boxer bite

Question
we got our boxer as a pup we had her 5 yrs now. we have 3 small kids and the dog is very good with  the kids. She gets kibble and both kinds of dog treats bacon strips and biscuit bones.( no table food because I heard that threat not good for dogs) She has plenty of dog toys and love and excersise. She is a very loving playful dog. The other day I was clearing the dinner plates and she snipped at me as I was throwing a bun away. a small nip and I told her no bite mama. Today my two yr old was eating a chocolate chip cookie and the dog went for the cookie the baby drooped it and I went to pick up the cookie and the dog attacked me growled and bit me. Thank God it was me and not the baby. I probley need stitches. I told her no bite mama and put her in the corner as I do the kids. Why would my dog go after people food and me? We give her plenty of love and treats. She has all her shots. What should I do? Thanks

Answer
The fact that she has already attacked and bit you is a really big problem.  This dog has already entered the red zone and been successful with a bite, which if you think requires stitches is pretty severe.  In the canine world, there is a great deal of competition for food, with dogs at the top of the pecking order eating before those below her. So dogs emphasize and defend their place within the pack by exhibiting aggression over food, sleeping areas, toys, etc.  The fact that your boxer is showing aggression over food and challenging you shows that she does not see you as the leader in the house, she is challenging you and winning.

To solve food aggression toward human family members, the key is to reinforce the human's position as the alpha and more dominant individual in the relationship, while simultaneously reinforcing the dog's standing in the less dominant role.  I am not sure how your voice sounds when you tell her no, but telling her "no bite mama" does not seem stern enough.  You need to stick with a firm and aggressive "NO" and allow her to realize you are boss.  I STRONGLY suggest that until you have worked with her enough to trust her do not leave her around your children if they have food.

A good exercise to create that proper structure in the house would be to teach her and practice the leave it command.  By using treats or toys and tempting her with them while instructing her to leave it will teach her that anything in the house is yours unless you tell her she can have it.  I don't recommend putting her in the corner as punishment, unlike your children she does not know what that means and will not associate that with punishment.  Spend a good deal of time doing training with her to reestablish your position as leader of the home and in turn putting her back in her place and avoiding any future attacks or dangerous situations for you or your children.