I've got a male boxer called Beast. I think he must have been traumatised as a pup or something because he's not the bravest hound on the beach even though he is huge. He shy's away from rough play etc.. how can I get him to toughen up and get a bit more agro or will it come with age. His sister (same litter)is much smaller but loves a good rough and tumble and stands up to the other dogs on the beach. Any ideas ?

How old is beast? Got any photo's?

He is about a year and a half old. Got pics but i dunno how to post them

I suggest you let him be. He's still young and with proper exposure to a wide variety of situations he may get more frisky as he matures. Lots of positive contacts with other dogs should help.

Is Beast neutered?

Dogs like humans have different personalities. Just because he doesn't act agressive(or show "agro" in your case!) does not mean he will not defend those he loves. Also dogs are PACK ANIMALS, which means that, unlike humans, once they find their place in the pack they are NOT continually looking to knock off the top dog. Dogs also behave differently on the leash than off. There is a piece of shit in the USA by the name of Michael Vick who seemed to think his dogs needed to be "toughened up". My suggestion is to enjoy your dog, as he is.
Peter.

Better he's a good dog and can be trusted, than an aggressive brute that ends up shot cause he ripped up some poor little mutt or worse some kid.

thanks for the advice. I'm sure beast will grow into his boots one day. for now i'm just gonna enjoy the sweet, tender side of him.
p.s he makes napping on the couch very snugg!

Excellent attitude! Enjoy him. Boxers are fine dogs and don't need to assert themselves all the time. It is the little yappy dogs that think that have to do that!
Peter.

You might consider having him evaluated for being overly submissive. Boxers should be confident and somewhat dominant as a breed.

That's not to say they don't exist at the extremes either. He may just be a mellow pup - but I'd have him evaluated nonetheless.

what does evaluated mean?

I know what the word means but i don't fully understand what that means in this situation..

I would assume you take him to an expert or doggy psychologist or something

Just my opinion,,,

I'd much rather have a dog that is too nice,,,

quote:

Originally posted by Peter:
It is the little yappy dogs that think that have to do that!
Peter.

And that is why we have varmint bullets

Peter is correct. Enjoy the dog as he is. You may be surprised one day when your "non aggressive" dog rises up and defends you and yours.
I've seen it many times in my 40+ years in vet medicine.

I had a boxer, great dog! Give your boy some time. They mature later than a lot of the more common breeds.

quote:

Originally posted by feetfats:
Just my opinion,,,

I'd much rather have a dog that is too nice,,,

+1