carrkids

We have an older boxer that we rescued 3 years ago and she is a joy. We just added a 9 week old. She has been with us a little over a week and has shown some quick growling and snapping at us. I brought her to the vet today and she is healthy. I am very concerned about this behavior. She is a very smart girl and respects my other pets. She is usually cuddles with us but something is triggering her to behave this way.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Gypsiemouse

Sounds like normal behavior for a puppy.
She is trying to play and needs to learn bite inhibition and boundaries.
You can try "yelping" like a puppy or give a verbal "eh-eh" and never use your hands to play- always have a toy when playing.

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Lynne- Owned by and Slave to Maggie and Mongo

carrkids

Thanks! I know when she is playing and this is a little different. She'll do this as if to tell us to leave her alone. For example, I was holding her and she started jerking around and made a different growl and was snapping to let her down. My son also picked her up and she did the same to him. It seems like she is going for the face - quick air bites. I'm really worried sense she is such a sweet girl most of the time and seems to be training fairly quickly.

winnie

I was originally worried about aggression when porter was a pup but it was just normal puppy stuff. He was very mouthy. Work on the bite inhibition like Lynn said. Porter is now 18 mis and without an aggressive bone in his body.

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Molly, Mom to Winston (at the bridge 12/6/12 and deeply missed) and Porter

carrkids

Thank you so much! I'm new to this forum and really wanted to get some advice from other boxer owners. My older girl came to use at approx. 2 or 3 years old and we didn't get to experience the puppy stage. Again, this seems to happen out of play (i.e., holding, petting and when we play). There is a growl and a quick snap (nothing that doesn't stop with a quick "NO"). I wouldnt consider her a very mouthy pup. She is always offered a tennis ball or a toy instead. She seems very respectful to us (when told "NO") & my other dogs and will not continue to play with them. They seem to ignore her most of the time and she'll move on to something else. I feel like she wants to please and is often sitting at my feet while I'm working. She will also go in her crate and lay down to sleep all by herself. She is doing fantastic with housetraining and is a clean girl (very few accidents on my part). She will also let us take things away from her with no issues. I've been trying to get her to sit before feedings and any snacks. I've also made her come in the door last. This is kind of hard since she'll try to squeeze through.. I've also taken her out of my room with my other dogs. My others sleep on the floor and she is now in her crate in our living area.

She is extremely tiny for her age at 9.4lbs and almost 11 weeks old. Her food drive is like nothing I've ever seen. I plan to take her to puppy school for training. I'm a little concerned since my other dogs are in adulthood and dont want to play often. Not to mention the fact that I'll have 2 females in the house. My other boxer is alpha and I'm sure she'll want to keep this status. I've taken her on quick walks with my others and she seems to follow from behind at this point. It is kind of funny b/c she seems to follow their behavior (calm and knows when play is okay).

I really appreciate your comments/suggestions and look forward to the continued advise

Breezygirl

I would suggest training, which I know you intend to do.. Is she a healthy weight? I know you mentioned she is tiny.. but is she eating enough?? I only ask because I had a client with a GD and he was like that..(and they mentioned a few times that he was obsessed with food) I told them to attempt increasing his food.. and oddly enough that was the issue. Not sure if thats what it is.. but just thought I would mention it.

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Mandi ... mom of fur kids.. Breeze, Bentley .. and new baby Winter

sasasola

Boxers can be very vocal. Duke was also very mouthy and snarly (and still is). He sounds like he wants to kill you but he's really just playing.

As for the snapping at the face, you need to correct that. Just tell her no and put her down. No touch, no talk and no eye contact until she settles down. Once she does settle down, you can pet her.

Training is a great idea! Boxer puppies are full of energy and mischief. It will take some time but she will learn. Patience and training

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Susy
Mom to 2 beautiful daughters , Duke and Dusty

winnie

When Porter was a puppy I remember telling him No and putting my finger up. Well that little bugger would actually growl, bite my finger and run away. Oh boy! I am sooooo glad that phase is over.

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Molly, Mom to Winston (at the bridge 12/6/12 and deeply missed) and Porter

BayernBoxer

Well said Sasasola!

And Carrkids, If you are still worried, I would mention this to your vet. Your vet can recommend a good dog trainer. Puppy kindergarden is wonderful for michevous boxer babies.
From Bayernboxer

Zeus050412

Consitency .. Consitency.. is what I have learned with my handsome boy... currently working on him not being allowed in the kitchen when I cook... seems like i am saying out Zeus the whole time im cooking. Nosey boy! He graduated from puppy class and it was a wonderful expierence. learning the basics... he will be enrolled in intermediate very soon here.. boxers are quite stubborn and sometimes he looks at me like i am an idiot, but boy does he knows whos boss.

he still can get a little nippy when he plays, i am sure to yelp really loud when he nips me.. even if it doesnt hurt. I want him to know when my hand is near his mouth... his mouth does not open.

Like @sasasola stated perfectly.. once the nip or snap happens.. completely ignore her until she settles down.

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Dawna - Mommy to Zeus aka Monkey and Ciara aka Ci Ci