How to train a boxer?
The hoaxes say that it is a difficult breed to educate, due to its aggressive nature. These false beliefs date back to the past, when the Boxer was a jealous guardian of its keepers against any suspicious intruder. Today he is a dog with a calm temperament, capable of bringing great doses of happiness to his human family.
Boxer, one of the most popular breeds
As we mentioned in our post ” The 10 most popular dog breeds“, the boxer is in the limelight. In surveys of the International Cytological Federation, between 2012-2013, it was in 9th place, within the thirty most popular breeds of the member countries. For its part, the American Kenner Club placed the boxer in 7th place, ahead of the protective dachshunds and behind the playful bulldogs.
What is the secret of the success of this breed? Possibly it resides in the fact that a well-behaved boxer is a happy dog, which makes coexistence in any home very pleasant.
What are boxers like?
In the line of dismantling the false beliefs around boxers , we write down some of the characteristics and virtues of these dogs.
- The Boxers are energetic dogs
- Active, playful and enthusiastic
- Attentive
- Watchmen
- Affectionate
- Curious
- Sociable
- Smart
- Loyal
- Trained, they show good behavior
- Educated, they know how to stay calm
- Ideal for living with children
Of course, whoever has a boxer should put a little effort into their education.
Keys to boxer education
Next, we will give you some guidelines to achieve the effective and positive training of your boxer.
- Education and socialization
Although they are usually sociable, these dogs have so much character and vitality that, at times, they can get excited and become a bit rough. To ensure their good behavior we must guide them from an early age, so that they learn to control their excess energy in a positive way.
We summarize the keys:
- Educate your Boxer since he is a puppy, gradually and always using positive reinforcement, rewarding him when he does things well.
- Check that their diet is appropriate for their race and weight.
- Assure him the dose of daily exercise necessary – such as running together for half an hour – to develop his muscles and stay in shape, both physically and mentally.
- Establish rules and ensure that all members of the family respect them.
- Get him used to relating and living harmoniously with the environment, the people and the animals that surround him.
- You must also become familiar with the noises, objects and elements with which you have to live.
- The word socialization is key in the education of the Boxer to avoid getting into street fights with other dogs.
- Avoid situations that generate anxiety, fear and stress.
- With perseverance, patience, and positive education, your boxer will gradually assimilate all your instructions.
2. Correction of bad behaviors
We have said that positive education is essential in training a boxer.
- Like any dog, your boxer can be rebellious or do things he should not , such as breaking your favorite vase or chewing on the sofa or your clothes, for example.
- In these cases, we will not punish you with verbal or physical harshness , of course, because you would not understand; on the contrary, we would add more stress to the problem.
- What is clear is that you have to correct him firmly , saying “NO” , at the right moment when he does something wrong , so that he knows that “this is not done”. Then it’s best to walk away and ignore it for a while.
3. Destructions at home due to anxiety
When you get home, after a long day at work, and see a bleak outlook due to the damage caused by your boxer shorts , try to take a deep breath.
- He thinks that, surely, he has done it by feeling helpless and alone ; you know, what is technically called separation anxiety .
- Since your dog has to get used to being alone at home, give him sound toys or treats to entertain and move around.
- It will be the same time without your company, but the hours will be shorter.
4. Dog fights
You may take your boxer for a walk in the park and suddenly he bumps into other dogs who are fighting or inciting him to fight.
- In the face of the danger of a canine fight , whoever starts the fight, prevention is the best tactic.
- Without fights or punishments, avoid the risks of confrontation between dogs, staying away from conflictive places.
- Remember that having a left hand is a safe strategy and that provocation increases the levels of tension and anxiety in dogs.
5. When you urinate at home
No matter how polite you are to your boxer , sometimes you can find an unexpected pool of urine , inside the house.
- When these “physiological unforeseen” do not despair; keep calm , take your dog to another room and wipe the pee, like nothing.
- Think that perhaps the dog is somewhat tense due to lack of physical activity.
- To avoid these situations, accustom him to habits of long and daily walks; In this way, your furry will release its accumulated tensions by running around in the open air.
Never forget the importance of positive reinforcement in your boxer training . Get him used to good behavior with the help of rewards, both physical and emotional; Remember that he is extremely sensitive to your caresses, flattery and any other affectionate gesture that you show him. Be generous to him, he will pay you back!