My boxer with infants/kids...

Question
My boxer just turned a year old, and is energetic and hyper when allowed. But here is my concern: When kids arrive to my house, my dog King, jumps on them and its a bit aggressive. When I hold him in front of the kids, he stays as he commanded to do but usually has a deep breathing habit and there are times in where he stares at the kids holding his breathe. It makes me think that he wants to attack.

With babies/infants, he does the same habit and tries to jump to the person who has the child. He usually use his claws in a more aggressive manner, hurting the person with the child.

The reason I'm asking is because I plan to have him for a long time and when I am ready to have a child I'd like to be ready. Thank you very much. If you need anything else please let me know.

Answer
King is still young. 1 year old is still "puppified."

You should have been training him in socialization at 2-3-4 months old with company and family, and especially children.

He is jumping because he is excited and wants to play and attention.

Boxers LOVE children-- they are play buddies.

He is not being aggressive and has no ill intent, he is wanting to play with the child and baby.

You will need to train him now.

Leash him each and every time company comes, whether it's with or without children.

He can not jump on someone because you have him on a leash. If he tries to jump on someone, and get close enough to allow him to so you can begin the training process-- tug the leash back away from the person, use a stern voice and easy, simple commands to reprimand him.

Maybe, "NO KING--NO!" NO jumping!" Down!"

Whatever you do-- use your same, exact commands each time consistently.

He learns by association-- those words, your tone of voice, the leash tug, and the crime at the time- jumping on someone. They equal not to do it.

Continue this until you feel comfortable to allow him to greet company off the leash. If he jumps, use your training commands.

For children do the same. Leash him and supervise him, allowing him to play with the children- but "teach" him how to play. What is acceptable to you and what is not. Using your stern voice and simple commands you've chosen-- reprimand him.

When he obeys, praise him and pet him, showing your appreciation and acceptance of his obeying.

Remember- he is like a 2 year old child. He learns by association. He likes to please, and he likes rewards.

Treats and praise for obeying-- reprimands for disobeying.