Boxers are quite affectionate towards children and older adults.
Most of them can recognize the necessity to be more patient and
gentle with people who are of a more fragile nature. However,
never risk the health or wellbeing of someone just because
‘most’ boxers exude this quality.
Training Your Boxer puppy properly, with quality time and bonding
together, puts you on the road to prepare him for lifetime
companionship. Consistent commands, structure, praise and reward
are all aspects needed to have your Boxer puppy consider you as
the leader of the pack.
In addition to boxer
puppy training basic commands like sit and stay through
positive reinforcement training techniques it is important to
immediately begin housetraining your boxer puppy.
One of the
best ways to go about this procedure is to use a crate that
provides just enough room for your Boxer puppy to turn around
and lie down. Growing to become quite large, you may consider
buying an extra large crate from the start instead of having to
buy multiple cages during your dog’s lifetime.
The general rule is that dogs will not do their business where
they sleep. There are very easy ways to modify the amount of
space available to your dog. Simply by inserting a piece of
strong cardboard or a very well sanded piece of wood into the
crate, you can minimize the space your Boxer has access to.
As he grows, move the cardboard or wood expanding the space he
has until he does not need it anymore at all. The same applies
if you choose to buy a wire cage instead of a crate. The only
difference would be adding a thick or dark blanketed covering
over the top of the cage to give it the feeling of being your
Boxer’s ‘den’.
When start to
crate train your Boxer, there are likely to be
some episodes of whining and crying. Don’t let your Boxer out
of its crate or cage until the crying has subsided and your dog
is quiet.
This is a key element of training Boxer puppies. You
can start crate training while being in the same room with your
puppy, allowing yourself to be seen. Keep practicing this until
there is no whining or barking coming from the cage.
Then it’s time to leave the room, or at least stay out of
eyesight. Again, practice this until you are able to do it
without tantrums from your Boxer. In no time at all, you will be
able to leave your dog in its cage while you are away from the
home, and you will actually find him heading to his crate all by
himself if he feels the need to rest or get away from situations
he feels uncomfortable in.
As soon as you open the crate, be at the ready with leash,
clicker and treat, ready to take your puppy outside without
having to wait too long. Be prepared before opening the cage or
crate so as to not give your puppy time to find a different
location to do his business.
You should use a ‘mark’ or cue word from the beginning to ensure
your dog knows what to do when he gets outside. This can be any
key phrase or word to be used consistently along with the
Clicker system, such as ‘Go potty’ or something of your own
choosing.
If you find your Boxer circling or sniffing the floor, take him
immediately to his ‘potty place’. If he has not started to
relieve himself inside (accidents do happen), there is no reason
for reprimand, and the click and treat should still apply. If,
however you find your puppy has already started to relieve
himself inside, pick him up, with a firm voice say “NO!” and
bring him directly outside.
When he does go potty outside, promptly praise and reward him so
he knows he’s done something right. He’ll want to repeat the
behaviour to earn more treats. It is even recommended that you
save the best treats for potty training so they work extra hard
to earn them.
Although headstrong as Boxer puppies are, with love, patience
and great consistence with training you will have a companion to
enjoy for years to come. For more
dog training tips and tricks check out our free videos.
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Boxer Puppy
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