Boxer Training – How To Train A Boxer Dog

Boxers are usually happy, playful dogs and this is especially true when they’re puppies. If you are thinking of training a Boxer or a Boxer puppy then it’s best to try to make your training suit your dog’s temperament.  This means that harsh corrections and very repetitive, boring training will not succeed very well.  You’ll have more success in training your Boxer if you make training fun and enjoyable for your dog.

Positive Reinforcement

You can make training fun for your dog by using positive reinforcement such as clicker training or simple praise and reward.  If your dog is motivated by food then treats can be used as a good reward.  If your dog prefers to play as a reward then you can keep a toy handy and use a play session as a reward.

Some dogs love to have a good belly rub as a reward.  Find what motivates your dog and use it as his reward.  Don’t forget the praise.

What Your Boxer Will Need

If you’re going to use positive reinforcement then you will need a flat buckle collar for your dog and a six-foot long leash.  It’s fine to use a material like nylon, especially if you are working with a puppy.  Puppies grow fast and you probably won’t want to buy an expensive leather collar that your puppy will quickly outgrow.  Make sure the collar is big enough for your puppy or dog.  You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.  The collar shouldn’t be too large either or your puppy or dog will simply slip out of it.

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Puppy Socialization

If you have a Boxer puppy then you should begin by focusing on socialization.  Early socialization as a puppy helps him become more confident which, in turn, helps avoid behavior problems later such as barking, chewing, separation anxiety and others.  After your puppy has had his vaccinations you can take him to places where dogs are welcome:  pet stores, parks and other places where he’ll meet friendly, leashed dogs and friendly people to pet him.  The purpose of socialization is to teach your puppy good manners and how to interact socially, as well as to build self-confidence.

You can also enroll your puppy in a puppy preschool or puppy kindergarten class.  These classes are often taught through local kennel clubs, pet stores, animal shelters and dog trainers.  Puppies are encouraged to play together, to socialize with each other, and to be petted by other friendly owners.  Some classes will also teach some basic obedience lessons.  Talk to the trainer teaching the class to find out if it’s something you’d like to do with your puppy.

Training An Adult Boxer

You can work on training your adult Boxer either by working at home or by joining a training class.  There’s no reason why you can’t train your dog yourself. There are many good books, DVDs, CDs and other resources to help you train your dog at home as long as you’re willing to practice daily.  Or you can find a good training class through a local kennel club, animal shelter or pet store.  There are also many good private dog trainers who offer individual and group classes.  Talk to friends with dogs and ask if they know some trainers in your area or see if they can recommend a good class.  Give the local kennel club or shelter a call to see if they will be offering classes.

The good thing about dog training is that you don’t have to stop with one class.  If you take a class and like it, you can always take another one, perhaps more advanced.  If you take a class and you don’t like it, you can look for a trainer you like better.

Boxers are very intelligent dogs and they are usually easy to train provided you make training fun for them, so try to choose a class or a training method that will suit your dog.  If you are going to be taking a class from someone else it’s a good idea to talk to the trainer first or see if you can sit in and watch a class to see if it’s something that you and your dog would enjoy.

Other Training Methods

Of course, there are other training methods besides positive reinforcement, such as traditional dog training.  This was the most popular dog training method in most places prior to the 1990s and it is still taught by some trainers.  It utilizes a chain collar and corrective jerks.  Done properly it is not a cruel method of training.

The problem lies in the fact that many novices do not use the method correctly and make corrections improperly.  However, if this method appeals to you and you can use it properly, there is no reason why you can’t use it to train your dog, especially if you have a good trainer working with you.

Boxers can excel at obedience, agility, as service dogs, guide dogs, police dogs, military dogs, in protection work, as guard dogs and in many other dog activities.  They are very smart and, with good training, they can learn just about anything.  Work on your own skills as a trainer at the same time you’re training your dog and the two of you can do great things.

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