Yep, my almost 9-month-old is quite a nibbler, too, which we discourage by ceasing the activity to teach her it is not alright and telling her no. I know, even though Missy is only 9 months, that protective instinct is instilled in her. I see it when guests come over and pick up my almost 4-year-old; Missy hates it. She will bark at that person's feet to put her down immediately, or she will start gnawing on their shoelaces... :D
On the other hand, I did grow up with another Boxer who ended up being very protective, to the point where nobody could come in the house except family, and he would try to get the mailman and paperboy every time they dropped the mail/paper in the mail slot. I believe it was the way my father disciplined him that turned him into this, but with us he was as gentle as could be.
Since I've had a long run with a very aggressive Boxer, and now with such a cutie pie, I can safely agree that training your dog to "bite" on command is something both you and your dog will regret. I can allow anybody into my house today, whereas when we were young, our Boxer wouldn't let anybody into the house. Even the grandparents wouldn't come over unless my parents were home for fear of being attacked. But, I know I can rest assured, just by watching Missy in action, if danger were to ever come our way, big or small, she's on it!
On the other hand, I did grow up with another Boxer who ended up being very protective, to the point where nobody could come in the house except family, and he would try to get the mailman and paperboy every time they dropped the mail/paper in the mail slot. I believe it was the way my father disciplined him that turned him into this, but with us he was as gentle as could be.
Since I've had a long run with a very aggressive Boxer, and now with such a cutie pie, I can safely agree that training your dog to "bite" on command is something both you and your dog will regret. I can allow anybody into my house today, whereas when we were young, our Boxer wouldn't let anybody into the house. Even the grandparents wouldn't come over unless my parents were home for fear of being attacked. But, I know I can rest assured, just by watching Missy in action, if danger were to ever come our way, big or small, she's on it!
