Guide to Boxer Dog Training

Boxer Puppy Training Is Your First Step

Boxer dog training is a critical step in raising your boxer to be a happy member of your family. Starting with boxer puppy training, training your boxer should be integrated into every interaction you have with him or her.

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Knowing the right approach when training your boxer dog is crucial. Most boxer owners would agree that the day you bring the boxer puppy home, you must already pick the direction in which you plan to go with him or her. You might say that training boxer dogs is a matter of thinking and working a step ahead of your boxer. Do it with love, gentleness but firmness as well.

Also, remember that a boxer who is well behaved today may not necessarily remain so forever. Dogs' behavior constantly changes; new problems can always develop and existing ones can get worse. So make the training consistent. Training your boxer is the most important thing you will do for him and for yourself in order to have a much better relationship together.

Why Boxer Dog Training Is So Important

A trained boxer will listen and can safely be allowed freedom more than an untrained one. A disciplined and well-trained boxer is more confident and makes a better companion that is smart, soulful, and a more people-oriented dog. The well-trained dog will also be blessed with boundless energy - a pleasure to live with.

On the other hand, a poorly trained boxer dog can be a loud and destructive nuisance around the house that weighs on you more like a commitment and responsibility rather than a blessing. Training your boxer puppy is your responsibility. Teach them when still young and moldable, rather than stressing them out when they are older and more difficult to control.

For instance, it is not fair to let your boxer pull on the leash when he is a small puppy and this doesn't hurt your hand, then to scold and shout at him if he does the same when he is big and strong and makes your arms feel like they're being yanked out of the joints. It is not fair for the dog and certainly not fair for you. So take steps to initiate boxer puppy training and you'll more likely have an adult dog one day that is a pleasure and a blessing, rather than a trial.

Stock Up on Toys, Games and Treats for Your Boxer

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Foods, treats or praise will bring out the best responses from your boxers during training. Treats can come in the form of their favorite food, toy or something the boxer really loves to do.

Whenever practicing any obedience training and upon finishing, plan for a big play period by running and throwing boxer's favorite toys. Or, some boxers prefer to go for rides in the car, enjoying the wind in their faces, or even playing football!

Some boxers will take dog training commands with great joy knowing that they will get something to eat! Some favorites are ice cream, cheese, ham and chicken. One boxer fancies a handful of ice cubes to crunch on though he's not thirsty. My boxer, Lucy, loved ice cubes better than almost anything. As soon as she heard us getting ice out of the freezer, she'd come running!

The all time dog favorites of fetching and hide and seek games can be made more treasured using your boxer's favorite ball or toy, and giving him plenty of stroking in between throws.

Learn More About Boxer Dog Training

Those are just a few tips to get you started with your boxer dog training. But remember, training your boxer is a lifelong commitment. They need constant reinforcement of the "rules." Click the topics below to further explore boxer dog training topics.

• Getting started with training
• Obedience training
• Specific boxer training issues