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Distinctive Behaviors of Boxer Dogs

Boxer dogs are a popular dog breed and have some distinct behaviors all their own. Boxers do not exhibit alot of dog problems that are common among other breeds of dogs. The common distinctive behaviors found in boxer dogs are :

• Loyalty and Self Confidence- The boxer is friendly and very loyal to their owners, content on just being with them and lying at their feet. Boxer dog owners cherish the devotion this breed gives them. Most vowing to never own another breed of dog. The boxer is a strong and noble breed who exudes self confidence.
• Affectionate -Natural Child Protector- The boxer dog adores most children and will naturally become playmate and protector of children. Boxers show a devote affection to their owners and strangers when properly socialized and introduced.
• The Woo Woo- the "woo woo" is a vocalization that boxer dogs are common for making during play, which is an invitation to play with them or you have something they want. It is quite comical in nature. The boxer is often referred to as the clown of the dog breed.
•  The Wiggle Butt- the "wiggle butt" is an excessive wiggling of the hind quarters that boxer dogs exhibit. It is an excitable gesture, happy to see you as well as a compensation in body language communication to show friendly motives to others including dogs. Boxers are a docked breed, with the docked tail, this behavior serves as an over-exaggeration of friendly tail wagging to let others know they mean no harm.
• Oooo- this is definately something all boxer owners have said when the boxer expels flatus (gas) in both silent and out loud fashion in their proximity.The boxer is quite intelligent and will often move away from the bad smell before the owners do.
• Boxing- The boxer does like to play using its front paws in a boxing motion, looking much like a boxer fighter would in the ring.
• Mouthing- The boxer dog can be seen commonly play mouthing with another dog or human, making a distinctive moaning vocalization and head tilting motion from side to side with the mouth wide open. It is not a sign of aggression. Young boxer puppies as young as 3-4 weeks old will start this behavior with litter mates.It is a natural play gesture of boxer dogs. 
• Hugging- The boxer does like to hug ( rear up placing paws on your shoulders)and should be taught at an early age not to do it. Especially in homes with children and elderly adults.

These are NOT Common Behaviors seen in Boxer dogs:

• Excessive Barking- Barking is a way of communication in dogs and boxers do not over compensate this. Boxers usually only bark to alert the arrival of new visitors,guarding their territory or during play.They are not excessive barkers like toy breeds or hunting/hound breeds. They do not bark for unknown reasons.
• Aggression- Boxers might look mean and tough but they are not aggressive dogs. They have a very retractable guarding behavior.They will alert to visitors and can defend their territory if real threats are given. If aggression appears in a boxer it is usually manifested from bad breeding(genetic), medical conditions and ill treatment from humans or other dogs. Aggression can be seen in any breed of dog who is not spayed or neutered, not properly socialized or who is fearful and uncertain of the situation. Stressful and painful situations and to protect valued resources are also common ways dogs show aggression.
• Fear Phobias- Some boxers may exhibit fear phobias of people, thunderstorms and loud noises although not common for the breed. Phobias can manifest because of lack of socialization and traumas at an early age including unknown reasons.
• Jumping on People- This is not a common behavior for boxers unless improper training has occurred or excitable behaviors are encouraged, hugging is not the same thing but is likewise not desirable to most people.
• Training Problems- The boxer is an easy to train dog with the proper motivation. Consistent and humane methods are favored.
• Separation Anxiety- The boxer thrives in a social environment with its family. Some boxers may exhibit separation anxiety if left to their own accord and become bored. Behaviors like chewing, digging, destruction of property, housesoiling, whining and excessive barking for no apparent reason to their owners are common signs of separation anxiety. Boxers will not show signs of these behaviors if adequately exercised, trained and their social needs met.
• Obsessive Licking- Most boxers are not lickers per se but on occasion you'll find one who is, trying to show their submissive side to their owners and friends. Often this behavior occurs because of the boxers uncertainty in a given situation or overly harsh treatment from owners. They may lick in an effort to elicit food or water.
• Submissive Urination-It is unusual behavior for a boxer to exhibit submissive urination, that is urinating when approached or excited. Those showing signs of submissive urination problems should be checked by a veterinarian to rule out medical conditions. This dog behavior problem is often a sign of a underlying medical issue, overly excessive excitement and trauma.

The common distinct behaviors of the boxer dog makes them truly a dog for all seasons and loved the world over by thousands of humans. If you have a boxer exhibiting any of those dog problem behaviors not common among this breed please contact a trainer,behaviorist, canine behavior consultant and/or veterinarian for help.

Author: Angela Donald, Canine Behavior Consultant, Boxer Dog Breeder & Exhibitor,www.hitowerboxers.com/caninebehaviorconsultant.htm, ©2009 COPYRIGHTED, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORLDWIDE.