Does he just not like her??

[Dublinsmom]

My boy is a year old now. He has mastered gentle play most of the time with most people. However my daughter has one friend that just seems to bring out the worst in him. I have caught her teasing him on occasion but her family also has a boxer and he is good with kids. I was just wondering is it possible he will just never be nice to her. He hasn't actually done anything other than nip at her, but I worry he may actually bite her one day. He is good with other kids other than occasionally jumping up on them wanting to play. Is there anyone with ideas on how to curb this behavior? For now I just make sure they are never alone in a room together. Don't get me wrong he is very gentle with my kids and seems to know the difference from rough housing with my husband and play with the kids. He also has a soft mouth and hasn't nipped and bit since he was little. He very rarely even mouths anyone unless he's playing with my husband. Any tips or advice are muchly appreciated.

 

[kayboxer]

Well, first, I would definately confront her when you see her teasing him. This may be okay at her house, but I would tell her it is not okay at yours. Some dogs just don't like to be teased like that. That said, I think he also needs to know that this is not acceptable behavior. When you catch him doing that, you need to remove him from the situation and scold him. You are definately right not to leave them alone together. Some dogs just sense things in people that we often can't.

 

[K8IE]

I think dogs can definitely sense when there are kids around that would harm or tease them. He may be sensing that from this child and that is why he acts differently toward her, if he has snapped at her, it very well may be for good reason. I would just keep doing what you are doing and make sure they are always supervised, I always did that when other kids were at my house with our last Boxer Killian even though he NEVER had any issues, I still supervised. I also do the same with Cooper. You just never know what some kids think is OK to do to a dog, and all dogs have their limits.

 

[Dublinsmom]

Thanks I feel better now.... I will keep supervising at all times.

 

[BonnyBoxer]

My late boxer 'Molly' was an absolute angel with all kids. Even when my young cousins came over and would hang themselves all over her she was as good as gold.

One day when we were out on a walk, we bumped into two small kids who lived two doors away from us. These kids tried to stroke her but Molly just started growling and showing her teeth. Luckily I had her on the lead and just pulled her away but I could sense that she was really unhappy with these two kids.

Anyway, I didnt see the kids again for a while until one day the two kids walked up to the front door, and I am not kidding but Molly nearly went through the front window. She was barking as if there was an intruder and growling so ferociously. It was scarey.

She really did not like these kids. I have a theory that they have seen her by the window a few times and teased her, and she never forgot about that. Dogs can definetly sense when a kid does not have good intentions.

Definetly watch the kid though. Your dog is obviously giving her very strong warning signs.

Lucy