People who love dogs would recognize a boxer dog right away – it’s hard to miss a handsome dog with chiseled head, cropped ears and a muscular build which stands on its hind legs, prepping to box with its front paws. Boxer dogs are among the most favorite pet companions of people across the globe and for good reason; boxers have an entire list of fine attributes from being calm, intuitive dogs to being playful and patient. But just like any other animal, your boxer needs appropriate training and care to turn it into a lovable canine family pet. To help you with boxer dog training, heed these useful tips:

1. Get to know your dog first. Learn about the boxer breed even before bringing a new puppy home. Research is an inevitable first step to responsible dog ownership. Every dog breed highlights peculiarities in a particular group of canines. Extremely intelligent and playful, boxers forge strong bonds with their owners that last through their lifetimes. Knowing how to train one is crucial to a loyal companionship.

2. Begin with a puppy. Naturally intelligent dogs, boxers are stubborn and strong-willed breeds. Housebreaking and obedience training as best done as early as possible. Also, because of their defined features and creased brows, people tend to assume boxers are ferocious dogs and are naturally aggressive. In truth, boxers are more playful than many other dog breeds but are excellent guard dogs as well. As in any other dog, a boxer protective instinct is roused with perceived threat or aggression. It’s best to train your boxer early to recognize any potential problems.

3. Prepare to be tested. At about 13 weeks old, your boxer puts your resolve to the test. You’ll know it’s time to be tough on boxer dog training when your pet nips and chews and generally ignores your commands. When boxers give you the dominance test, it’s important to assume the leadership role and be firmly consistent. Dogs are pack animals; even boxers submit to the recognized pack leader.

4. Socialize with your dog. An important aspect of boxer dog training is socialization. Boxers need to get used to being around other dogs and people. This is important to curb aggressive tendencies. While training classes are excellent ways to expose your pet to others of his kind, it is equally important for owners to socialize with their pets. Play with your dog. Boxers are an exuberant bundle and would make good running companions. They’d also enjoy long walks or a game of catch.

Benefits of a Trained Boxer Dog

Boxer dog training itself is both an enjoyable and fulfilling experience where owner and pet grow to love and respect the other. Once you’re past the stubbornness of your boxer and have established a strong bond with him, you’ve won a friend, protector and companion for life. Boxers are excellent guard dogs and family pets. You’d be surprised to find your pet is also a pretty useful working dog as well.

You need to be aware that it takes a period of time for your dog to love the crate particularly when they have a negative relation to it. The first thing you should remember is to be patient and to understand that they do not like the crate, and they need time to overcome it.

Start by feeding your dog every meal in the crate. Put the food bowl in the back. Your dog now has to go to the back to eat breakfast and dinner. If this is too stressful you may have to put the food in the front of the crate. As your dog starts to get comfortable, you can gradually move it further and further into the crate.

Anytime you give a treat, toss the treat into the crate. Try to get her to go in the back to get the treat. Again if this is too stressful put the treat in the front and gradually move it further and further into the back. Do not shut the door when your dog goes inside. At this point we are just working on getting your dog to go into it.

When ever you give a new toy toss the toy into the rear. Always try to get him to go in for the toy.

As your she starts to become comfortable with the crate you can start to close the door, but don’t latch it, while she is eating. It’s important that you do not latch the door and that if your dog pushes it the door opens.

Over time as your pup becomes comfortable being in the crate with the door shut you can start to latch the door. At first latching the doors should only be for a few seconds to a minute. Again getting your dog to love it is a gradual process that will take a little time.

When you let your dog out, you can make a big deal about it. Praise, play, and tell her what a good girl she is, etc. This way when your dog comes out your dog will be happy.

When you have to put your dog in the crate don’t make a big deal over it or fuss. It’s important that you act very matter-of-fact as you put your puppy into the crate. If you start to become emotional it will stress your her out.

The only way to get your dog to love the crate is by associating it as a fun and positive place to be this can be done by pairing it with anything that your dog likes. I once worked with a canine that loved a plastic watering can. We use this as a reward in you can do the same thing with anything that your dog loves. Good luck!