My boxer is biting us

This happened to us when we tried to correct our male dog who was getting aggressive with our female. The reason your dog is growling at you is because she doesn't respect you as the pack leader. I suggest obedience training and a pinch collar may be necessary. They are not cruel if used correctly and a trainer can help you learn how to use it. A pinch collar mimics the correction the pack leader gives to subordinates who are exhibiting behavior that is unfavorable. The pack leader will put his/her mouth around the neck of the trouble maker and apply gentle pressure. Dogs are programmed to recognize this signal and learn that their behavior is not ok.

I disagree with lot of the earlier advise. I don't believe the pinch collar should be used for trying to stop aggressive behavior. My schnauzer was aggressive with me for along time and what finally worked was.. take your index finger and middle finger only and smack their snout (nose) when aggressive and say "no"(don't yell, or be angry)( Act like a teacher, or coach...firm). If you hit them hard enough to hurt you are hitting to hard. Just hard enough that they don't like it. It took 3 times in a row for my schnauzer to stop. She does test me occasionally but I use 2 fingers and she stops. Also, at least 45 minutes of walking a day. Aggression can get out of hand, if it gets worse..please get a professional. Hope this helps.

There are two schools of thought and both generally work well, however, you need to do what works for you and your dog. I foster animals and have a few scars to prove that some were aggressive at times. You must establish yourself as the pack leader, but how?

Well, it ain't pretty, but it has never failed me when dealing with a dog that constantly challenges my authority or upsets the order in my pack of fosters.

First, when the dog exhibits the "challenge" behavior toward me (growling, snarling, biting), I immediately flip my dog on his back, crouch down, and hold their neck slightly tightening the pressure by twisting the collar (my challenging dogs wear pinch collars). I say nothing until the dog totally submits (legs open and belly exposed) and then say "good dog" and give a small treat.

If the dog challenges me immediately upon getting up, I do it again until they submit and then give him a time out and no treat. It sounds strange, but a dog has to think that I can hurt him badly. I NEVER hit dogs nor do I yell.

You might also consider tethering which I use to house train my dogs. I literally tie the leash to my belt and the dog walks around with me and is crated when I am not around. Tethering lets your dog know that it eats, sleeps, and poops when you decide. It is a way of reinforcing your status as the leader. I do this for about three days.

The pinch collar, which I yank abruptly when walking my dog that attempts to walk ahead of me, is a great training tool. Also, consider a lot of play and exercise before training your dog. Dogs need to expend energy in order to really pay attention. Always praise your dog for good behavior and give a small training treat (kibble works).

I have also used a gentler approach with positive training methods for dogs that react well to this approach, but I am not convinced that it may work with your dog. Normally I use this approach with dogs that exhibit no alpha tendencies.

A quick method to keep your dog from play biting you (which is not good because of the alpha issues) is to say "no" and stick four fingers into your dog's mouth toward the back of the throat (works immediately or after three tries). The dog will gag and will refrain from biting.

I actually have a dog who has a tendency to be aggressive, the most important thing to know is not to get in the face of a dog that has aggressivness, this only makes it worse. So the pointing of the finger is getting her more worked up. I believe in clicker training. You can get a cheap clicker at petco or such. When she starts barking try getting her attention by making noises such as whistling or something, when she looks at you click then treat her. Using the clicker in all other training..sit,down, come will help when it comes to the barking. As soon as she does what you want click then treat, soon she will identify the sound of the click with treats.

Well, first thing is first, you need to establish that you are the pack leader. This includes exercises like putting her on her back and playing with her paws, ignoring her want to get up until she is completely calm, and regular training and walks.
Second, I'm a firm believer in positive training methods, meaning ignore what is bad and praise what is good. Once you've established yourself as the pack leader, she will want to please you because that is dog's innate nature. If she barks at the neighbor, do not yell, but rather make her sit [or attempt to] and if she refuses, immediately turn your back to her and ignore her. If she gets quiet or sits, praise her lavishly. Another thing is to introduce her to new people on a short leash and command her to sit down and stay quiet, ignoring her barks and praising her only when she is quiet. Tell the strangers to only praise her if she is quiet and sitting and to approach her calmly.

If you have further problems, consult an animal behaviorist. Obedience classes may also be necessary. Socializing your puppy to new people and situations is a very important part of this stage of her life and will set the precedent for the rest of her life to come.