Training Your Boxer

Who couldn't use some tips on training their Boxer?  They continue to be smarter than the average dog, and more stubborn than a mule at times.  If you have solved a Boxer problem please share your method to help others who may still be struggling.  If you know of a great trainer, by all means share their contact information.  We all love Boxers and we all could use a little help now and again.

Comments

[JG]

I got my boxer Abby from BRLA 2 years ago. Everything is great – I love my dog! The only issue I have had with her – she tends to leave messes in one area of the house if I do not cage her when I leave. Now – she does not always leave messes – so I really try to show her appreciation and encouragement at those times. But for what ever reason – she quickly goes back to the same bad habit. So I find myself locking her up to prevent the issue. I hate caging my dog – just as much as she hates it – but I don’t know what else to do. Any thoughts – recommendations?

[Joni]

Dear JG,
You say she has a problem in one spot of your home. The first recommendation would be to use Natures Miracle, and enzyme cleaner which would remove all traces of any odors. Regular cleaning products leave microscopic remains which a dog's nose (1000 times more sensitive than ours) can pick up. If there are any trigger scents in the area, your dog may be confused and think it is okay.

Secondly I would limit her access to this problem area.

Keep in mind that crates are not punishment. Dogs actually enjoy the security they feel in their "den". If you are gone for reasonable amounts of time, crating her could be the best solution. Make sure she is exercised before you leave her so she would naturally be in a resting mode and/or leave her with treats that last hours, like a stufed kong or frozen marrow bone.

Dogs are extremely sensitive to your emotions and frustration can make dogs insecure and confused. If you approach her crating with a positive attitude, she will not be as anxious.

If possible a doggie door or some inside/outside access so she can let herself out might help. If not make sure you exercise and allow Abby to eliminate before you leave her.

Lastly,you may want your vet check her for urinary tract infection which can cause dogs to have accidents. The infections are easiy cleared up with medication.

For other training tips you can go to the BRLA website - ADVISE section and then to TRAINING for some great in-dept articles on housebreaking, crate training and other helpful topics.

The main thing is consistency and of course love, which it sounds like you have lots of for your Abby.

[JG]

Thanks Joni for the information. I have actually been keeping Abby confined to a bathroom during the day - while I am at work which seems to help. I will definitely look into the Natures Miracle product! Thanks so much for your input!

[tracy]

Our story is in the Happy Endings under Mugsy and Miki. I let these guys play as rough as they want, but now they've become aggressive to other dogs and other sometimes people. I think they've become territorial and protective. If I tell one dog to leave it, he/she will "protect" that item and attack the other if it comes near.

When I walk both and we encounter someone else with a mis-behaving dog, Mugsy will attack Miki, almost like he's showing off. Right now, I separate them and make them both sit until they calm down.

What do you think?

[Janice Gould]

My Boxer, Guy, is the most wonderful dog I have ever owned - however, he is a bully on the leash when he sees another dog - I am literally on skis when he sees a dog - and it is not dog aggression by any means, just curiosity or maybe playfulness, but I lose all control, and he is as strong as a bull.
I have tried the gentle leader, a harness clipped under his belly, and now the only thing that works is I have a small squirt water bottle that I mist him with just to distract him so we can get past another dog.
Any ideas?