Most importantly, ensure your Boxer knows the “Stay” and “Come” commands reliably to prevent these escape-artist pups from making a run for it while in your yard, even if it’s fenced.īoxers make excellent candidates for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program after they graduate from the AKC S.T.A.R. “Teaching them tricks is a great way to channel their boundless energy,” says Taylor. Training Goal #5: Teach Advanced Commands to Your Boxerīoxers are whip-smart and energetic. And don’t keep them in there for more than four hours at a time, advises Henkle. Just make sure that the crate is big enough to let your pup stand up, turn around, and stretch out. “Boxers won’t want to soil where they sleep,” he says. The crate should provide puppies with a Zen environment where they can sleep. Once they go, reward them with a treat or praise.īecause Boxers are so clean, crate training is a vital part of potty training for them, advises Hartstein. She recommends taking puppies to the same potty spot each time. “Remember that your puppy will need to potty within five to 15 minutes of eating, drinking, sleeping or playing,” says Henkle. Training Goal #4: Potty Train Your Boxerīoxers are fastidiously clean and take quickly to potty training. “The more you train Boxers, the better they’ll be and the less chance they’ll get bored and destructive.” Puppy Stage: By 6 Monthsīy this age, your Boxer pup should have lots of new human and canine friends, be a pro at basic obedience, and enjoy regular grooming. Yummy rewards like small pieces of chicken or hot dog work best. “They love to learn but can be stubborn and respond best to reward-based positive reinforcement training,” she says. Henkle recommends consistency when it comes to training Boxers. “Boxers are bright and energetic, so start teaching them basic obedience commands like ‘Sit,’ ‘Stay,’ and ‘Come,’ immediately after bringing them home,” advises Hartstein. Training Goal #3: Teach Your Boxer Basic Obedienceīoxers were originally bred to hunt large prey like wild boar and bison, so you don’t want them to channel their natural instincts into destructive behaviors like hunting your shoes and stealing your snacks. “Also, get the pup used to being touched on the muzzle, toes, body, tail, and hindquarters because these are areas you’ll touch during baths and that your vet will check during exams,” he says. Most importantly, you’ll want your little Boxer puppy to associate brushes and washcloths with positive rewards like food and praise so that these grooming tools won’t seem scary, recommends dog trainer Russell Hartstein, owner of Fun Paw Care Dog Training in Los Angeles, California. You can also wipe down their coat and paws between baths to remove any dirt, says Shames. “Using a dampened washcloth, gently wipe between the folds on the muzzle and under the dewlaps to clean up that drool,” recommends dog trainer and behaviorist Lynda Taylor of Breed Advisor. Training Goal #2: Get Boxers Used to GroomingĪlthough Boxers are short-haired dogs who are easy to keep clean, many drool, so you’ll need to get them used to basic grooming. “Most training clubs allow puppies as young as eight weeks old to enroll if you provide proof of the dog’s first shots, which I highly recommend,” says Henkle. You’ll also want to enroll in the AKC Family Dog Program, because it’s a great way to socialize your pooch. “Puppies won’t likely have all their shots until they are 16 weeks old, so make sure visitors haven’t been to places like dog parks, pet stores, vets or other spots they could have been exposed to dogs who may be sick,” she advises. “Boxers are very social dogs if introduced properly.”ĭebra Henkle, dog trainer and owner of Vendetta Boxers in Vallejo, California, recommends owners start introductions to friendly people and pets with a few caveats. “Socialization begins the moment the puppy enters their new home,” says Shames. Growth Stage: Between 8–16 weeks Training Goal #1: Socialize Boxers with Dogs and Peopleīoxers are fiercely protective of their owners, so proper socialization is a necessity. We spoke with several Boxer experts, including the American Boxer Club’s Publicity Chairperson and their Dean of Boxer U, Virginia Shames to get some advice on raising these wonderful dogs. These handsome pups are known for their loyalty, quick wit, and protective nature, but these charming characteristics also mean Boxer pups have a few special considerations when it comes to training and socialization. With their chiseled features, muscular bodies, and square jaws, Boxers are the movie stars of the dog world.
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