Overview and Meaning
Boxing is a aggressive behavior that typically occurs in response to an territorial threat. However, in the laboratory this behavior may not be observed or be observed out of the context of territoriality. This is due to the inability to establish distinct territories in the small home cage.
While remaining in its place, the animal will make intention movements of the body towards the opponent combined with alternated kicking of the forepaws.
Agonistic interactions can occur in the context of territorial behavior, and/or dominance behavior. Territorial behavior and dominance behavior differ in both the context that they occur, the resources under competition, and the threat behavior that initiates the interaction.