jealous (?) boxer pup

Question
We have brother/sister boxer pups, age 3mos.  They are doing well with potty training, and responding to the basics (sit, crate, etc..)

We were away for a few days and let them stay with their parents. While there, they became "aggressive" (their words,)with each oyher, not the parent dogs. This was to the point of mean growls, barks and biting - but no blood. It took 2 kids to separate them.  This happened twice in 2 1/2 days. Since our pups' parents live with excellent "dog people," I had to seriously consider their report.

Previous to this, the only action I witnessed that resembled anything close to this was the male getting protective when I (alpha dad) was playing "roughly" and the female joined in.  He didn't (doesn't) like this and "attacks" her, growls and jumping. I back him off, command "heel" and love on them both. Then all is well.  Seems to be jealousy more than protection.

Today I saw the reported activity.  I had joined them in the backyard, she wanted to play so I joined her/ he didn't like it. He let her know verbally and physically. She responded very aggressive and then he countered.  I had to scruff them to separate them, using "heel" as the command.  The male had hurt feelings and retreated to a corner.  The female joined him, but without the emotion. They were fine together.  I called them and they wouldn't come, so I treated / they responded and all was well.

The big concern - one of our last dogs (springer spaniels) bit our then 2 year old son with no warning.  They were "good dogs" (over 5yrs) It's 13 yrs later, but the thought still haunts us. We have 4 year old and 7 year old kids that we are concerned about. Is this a red flag?

I'm hesitant to use the word agressive, I just don't know what boxer pup normal play, or agressive, is supposed to look like.

Additional stuff...  We have not started leash training - we've had snow. They have been "housebound" for a month. We have just been able to let them in the yard for the past few days. The pups like to wrestle with our 9 mos old cat, who also likes it.

We already love these two "new babies," just are concerned about our 4 & 7 yr old babies.

Thanks,
craig


Answer
Hi Craig. This can be a problem when you take two puppies. They sometimes bond with each other and not so much their humans, or this situation can happen. Normal Boxer play can sound pretty bad, but it's all in good fun. They like to chase each other, wrestle, and may lay on the ground and just use their mouths. And thankfully, most Boxer fights sound worse than they truely are. However, you have a situation on your hands that needs to be dealth with now, instead of when these two are full grown and are powerful dogs. Don't give treats unless they do what you want them to do. I wouldn't rough house with them until you get this sorted out either. Throw balls, play fetch, work on commands, just no more rough play. Spend time with each dog by themselves, and then have quiet time when they're together. I would also get them into puppy classes as soon as you can, or call a behaviorist to get help. Nip this in the bud now, before it gets out of hand. Boxers are large strong dogs, they can be stubborn and jealous, and when they make up their mind to not like another dog, you'll never change it. At three months of age, they shouldn't be acting like this, not to the point that you're describing. I would call a behaviorist and ask them to watch, or have someone film .  You need an outside person to see what's triggering this behavior so you can figure out how to deal with it. Are you a first time Boxer owner?