If you are lucky enough to consider yourself a future Boxer owner, you’re already on the right track by learning the best Boxer puppy training methods so that your furry friend grows up to be a well-behaved little man.
It’s more than possible to raise a Boxer pup that is well socialised, respects your house rules, and is only a pleasure to be around.
In this guide you can find everything there is to know about Boxer dog training, from potty training to crate training, and the best tips for training Boxer puppies.
Absolutely, all dog breeds and their households benefit immensely from training, and Boxer dogs are no exception.
Training your Boxer pup will ensure that it grows up to be a well-behaved dog, with no problem being around other dogs, pets, and people.
In addition, Boxer dog training is essential for preventing destructive behaviours and aggression from developing in your pup.
Boxers are generally a very intelligent breed and often work as military dogs, or therapy dogs like guide dogs, meaning that they can be trained fairly easily if the right techniques are used.
It’s important that Boxer owners are aware of their puppy’s high-energy nature and their massive need for both physical and mental stimulation daily.
If you aren’t able to give your pup the exercise and mental stimulation he requires, you can expect training sessions to be a major challenge.
When it comes to Boxer puppy training, early socialisation and basic obedience training are crucial for preventing aggressive behaviour such as biting, chasing and excessive barking.
Boxer pups need training that involves a lot of exercise, for example, outdoor activities or dog sports to keep them engaged and manage their high energy levels.
Lastly, potty, crate, and leash training are highly recommended for your Boxer dog.
You can begin potty training as soon as you bring your puppy home. It will usually take a few months for your puppy to pick it up.
Boxers tend to be meticulously clean dogs, which makes them take to potty training fairly quickly.
Here are some pointers for toilet training Boxers:
The first week or two of having a new Boxer puppy will involve you needing to keep an eye on it pretty much constantly and be ready to take it outside regularly for toilet business.
You’ll need to pick a specific spot in your garden and make it a habit that your puppy uses that spot as a toilet area every time.
Following the same toilet routine will make potty training your puppy much easier.
Take your pup out for a potty break at the following times:
For the first few weeks of toilet training, you’ll need to take your furry friend outside about every hour.
If your puppy begins using a room in your house as its toilet, you’ll need to make a short, loud sound, like Oh! No! – as long as it’s loud enough that it stops.
Next, make your way towards the garden and call your pup enthusiastically into the designated toilet spot, so your pup can finish its business there.
A crate will provide your Boxer dog with a peaceful space where it can sleep, plus these dogs won’t want to soil in their bed, which will aid in the potty training.
Crate training offers many benefits for dogs and their owners alike. A crate is a safe space where your pup can relax, and being used to being in a crate will make situations such as travelling and vet visits a lot less stressful for your pup.
As soon as you bring your pup home you can begin crate training. Starting at a young age will help it ease into using the crate regularly when it matures.
With all puppies, including the Boxer breed, crate training needs to be a gradual process.
Make your puppy’s crate comfortable by lining it with fluffy blankets and perhaps his favourite chew toys, so that he always has a positive experience in the crate.
At first, you will need to keep the crate door open and stay close by to ensure your pup is as comfortable as can be. As it gets used to being in there, you can begin closing the door for short durations and build it up over time until it is happy being in the crate all on its own.
Teaching your Boxer basic tricks is more than possible without the help of a professional dog trainer.
Boxers are highly intelligent and learning new skills will contribute to their mental development.
Your doggo can easily learn basics like to sit, stand, roll, kneel, play dead, shake hands, and fetch. All it takes is some patience and perseverance, and you’ll soon see that with every training session your pup is improving.
Consistency and dedication are key to successfully training Boxer dogs.
Be prepared for times when it will feel like you aren’t making any progress, but just stick with it and you’ll be very happy with the end results!
The only appropriate Boxer training method is positive reinforcement – which means no harsh punishment is involved and instead, you focus on rewarding your canine for good behaviour.
You can reward your pup with anything it enjoys, whether it’s healthy doggy treats, simple verbal praises and affection, or even its favourite game (like fetch, or tug of war).
You will need to find out what your Boxer values and is eager to work for.
While treats are great for encouraging positive behaviour, if not used in moderation, they can cause your dog to gain too much weight. Always use treats sparingly.
As a guide, don’t let treats exceed 10% of your pup’s daily calories.
Clicker training is another excellent technique to incorporate into your positive reinforcement methods, especially if you want to avoid overdoing the doggy treats.
Your Boxer will associate the clicker with positivity and it will further encourage good behaviour.
Other dog breeds may be easier to train, but all Boxer owners will agree that these wonderful dogs are 100% worth all the effort it takes!
If you focus on consistently training your Boxer pup from a young age, using positive enforcement, it is sure to bring plenty of joy to your home and everyone around your dog!
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