Sweet boy but too agressive with strangers. HELP!!

[Jan Aponte]

My boxer is 11 months old and is very agressive or lets say over protective. We went to obedience classes and used treats and "good boys" for good behavior. He learned very fast but he is now almost out of control when he sees people outside our house. This morning my neighbor was in his front yard and I took Toby outside to potty and he took off after him, pulling me down on the ground still holding the leash. I'm afraid that if I had let go he would have bitten my neighbor. He is this way when people come inside our house and he just meets them. My last boxer was very laid back so I am suprised at this behavior. Any suggestions? He even barks and growls at shoppers in PetSmart when we take him shopping!!

 

[Chewy's Mom]

First of all, Welcome to Boxerworld!! :D

I'm no behavior expert, and I have a feeling those who are might want more info. Is your boy neutered? Do you have children that he is protective of? Has he had any bad experiences that you know of - such as neighbor tormenting him, etc.?

I think most boxers have kind of a nice mix of laid backness and protectiveness. Mine are more laid back than protective, but they still go off the deep end on occassion. Once Chewy went after our neighbor too. It was night time, and the neighbor was in his own driveway between his two trucks. But Chewy might have thought he was a bad guy trying to hide, so sometimes there can be an explanation like that. And my 6 month old puppy loves to bark at all of our neighbors when we go on walks - I have no idea why. Sorry I'm not more helpful, but hopefully you'll get some better advice.

 

[Jan Aponte]

reply to Chewy's Mom

Dear Chewy's Mom,
He is not neutered yet. I am considering it but really wanted one of his puppies because he is marked so pretty. I don't think that the neighbor has tormented him, because he doesn't go outside that often (just to potty or for a walk). I was told by the teacher at puppy school that if I got him neutered he would calm down. Is this known to be true? He really is a sweet baby! Yes, I do have children but when he went after the neighbor today my son was inside. My son is 10 years old and my daughter is 19 so I don't have real small children for him to protect. Thanks for your input.

 

[Chewy's Mom]

Ah ha! That package he carries around could be the nasty culprit!

I understand that you think your boy is gorgeous and might want a puppy from him someday. Please do a ton of research on this site about breeding. It may be more complicated than you realize at this point. Boxers are *incredibly* prone to many, many health problems, and need to be bred with exceptional care - and in-depth health testing. Temperment is also to be evaluated, and at this point you are concerned about your boy's temperment.

There are sooo many members on this site who have lost their boxers prematurely to ailments such as cardiomyopathy, cancer, etc. Hip displaysia is also too common and just miserable. You can go to the Community Support or Rainbow Bridge forums to see how many dogs have died too young because they did not come from parents who had been health tested. It's very sad.

Anyway, I believe that neutering your boy might very well help. It may not be instant, as I believe it can take a while for some of the hormones already in their system to wear off. I would highly recommend this as a first step.