I am becoming very concerned about my boxer that is a year and 3 months old. I am afraid he is becoming seriously aggressive and don't know why. He runs up at people when off his leash from his yard, he acts like he would bite them. I told him no, harshly several times then tried to catch him. He bit at me. Another time, my son (21) was trying to get him to "pen-up" and he bit at him when he tried to grab his collar. Also, he acts as if he is biting at my grandson. Yesterday my friend came up to the car to pet him and he lunged at her face and missed as she closed the door (she is a stranger to him but I was with her). He continued to lunge as vicious as I have ever seen, after the door was closed. My son says I should get rid of him before he bites my grandson seriously. I love him and he is so affectionate but is scaring me. Help!
more agression
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mancin
Boxer Insane
Have you had this dog since he was a puppy? How well was he socialized? Is he only aggressive w/ people or is he aggressive w/ other dogs as well?
I would not let your dog off leash in your yard if there's not a fence, which it sounds like there isn't one if he's charging up to people. He could cause serious injury to someone, and I don't think you want that.
Has he always had this type of aggression but it's been getting worse, or is this a recent occurrance?
When he has tried to bite you and other people, did he first give you a warning growl, or did the snap come out of no where?
Have you tried to consult a trainer or behaviorist? This is a serious problem and if it's not taken care of, it can get much worse.
I wish I had better advice for you, but I personally don't have experience dealing w/ aggressive dogs.
I would not let your dog off leash in your yard if there's not a fence, which it sounds like there isn't one if he's charging up to people. He could cause serious injury to someone, and I don't think you want that.
Has he always had this type of aggression but it's been getting worse, or is this a recent occurrance?
When he has tried to bite you and other people, did he first give you a warning growl, or did the snap come out of no where?
Have you tried to consult a trainer or behaviorist? This is a serious problem and if it's not taken care of, it can get much worse.
I wish I had better advice for you, but I personally don't have experience dealing w/ aggressive dogs.
I have had my boxer since he was 9 weeks old. He is not aggressive to other dogs just people. My daughter encourages him to be protective, like when he hears something at the door, he goes and barks and she tells him "good boy". He always minds her and has never bit at her. The guy at the gas pump he would tear to pieces if he could get to him--the man yesterday had a hood on and a beard. He has done that before to a person that looked that way. Maybe protecting his car? I am just a little afraid. Should I muzzle him in public or get him in an obedience class? He is very smart and can sit, stay, lay down, but doesn't come to me if he is outside when I call him he will ignore me and won't even let me catch him.
Cami
Boxer Insane
It's ok for your dog to alert you to noises outside but your daughter needs to stop reinforcing that behavior by telling him "good boy". It's your job to protect your dog, not the other way around. It seems as if he thinks that he is the alpha and must protect the family and it's posessions. This is a full time, stressful job and one that he does not need to have.
I would look into reading a few good books, ( The Dog Listener is one) perhaps some training classes and keep a very watchful eye on him until this problem is solved. He could cause very serious harm in a matter of seconds or could be harmed by someone that is fearful of him.
Good-Luck
I would look into reading a few good books, ( The Dog Listener is one) perhaps some training classes and keep a very watchful eye on him until this problem is solved. He could cause very serious harm in a matter of seconds or could be harmed by someone that is fearful of him.
Good-Luck
I think you should seek the advice of a qualified behaviourist (behaviourist, not obedience trainer 
). It sounds as though your boy, entering his maturity phase, is developing a few aggressive and dominant tendancies. While it doesn't sound like a case where there are likely to be any insurmountable difficulties, this is one of those situations where IMO it is best to seek some one-on-one help from someone who can see and interact with your dog.
Obedience classes will certainly be helpful, and some good reading for you would be Jan Fennell's book "The Dog Listener" - which does deal very well with guarding and dominant dogs. Here is a thread with some very useful links to articles on aggression that you may also find helpful: http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46555
Good luck
). It sounds as though your boy, entering his maturity phase, is developing a few aggressive and dominant tendancies. While it doesn't sound like a case where there are likely to be any insurmountable difficulties, this is one of those situations where IMO it is best to seek some one-on-one help from someone who can see and interact with your dog.Obedience classes will certainly be helpful, and some good reading for you would be Jan Fennell's book "The Dog Listener" - which does deal very well with guarding and dominant dogs. Here is a thread with some very useful links to articles on aggression that you may also find helpful: http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46555
Good luck
harleyboxer
Super Boxer
My friend has a boxer that was abused and he has some of the same problems. They just make sure that he isn't around if people come over that are scared, or he doesn't like. They either put him outside (they have a fenced yard), or in his crate. This has worked out fine and been safe, unfortunately he has had some dominance issues with her husband lately and they just had a new baby so have to get rid of him (but that's another thread!). If you feel you can contain him when visitors are around so there aren't any accidents you should be able to keep him. You need to be very vigilant and try to get some help for him so that you don't get sued though?
Well it's not about not getting sued. This isn't a rescue dog, one with any history of being abused, or any of the ingrained issues that can come with that sort of background. It is a 15 month old puppy/dog that just needs some work to help him sort out a few questions of dominance and appropriate behaviours. Not a big deal, but one that would benefit from the guidance of a qualified person who is able to see the dog and help his owners to change his behaviour to something more appropriate.
I am going to make that call today and see if we can get him some help. I was ready to buy a muzzle but thought that might just put a bandaid on the leak in the dam, so to speak. He loves to go in the car and just waits patiently for me unless someone gets close to the car. My daughter feels safe with him around but I don't want someone getting hurt. I appreciate all the help---the last thing I would want to do is give him up!
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