Training Your Boxer Puppy: A Simple Guide (and Update)

Update: I must have terrorized a lot of my bloggyville friends with the poop picture. Sorry guys. My niece screamed at me from the other room saying it looked weird being posted there. Well, I am glad to say that Buchi has successfully pooped normally last Sunday. Now, that we're done with that episode, we're up to some trivia on caring for Boxers.

Training your Boxer Pupster

Are you thinking of getting a Boxer puppy, or have you bought one already? Boxer puppies are one of the cutest, most lovable puppies out there and grow to be a great dog. Many people don’t know that the Boxer was made by breeding a Bulldog with a Bullenbeisser (a less known breed). You’ll find your Boxer loyal, clever, and extremely excitable. They are also playful, curious, and energetic - perfect for large families with kids! It’s very important to make sure you train your Boxer puppy, so they learn good habits while they’re young. Here’s a simple guide to help you:

Boxer Puppy with Shoelace by Mythic Seabass, CC-BY-2.0

Learn the Traits of a Boxer

If you learn the traits of a Boxer, both good and bad, you’ll be able to better understand them and what you need to do to discipline them.

• Boxers are loyal to humans naturally. They will usually get on with other pets, and play well with children. Make sure you reward positive traits like this.

• Boxers are energetic and need daily walks and lots of room to play. You can use the walks as a time to bond and teach your puppy good habits on the lead.

• Make sure your puppy knows what is acceptable and what isn't. If you don’t want them on the furniture, you need to be consistent with them. Boxers don’t get ‘sometimes’, it’s either all the time or none of the time. 

• Boxers are stubborn, so you may have to correct your puppy multiple times. 

Boxer Puppy 5 by MythicSeabass, CC-BY-2.0

• You need to make sure you’re firm with your Boxer - a light tone won’t cut it. And don't get caught in those cute puppy dog eyes. Take note that even when they grow old, those adorable eyes remain ruthlessly cute to melt the coldest heart. So be firm, consistent and patient.

Start House Training as Soon as You Get Your Puppy Home

You’ll need to start house training your puppy as soon as you bring them home. Choose a word like ‘wee wee’ to symbolise that it’s time to go outside for them, and use it repetitively. Your dog will quickly learn what to do.

If you notice your puppy sniffing around and walking in circles, they could be getting ready to go to the toilet on your floor. Put them outside straight away so they learn where they must go. You should follow a successful bathroom break outside with a treat, so they know they've done well. If your puppy has already done their business on the floor, make sure you tell them ‘No!’ in a firm voice, however; you shouldn't scare them, or rub their nose in it like some silly dog owners suggest. 

If you can’t seem to train your dog, you might want to pay a visit to the vet incase there is an underlying bladder problem. You can get online dog prescriptions, making treatment for your dog very simple.

Stay Consistent

Choose words like ‘Sit’, ‘Stay’, ‘Lie down’, etc to teach your dog basic commands. You’ll need to be consistent and make sure you’re repetitive, and they should learn quickly. 

Beware that if you allow your Boxer puppy to take over your house, they will. Make sure you nip bad behaviour in the bud as soon as it starts, by always using a tone, facial expression, and word they understand. Don’t neglect them when it comes to good behaviour either; always have a treat on hand. Your puppy should quickly learn to respect you!