[ChampsDaddy]

Hi,

I have a 1 yr old Boxer that is well behaved with one exception.....when anyone steps on to the grass in the backyard he wants to play in an aggressive manner. Once you step on the grass I think he feels it's game time. I'm sure this is a territorial issue but I'm not sure how to cure it. He doesn't bite or attack; he just runs around charging, growling and jumping and has always stopped short of knocking anyone down. He won't stop until he get's tired or if you step back on to the porch. Can anyone offer some advice on how to correct this behavior?

Thanks,
Champ'sDaddy

[Lara's mom]

Why do you feel is needs correcting? It seems to me he's just playing and getting rid of excess energy.

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by ChampsDaddy

Hi,

I have a 1 yr old Boxer that is well behaved with one exception.....when anyone steps on to the grass in the backyard he wants to play in an aggressive manner. Once you step on the grass I think he feels it's game time. I'm sure this is a territorial issue but I'm not sure how to cure it. He doesn't bite or attack; he just runs around charging, growling and jumping and has always stopped short of knocking anyone down. He won't stop until he get's tired or if you step back on to the porch. Can anyone offer some advice on how to correct this behavior?

Thanks,
Champ'sDaddy

Sounds like he wants you to play with him and is trying to get you to do so! Does he get any long walks or other exercise? Maybe throwing a frissbe or a ball as soon as you go to step down onto the grass and continue doing that until he tires out. Will read you what it says in my book on breeds: An active, athletic breed, Boxers need daily work or exercise. As well as long, brisk,daily walk, they enjoy a session of play, fetching a ball.

My married daughter just got a boxer/bulldog mix (young pup)---and my son-in-law and this pup have a great old time 'play boxing.'

[ChampsDaddy]

Thanks for your replies. He does get daily exercise and I try to ensure that he expends energy. He does love to play and I will run and tire him out. I would like to change the somewhat aggressive demeanor he demonstrates when anyone steps on the grass and learn that it's not always play time though........maybe I should give him some play time prior to the family going out there unless they want to play with him too?

[Todd]

I pretty much agree with what already said. Sounds like he may just have a lot of energy. By the way you explain it it seems more playful than anything else even if the play is a bit rough. You'd be able to tell if he was being territorial because he wouldn't be playing. He'd be a lot more aggressive. In the meantime along with exercise before going into the back yard, you could try several different things. If he starts his rough playing you could tell him "no" firmly and then go back in to the house. Eventually he will probably learn that if he acts that way than you will go back into the house and leave him out along. He should get the point eventually.

Good luck!