Training and Training Classes
Your dog will learn things all its life. Make this process as much fun for both of you. A well trained dog is a pleasure to own and the dog will be happier if its knows the rules.
Training starts the moment you get your puppy home. TONE OF VOICE is everything. Speaking in "soft" tones when your puppy is doing what you want and in a "harsh" tone when he is not. There is no point in telling a dog off unless it is at the precise moment of the "crime" as dogs live in the moment and they won't remember that they have done something naughty, they will just know that you are shouting at them.
By starting off the right way you will end up with a well adjusted adult.
Remember, dont labour the point or nag but don't let your small puppy do things you would not want your large adult to do
ALL puppies will: chew and mouth, pee and poop, dig holes, jump up - that's what puppies do! your puppy is no different.
It is essential that you show your puppy what you want him to do first, and then when he understands - praise him! Boxers want to please their owners, but occasionally can be quite stubborn. Dogs don't speak English very well, so saying "no" is pretty ineffective. If you see your puppy is about to make a mistake, a simple, "uh, uh" as a warning will usually be enough and then distract him.
ANTICIPATE what he is about to do and call him away. Distraction is the key.
Have a list of word's that the whole family use and make sure that they are used consistently by everybody.
Words that I use are:
Sit - this means just sit with your bottom on the floor
Down - this means lie down
Wait - this means wait there till you get another instruction,
Stay - this means just stay there till i come back,
Leave or drop - this means move away or drop what you have or are doing,
Bed - this means go into your bed,
Be busy - this means go to the toilet,
Watch - this means pay attention to me, look at me,
Heel - this means walk at my side
Stop - this means just stop where you are,
Move - this means move out of the way or move from where you are,
When your dog has learned exactly what you want him to do, each time you give him a command, say that command only once and mean it, and make sure he obeys first time. If you keep giving the same command over and over again without the dog actually doing what he has been asked then you are not teaching him anything. When he does do what you have asked, make sure your praise is instant.
BE CONSISTENT
Mouthing: Most puppies will chew your fingers if you stick them into its mouth, just like babies do, However, mouthing should not be allowed as it can sometimes be misinterpreted as a bite by people unfamiliar with the breed. If you allow him to continue to mouth you then it could develop into biting to get what he wants. A simple "uh, uh" should stop it, or quickly saying "ow" and turning away and refusing to play for a few seconds, then resume playing and repeat this if the mouthing starts again Your pup wants to play with you so he will quickly learn that biting means the end of the play and he won't do it - but you have to be consistent. Don't screamor use a high pitched voice as this tends to over-excite puppies and dogs and this can make matters worse.
Boxers are extremely intelligent and loving. They love to play games as long as you don't let them get over-excited and out of control. Being robust they need plenty of daily exercise and obedience training will help to channel their exuberant nature. They should be raised with common sense and mutual respect, firm but fair. They must be taught that when you say a game is over - it is over - and stop.
Aggression should never be encouraged at any time. Dont wind him up, rough housing and challenges of strength are not the way to control a boxer. Eventually there will come a time when he could resent it, and could want to come out on top. Being assertive is not being domineering. Making him happy to do the things you have asked for reward or praise is a much more enjoyable way to control your boxer.
It is personal choice whether you allow your dog into your bedroom or onto your sofa. Just be sure that if you allow it as a puppy you will still allow it as a large adult dog. Always be sure that when you ask your dog to move or get off so that you can get into bed or sit on the sofa that the dog understands that he has to move off.
Give them a bed of their own where ever you want them to sleep and maybe a blanket or another bed in the living room. This gives them their own space. you may want to tell the younger members of the family that this is the dogs quiet corner and when they are in their own beds they are not to be disturbed but again this should not be a possessive issue. My youngest child was only 3 when we had our dogs and he use to climb in the beds with the dogs and cuddle up with them. This was never a problem for our dogs as our children were taught how to behave with the dogs, never to disturb them when they were asleep, never poke or pull tails. Teaching dogs and children to be respectful and tolerant of each other is a vital part o training.
Your dog should not be possessive over food. If this occurs, try to feed him by hand, or let him take the food from the bowl with your fingers still inside the bowl. If this has been done since puppyhood he won't resent it. I have always periodically taken back the food that i have just given them briefly and then returned it. This shows them that you have the right to remove their food but also that you will give it back, and they do not need to protect it. I do this with bones aswell as if you feed raw bones you need to be able to remove it from the dog if you need to.
Training Classes are a great way to socialise your dog and learn how to control your dog safely - with praise and reward - not shouting and punishment and never hit your dog. Contact the kennel club for details on training classes in your area. The Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme is a great one to join and a great achievement when you pass all the levels.
Being able to call your dog away from danger or a stranger could save their life, recall is one of the biggest lessons to learn and probably the most important. Always have treats in your pocket when out for a walk and periodically through out your walk call your dog back to you and reward them if they come. Make your recall sound exciting not cross and very quickly your dog will learn that coming to you means n ice rewards and lots of praise.
When a dog does something wrong or does not do as it is told it is usually your fault - not the dogs! Somewhere you have failed in your training and the dog has misunderstood what you asked.
Try to think like a dog
and
Remember Aggression creates Aggression.
