If you own a pet dog, one of your key priorities should be training it. Dogs are highly trainable animals and it is part of their instinct to follow their owners’ commands. It has also been noted that the earlier you start training your dog, the easier it would be to do so. You can train your dog a number of commands when it is quite young.
Furthermore, every breed is different and they all have varying personality traits. Depending on your dogs’ type and nature, you can expect to have different levels of ease in training it. Today, we will be talking about dog training the popular Boxer dog breed.
Let’s start by looking at the main traits of the boxer breed and the different training methods and tips that owners can use.
Boxer Dog
A medium-sized guard dog that originally came from Germany, the Boxer is one of the most popular choices as pets today. This breed has a box-shaped face, with a squarish jaw and muscular body which makes it quite good-looking. Interestingly, boxers have such a warm, pleasant, and fun-loving nature that they’re also called the ‘Peter Pan’ of dogs.
But they are not only friendly companions. They are also extremely intelligent, intuitive, alert, and patient; all traits making them a very popular breed.
In addition to being family dogs, they can be raised as guard dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs, and will also help owners in many other activities- if trained to do so.
Are Boxer Puppies Easy to Train?
Dog training is not difficult with this specific breed due to its’ curious and alert nature. They are intelligent dogs, who are extremely willing to learn provided that the training process begins at the right time and in the correct manner.
Make sure that you do not neglect training your boxer puppy because this breed has a high-energy level. Without learning the commands, your boxer puppy might develop bad habits or become overly hyper, aggressive, or even fearful.
However, there are some tips that will greatly help dog owners in achieving success while training.
Training the Boxer Early On
When it comes to Boxer puppies, it is best to begin the training sessions within the first 20 weeks of their life. You have to start defining boundaries, setting rules, and assigning them their role in the initial stages of life. So, start with basic commands as soon as you can.
This does not mean you can start professional training when the boxer puppy is only a few weeks old. Different obedience training should be started at different stages. While some of them are advised super early, others can be started when the pup is around 6 months old.
However, Boxers learn best and quickest when they are taught early in life.
Potty Train Your Boxer Puppy
One of the earliest types of dog training is potty training. This should be started as soon as possible for Boxers. However, remember that the boxer puppy is still young and scared, so you have to be extremely soft and never scold him. You can encourage the pup to use the same ‘potty’ spot and when it does, you can give it treats to provide positive reinforcement.
Start training by taking it to the potty spot around 5-30 mins after a meal and stand and wait there till the puppy eliminates. You have to start building a regular potty training schedule and overtime, you will see how your boxer dog follows a consistent routine themselves.
You can also teach them voice commands from the start as the dog can easily pick these too. For instance, “do your potty” can be repeated every time you take it to the potty spot, and slowly, it will recognize this command from its owner.
So, potty train your dog as a start and then slowly add more commands.
Teaching Obedience Commands to the Boxer Puppy
A well-behaved dog knows to follow its owners’ cues and does not hesitate in doing what is said, immediately. Some of the most basic commands you should include in dog training include ‘sit’, ‘stay’. ‘heel’, and ‘come’. Proper crate training is also important for teaching responsibility and good behavior to them.
When the boxer is three to four months old, you can start teaching your dog these commands. Remember to use food treats as a way of rewarding them every time they understand your voice cues. The best training method is giving your dog lots of praise and reinforce good behavior with a reward system.
Leash Training Boxer Dogs
All dog breeds must be taught how to stay on the leash and get used to it. You will be taking your dog for walks regularly, and using the leash is the only way to control them while they are out.
After all, you don’t want your energy-packed dog to dash here and there and act uncontrollably hyper towards strangers while you are out. Boxer dog training cannot be complete without this important lesson.
Make sure that you have a suitable and comfortable collar and leash for your boxer. Again, keep a tasty treat with you when you are on a walk and offer it whenever the dog stays by your side. Remember, these sessions should be kept short and positive.
You should constantly lure it towards yourself so it learns to walk with you. When it starts to act like a devil and keeps pulling away, then ignore it. You don’t have to yank the leash, simply walk the other way. When your dog comes back to you, reward it.
Always troubleshoot related leash behavior problems by sticking to this strategy.
Crate Training For Boxers
Your dog must know how to stay in a crate happily. You can teach them to do so by providing them a large and comfortable crate.
When you start to crate train your Boxer, you can expect some crying and whining initially. Puppies tend to cry a lot in the first few nights. But you must stay strong and pull yourself through no matter how your pup reacts.
So the golden rule is, you are not to allow the puppy out of the crate until it stops crying on its own.
Also, start to move away and out of its’ eyesight so that it gets used to it. Keep practicing this and soon, your doggo will be totally fine. When you finally open the crate, keep a treat ready so your dog knows it did a good job.
Importance of Proper Socialization
In successful boxer dog training, socialization also plays a key role. Boxers need to be given the opportunity to interact and get along with other human beings. Simply spending time with their dog trainer or owner is not adequate for them.
While training your boxer, make sure other people are regularly in its’ presence as well. This will help to prevent aggression issues like biting or chasing as well as barking loudly. This should be integrated with puppy training early on as it is much harder to correct such problems later on when you have an adult dog.
Who is the Alpha dog?
Before you begin puppy training, you must know that dogs have a pack mentality. This means that there is only one alpha, who is their leader. And this alpha leader should always be you, the owner! You have to make it clear and establish boundaries with your Boxer that you’re the boss.
Dominance training is an important approach that is often recommended while training the boxer breed. No matter what you are training, let your puppy know what is acceptable and what is not. You will be the rewarding giver and the commander at all times. Make sure to always exude confidence and control with your demeanor and voice, because dogs can easily pick these cues. This entire approach is very effective in training your dog well.
Spend time with your Boxer Dog
Although it is important to be the alpha, you also need to take on the role of a loving owner. Boxers love attention and time, so it is important that you also have separate fun, playtime with them-apart from training sessions.
This allows your dog to see you in a different light as well. It helps you bond with them better, and as these dogs are so loyal and affectionate, it will also help achieve more training success. After all, boxers are known to be obedient and faithful to their owner, especially when they have developed a deep connection with them.
We recommend you to always visit the veterinarian if your Boxer is facing behavioral issues that stand out as odd to you or if you are having too much trouble training it. This is to ensure that your doggo is fine and not facing any other issues you may be unaware of.
Boxers are a family favorite and a highly recommended canine companion for everyone. Using our tips, you can train it to be an excellent partner who will be forever obedient and extremely well-behaved. We hope this guide was helpful to you. Enjoy training your Boxer pup!
