HELP aggresive boxer staff cross male.

Question
Can you please help my boxer dog is 11 mnths old and has started to become aggresive. he has gone to bite but hasnt actually bite. i dont want to give him up so could you please help. hannah

Answer
Hi Hannah,

Aggression is a serious issue, so my first recommendations are to have a veterinary workup to be sure there is no underlying physical cause, and then contact ut a behaviorist who can evaluate the situation and help you manage or modify your dog's behavior.  There are behaviorist directories on these sites: http://www.dacvb.org/about_us/diplomates_copy_1/
http://www.iaabc.org/consultant_locator_dogs.htm
http://www.animalbehavior.org/Applied/CAAB_directory.html

As well, and in the interim, you should start implementing the Nothing In Life Is Free program - he's coming up to the age of cutting teeth and apron strings, and will be testing his boundaries in a variety of ways (think rebellious teenager).  The NILIF program is a way to be fair, firm, and consistent in enforcing guidelines for appropriate behavior, and in establishing your role as the person who sets those guidelines.  
http://www.goof.com/~pmurphy/NILIF.html

There is also a book called "Aggression in Dogs" by Brenda Aloff that you might find very helpful; Brenda's site is here for a little bit of information about her and the book:
http://brendaaloff.com/

Without more information (what is happening when he shows aggression, what warnings did he give first (look, lip curl, growl, etc.), who did he almost bite and did he put teeth on them or just air snap, what happened immediately after, how often has it happened and is there any pattern, etc. etc. etc.) it's hard to give more than general guidance, and even with information it's much better to have someone who can see in person what's happening.

Hope this helps a bit - good luck!

~Jennifer