To say Boxers are good with kids is to put it mildly.
Boxers and kids share a huge affinity for each other. Usually the only danger is that Boxers — particularly when young themselves — are strong, excitable dogs.
In their exuberance they can accidentally knock over small children (and older folks unstable on their feet).
Dogs, including trustworthy ones, should always be supervised with youngsters, particularly babies and toddlers. You can never completely eliminate the risk that something will go wrong. All it takes is a split second.
Having said that, Boxers as a breed are known for being loyal defenders of children, as well as playmates.
How to live safely with kids and Boxers
Children must be taught not to pull ears and tails and jowls, and to give a Boxer space.
Households with young kids can get pretty rowdy and chaotic.
Create a den or quiet place for your Boxer where he knows he can always retreat for some peace and quiet.
Drill it into the kids to leave the dog alone when he goes there, even if it’s just his bed or crate.
Bear in mind even the sweetest Boxer can react instinctively - and aggressively - if:
- Startled
- Mistreated
- Threatened (by another dog or human)
- Confined
- Scared
- Hurt
- Sick
- Someone tries to take away food, or
- He thinks he needs to protect his owner/s or another household pet
Boxers do feature in dog attack statistics and to deny the potential for problems does nobody any good — not the dog, nor the family with young children.
A Boxer’s behavior can be highly situational.
A dog that’s rock solid reliable in one environment can be a liability in another.
Know your dog.
Don’t put him in a situation without equipping him with the skills and experience to handle it appropriately.
What to teach children about Boxers
Make sure your child/ren know:
- To be the boss, but to be always gentle and kind
- How to read the signs a dog is not happy
- To be consistent with rules i.e. not allowed on the couch means always
- Not to feed their food to him (some things like chocolate can be deadly to dogs)
- To never pull, yank, lie on, or hit your Boxer
- To keep gates and doors closed
- Not to bother your Boxer at dinnertime or when he’s chewing a raw meaty bone (Resource guarding in all its forms should be discouraged, but it’s good practice to give dogs space when they’re eating)
- Not to bother your Boxer when he’s in his bed, asleep or not feeling well
- Never to tease a dog
What to teach your Boxer about your kids
Most problems will be avoided by making sure your Boxer knows his place in the family hierarchy.
Children are above Boxers in the “pack”, not littermates.
You can send this message by making sure children eat before your Boxer, go through doors first etc.
If the child is old enough, you can help reinforce the order of things by having them feed your Boxer his dinner.
It goes without saying to thoroughly and gradually socialize your Boxer to children.
If the dog or the child is new, do things in small doses so your dog doesn’t become overwhelmed.
He needs to know to take all the color and movement in his stride, including:
- Tantrums
- Crying
- Running
- Squealing
- Play fighting
Ideally you will choose a Boxer breeder who has socialized the litter to children.
The play fighting scenario bears special mention.
If your Boxer misunderstands what’s going on here, there’s the risk he could attack your child’s friend during a sleepover, for instance, out of a misguided protective instinct.
As for face licking, you’ll have to make a call there about what’s acceptable — and enforce it.
Once your Boxer knows what’s expected, he will obey and the behavior won’t be an issue.
A wifi camera like the is invaluable in keeping an eye on dynamics between your dog and your children even when you’re not in the room.
Conclusion
Boxers are very compatible with family life and make brilliant companions for children.
But don’t take it for granted.
Both children and dogs are apt to misjudge situations and make mistakes.
On the one hand, you must train your Boxer how to behave around children.
But it’s equally necessary to teach your children how to treat a Boxer right.
If you do, chances are they’ll be inseparable for life.
NorDom Boxers Kennel specialize in exquisite type, top quality, health tested German Boxers.