Boxer Obedience Training

Most owners of a new puppy will decide to enroll for Boxer obedience training classes. This is a really good decision and the puppy will learn some basic behaviors that stand them in good stead and they will know how to act in many everyday situations they are likely to come across. There are many benefits to be gained from attending obedience classes, so let’s just talk about some of them briefly.

What will your Boxer gain from Obedience Training?
Or perhaps we should ask – What will YOU gain from obedience training, because this is where you, the owner, will learn how to give specific commands and the dog will learn how to respond. So it is a partnership in learning, and if you approach it with this attitude and take on the responsibility, it will be much more effective all round.

Leadership – obedience classes will teach you how to claim your authority over the dog and be its leader at all times. It is really important to establish this Alpha position as a sound basis for all further training.  Boxers do have a reputation for being a bit stubborn so it must understand that you are the “boss” and it must listen to you at all times. If this can be established from the start, then everything will go much more smoothly, and good progress can be expected.

Some of the basic commands are learnt in the early dog obedience training lessons, such as, sit, stay, heel, speak and quiet. Just having these basic directives will give you some good control measures and provide for a wide range of situations that you will encounter with your dog on a daily basis. These basic commands are the groundwork on which to build further training later on.

Another vitally important lesson to be gained from Boxer obedience training is how to control the dog’s movements on the leash. The correct walking position, heeling, avoiding pulling and moving from side to side, as well as learning to sit at corners will be covered in these classes.
Boxer obedience training can be so important in preventing many behavior issues that are likely to arise at home, so for any dog that is under 12 months of age, or an older dog that is having behavior problems, these classes are extremely worthwhile and beneficial.

Keeping up the training home!
This, of course, is an absolute must. You need to maintain control at home as well as in classes, and need to be consistent in giving the commands. The classes are an excellent start, but they are only that, you need to continue the training and reinforcing all the commands continually.

The dog needs to know that you are in total control at all times. It is also important for all members of the family to know the training techniques from the dog obedience classes and for everyone to use the same commands and methods.

In the end the dog can only do what it has been taught to do so it is really important to maintain consistency and be persistent because any “let up” or half-hearted” efforts on your part will see the dog revert back to some of those old deeds that you have worked so diligently to overcome.

Of course, dog obedience training is only the start. Your Boxer may learn a few basic tricks in the class, but if you cannot carry forward what you’ve learned when you are back at home, good luck maintaining that control.

You should be consistent, show your dog that you’re in charge at all times and make sure everyone in the household can also follow along with the way that you’ve taught your dog in training classes.

Remember that your Boxer will only do what it is taught to do. You must be consistent, reassuring and effective at maintaining the commands you give. The second you start waffling or forgetting to reassert your commands, your dog will start to revert to the original behaviors that you worked so hard to train them out of.

Boxer obedience training is so valuable in many ways because it provides you with the knowledge, and gives you practical experience, in the best methods of managing all the issues that might come up at home. If your dog is under a year old or is having some behavior concerns, think seriously about a class to help get you underway.