Rescue Boxer

Question
We just rescued a four year old boxer about 6 weeks ago. She had been attacked by another dog and was given up to the vet. Her personality is now starting to change a little bit. I have two young children so of course I am very cautious when the dog is near them. She has tried nipping at myself and my 3 year old. I can't tell if she does it in a playful way or not. Last night my son just went to pet her and she did it. She also started taking a big interest in the baby. He is 10 months old. I have slowly been letting her come in the living room when he is crawling around. Yesterday she started standing over him. I was not sure what that meant? I usually keep a gate up and keep her in the kitchen while the baby is moving around. I guess because she tried nipping at me a couple times my trust in her is just not there yet. I'm a little nervous that she will try to nip and actually bite one of the kids. What can I be doing to help the situation or what should I be watching out for? Thanks in advance! :-)

Answer
First, no one with children, especially young children, should rescue and adopt any dog-- you have no clue of the dog's history and the extent of that history; i.e. abuse.

These dogs are better left to people that do not have children to put at risk of an abused dog that is unpredictable, and has the time, patience, and resources to rehabilitate.

Now, since you have already gotten her, you have three choices: take her back (which she might be put down), find her a suitable home as mentioned above, or, have the time and patience and resources to rehabilitate her into your family.

Boxers are normally the best breed to own in families with children. They are gentle and loving with children and protective of children. That should not have been an issue.

The only thing I can think of is the kids are overwhelming her, scaring her, maybe hurting her in some way, something... and she is scared since she was abused.

Supervise her with the children; teach the children; introduce her to one child at a time supervised. This will need to continue until she learns, is acclimated, settled in, accustomed to her new "pack" family, trusts you and everyone, etc.

Patience.

Boxers do play rough and nip and nibble and paw, etc. They do their rough play in Boxer-fashion out of affection.

However, since you feel it might be too rough, and are insecure about it, you must teach her and supervise in the meantime.

Also, your fear and insecurities are sensed by her and in return, upsets her as well. Dogs know your emotions and pick up on them and those emotions causes them to react in certain ways. Do not show fear, insecurity, etc. and stay calm, assertive, and be the "alpha."

Watch "Dog Whisperer" with Cesare Millan, and learn his secrets to being the calm, assertive alpha in the "pack family."