars), but als for the check action. I prefer the ones that are nylon and chain, but primarily because my boy looks stunning in black and silver I don't use the martingale for the check action much with Gavroche (there are occasions...he's not perfect) but I still use it as a safety device.

I taught my dog that if I'l holding the harness, it means pull. If I have the collar, it means don't pull. When we go for hikes I hook the leash to the martingale on one side and the harness on the other end (euro/multi function lead). That way he can pull, which he loves on occasion, but I can slow him down with the martingale if I have to.

 

[Skywalker]

haha thats great, We want another pup eventually and gonna name him teebo. To have wicket and teebo, both ewok buddies!

hadn't made the connection that yours is named after Wicket the Ewok, excellent! Star wars boxers are fab

 

[Darbysmom1]

Couple things

First he is really young I would be more concerned if my 6 month old was showing signs of aggression. Every male I have had although very sweet and kind has shown a protective instinct when it comes to his family, house ect.. also most of my females although I have had some that are not at all protective of anything but my children. This being said my guys are not protective at all if my husband is around but when I take them walking alone and there is a guy approaching they normally get a little protective. I would work on his walking manners now is the best time to train him before he gets older. I would not worry about it at all I am sure he will begin to show protective signs in about a year. Congratulations on your baby and enjoy!

 

[bmwgardner]

Can a boxer be too friendly?

I agree that it will come with age. Also, our guy never acted that way towards people until someone startled me real bad one night and he went to bite the "supposed" intruder. My dog knew I was upset and acted appropriately. Nonetheless, he hadn't never done that before to anyone.

I do recommend finding a trainer who can help you manage him on a leash however. If he does get upset by someone you need to make sure you can control him.

Best of luck to you.