Turn Your Aggressive Boxer Into a Social Butterfly
Aggressive boxer dogs have gotten a bad rap. Although all breeds of dogs display violent or hostile behavior when prompted, some breeds are naturally more aggressive and can become violent with no provocation.
Lately, new stories about aggressive dog breeds like boxers have created an unfortunate stereotype that boxers are violent dogs that will attack other dogs as well as people. It is, however, important to realize that many aggressive behaviors are the result of provocation, and recognition of the onset of violent behavior is important to quell the possibility of aggressive boxer attacks.
The aggressive boxer usually asserts itself by showing its teeth, erecting its tail, stiffening its legs, bristling back its hair, along with more obvious signs of aggression such as barking and growling. These are all signs of hostility that can lead to outwardly violent behavior towards other dogs, other animals, and people.
Aggressive Boxers – Genetic Factor
TRAIN AGGRESSIVE BOXER
Aggressive boxers are sometimes aggressive simply because it’s in their genes. Partly because of the inbreeding that’s occurred since domestication, the aggressive boxer often acts out simply because it is instinctual behavior, not a learned reaction.
Aggression can sometimes arise from thyroid problems as well, so regular visits to the veterinarian are important not only for the health of the boxer, but for the safety of others.
Aggressive Boxers – Environmental Factors
Some unruly behaviors, however, are learned and can be prevented if the aggressive boxer is properly trained from a young age. It is extremely important that boxers stay with their mothers until they are seven weeks old, as their mothers and siblings teach them social signals such as bite inhibition.
Proper Socialization Necessary
On the other hand, boxers who stay with their mothers for more than 12 weeks often retain the behavior learned in the “pecking order” among their litters. If a boxer is dominant among its litter, it is likely to continue to show aggressive behavior towards other animals and people.
Even if boxers are allowed appropriate time with their mothers, they often become more aggressive over time if they are not properly socialized, meaning exposed to many other animals and people, at a young age.
Hostile Behavior A Sign of Fear
Hostile behavior towards other animals and people often occurs because the aggressive boxer is afraid of an unfamiliar situation. Because most boxers have protective instincts, they are likely to try and defend their owners, which makes early socialization even more important.
The more comfortable boxers are being around strangers, the less likely they are to perceive unknown animals and people as threats to themselves and their owners.
Is a Boxer Right For Me?
Because the aggressive boxer is a strong-willed dog with a mind of its own, it’s essential that boxer owners are able to show confidence and exert control at all times, regardless of the situation.
The aggressive boxer needs to understand that its owner is the head of its pack, so a good owner should be able to consistently exhibit these head-of-the-pack behaviors.
People in search of a new dog should only consider a boxer if they are sure of their ability to clearly display these traits and, perhaps more importantly, have the time and willingness to properly socialize train the naturally aggressive boxer. To the right master, a boxer can be an excellent companion.
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