Aggression in a 6-7 year old male Boxer

Question
We have had our Boxer since a puppy.  The past month he has not been listening to me or my husband.  He actually has groweled at my husband 3 times.  I have 2 children 7 and 8, Just wanted to knkowo maybe why he has had this change in behavior?  He has not been neutered and nothing has changed in the household.  He has been wanting to eat more and I have notice his muscle in his hip twitching?  Any thoughts or ideals would be very helpful..  He has been an awesome dow just want to make sure he does not turn on anyone in the family.

Answer
Boxers don't "turn" as a Pit Bull does-- that breed has been bred for centuries to fight- the Boxer was bred as a working dog and not capable of "turning."

Sure, Boxers can become overly aggressive as in any breed of dog; for various reasons.

You stated there hasn't been a change in your household, so insecurity hasn't anything to do with his more aggressive behavior.

I don't know if the "growling" episodes were in playful times; rough-housing, or simply out-of-the-blue. You didn't elaborate on the incidents for me to evaluate.

You have not mentioned how he is with the kids- but I haven't seen a Boxer aggressive with children. Boxers are even protected of newborns and safe with children. Boxers love children as their own, and are protective.

Could this have been the scenarios: your husband playing with the kids and the Boxer became aggressive during his playing with the children?

If so, this is because he felt the children were being threatened by your husband- possibly too rough a play, the kids squealing or shouting- yelling, even if in fun, it "sounds" like they are in distress to the Boxer- and it is his job to protect (he thinks).

Does his hip muscle twitch occasionally, or all the time?

His increased appetite can be from the seasons (weather) changing, as every animal (and people) eat heavier in colder weather than in hot weather. Or his dog food might not be satisfying. Have you changed the brand? Are you mixing brands according to what is available at the store at the time, or the price? Never switch. Boxers need an "all natural" dog food that does not have corn and does not have corn glutens and fillers. They are prone to be allergic, and it can even cause behavioral changes.

Hormone can cause behavioral changes- even in males.

You might have your vet check his thyroid for a thyroid disorder which can cause an abundance of problems. A simple pill a day fixes it and is cheap. If he does have thyroid problems, ask your vet to prescribe and carry Pala-Tech Chewables. I get mine Online, however they are cheap-- I pay $7 for 180 count bottle (not counting shipping charges).
(those taste good like a treat and cost a lot less than any other brand that can be as expensive as $50 a bottle!)...

I need more information about his 3 times of growling please. Each one.

As I mentioned, was your husband playing with the kids at the time? Or, just sitting quietly and watching TV by himself? I need to know the circumstance(s) in order to assess the behavior.

In the meantime, buy a loud, obnoxious whistle or a clicker from your pet store, either one, and use it when he becomes aggressive and when his displays any behavior you want to correct.

Verbally reprimand him in a stern voice, but do not sound angry, do not shout or yell, do not be excited. Calmly reprimand him in easy-to-understand commands; NO-- bad boy. Stop. (something like those)....

I look forward to hearing back from you about more detailed info.