Training Your Puppy

Although the Boxer is an affectionate and highly intelligent dog, he also has a mind of his own. He needs to learn that you are now the top dog, the alpha person in his life. The sooner he understands that, the fewer behavior problems you will encounter with your puppy and adult Boxer.

All dogs are pack animals and, as such, they need a leader. Your Boxer's first boss was his mother, now it's you. How best to teach him that you are now the chief in his life? Puppy kindergarten starts the day you bring your puppy home.

Before your puppy left his breeder, all of his life lessons came from his dam and littermates. When he played too rough or nipped too hard, his siblings cried and stopped the game. When he got pushy or obnoxious, his dam cuffed him gently with a maternal paw. Now his human family has to communicate appropriate behavior in terms his little canine mind will understand.

When you start the teaching process, keep this thought uppermost: The first 20 weeks of any canine's life is his most valuable learning time, a period when his mind is best able to soak up every lesson, both positive and negative. Positive experiences and proper socialization during this period are critical to his future development and stability. Always keep in mind that the amount and quality of time you invest with your Boxer puppy now will determine what kind of an adult he will become. You determine if you have wild dog or a gentleman or lady , well-behaved or naughty dog…. It's up to you.

Canine behavioral science tells us that any behavior that is rewarded will be repeated (this is called positive reinforcement). If something good happens, like a tasty treat or hugs and kisses, the puppy will naturally want to repeat the behavior. That same research also has proven that one of the best ways to a puppy's mind is through his stomach. Never underestimate the power of a cookie!

This leads to another very important puppy rule: Keep your pockets loaded with puppy treats at all times, so you are prepared to reinforce good behavior whenever it occurs.

That same reinforcement principle also applies to negative behavior, or what we humans (not the dog) might consider negative (like digging in the trash can, which the dog or puppy does not know is wrong). If the pup gets into the garbage, steals food or does anything else that makes him feel good, he will do it again. What better reason to keep a sharp eye on your puppy to prevent these normal canine behaviors?

Puppy's Home Education

You are about to begin the puppy classes. There are two rules to consider. Rule No. 1: The puppy must learn that you are now the "alpha" dog and his new pack leader. Rule No. 2: You have to teach him in a manner he will understand (sorry, barking just won't do it). Remember, always, that he knows nothing about human standards of behavior.

Word Association

Use the same word (command) for each behavior every time you teach it, adding food rewards and verbal praise to reinforce the positive. The puppy will make the connection and will be motivated to repeat the behavior when he hears those key words. For example, when teaching your puppy to potty outside, use the same potty command ("Go potty," "Get busy" or "Hurry up" are commonly used) each time he eliminates, adding a "Good boy!" while he's urinating or eliminating. Your puppy will soon learn what those trips outside are for.

Timing

All dogs learn their lessons in the present tense. You have to catch them in the act (good or bad) in order to dispense rewards or discipline. You have five seconds to connect with your dog or he will not understand what he did wrong. Thus, timing and consistency are your keys to success in teaching any new behavior or correcting bad behaviors

Never tell your dog to "Come" and then correct him for something he did wrong. He will think the correction is for coming to you. (Think like a dog, remember?) Always go to the dog to stop unwanted behavior (in the act, remember?)

Never hit or kick your dog or strike him with a newspaper or other object. Such abusive measures will only create fear and confusion in your dog and could provoke aggressive behavior down the road.

When praising or correcting, use your best doggie voice. Use a light and happy voice for praise, and a firm, sharp voice for warnings or corrections. A pleading, whiny No, No or "Drop that' will not sound too convincing, nor will a deep, gruff voice make your puppy feel like he's a good dog.

Your dog also will respond accordingly to family arguments. If there’s a shouting match, he will think that he did something wrong and head for cover. So never argue in front of the kids or the dog!

Despite the Boxer powerful appearance, he is a soft dog who will not respond to harsh training methods or corrections. Puppy kindergarten and continued lessons in obedience are the best course to combating the Boxer stubborn streak.

Six tips to keep in mind when training a boxer puppy..

1. The Boxer is a pack animal, like all other dogs, and needs a leader to guide and instruct him.

2. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train any dog, especially one as sensitive as a boxer.

3. Know the basic rules of puppy classes: You are the alpha and your dog doesn't speak English.

4. Teach word association, timing and consistency.

5. Learn the seven rules to successful puppy training.

6. Play games with your puppy to help him learn to come when called.

Boxer puppies are fun and playful and carry those traits into adulthood. This noble breed is smart and can pick up on things quickly. This is most beneficial when potty training your puppy. Since they are intelligent and love to please their owners, Boxers usually have few problems when it comes to learning where to "go.

1. Begin potty training your Boxer puppy as soon as you can, preferably the day she comes home with you. Starting early helps your pooch learns what is expected of her and will expedite housebreaking.

2. Establish a potty-training routine by taking your Boxer outside at the same times, every day. Puppies have to eliminate after they have eaten and when they wake up. Determine how often to take your puppy outside based on how old she is: If she is two months old, take her out every two hours. As a general rule, a puppy can hold it for one hour per her age in months. For example, if your Boxer is four months old, she can last four hours without having an accident.

3. Restrict your dog's indoor activities by crating her when you are not home or sleeping. Not only will the crate provide her a safe haven, it will also teach her not to use your house as a bathroom.

 4. Take your Boxer through the same door to the same spot each time you take her outside. Being consistent in your routine will help her learn what is expected of her.

 5. Assert that potty time is not play time. One of the hardest parts of potty training a Boxer is getting her to actually go the bathroom instead of playing. Do not engage in her behavior or reward until she has gone potty. Keep her on a leash to prevent her from running away from you.

 6. Say "Go potty," each time you take her outside. She will learn through repetition that her job is to go to the bathroom when you say those words.

7. Reward your puppy with a tasty treat or lots of attention each time she goes to the bathroom in the right spot. She will soon learn that doing what you ask will earn her lots of good things.