Boxer Obedience

Boxer obedience training is an important aspect of owning a happy and healthy boxer dog. Reinforcing your role as the alpha dog is essential for a good relationship. Your boxer dog must understand that you are the pack leader and you make the rules. Your puppy doesn’t want to disobey you on purpose. What seems to you like disobedience is only natural instincts acting. For example if you are not a strong leader and your boxer doesn’t view you or anyone else as the alpha dog then he may assume his role to be the alpha. This is not to say that your dog wants to be the alpha dog – but if there is no alpha dog found he will assume his role for the survival of the pack.

If you cannot show your puppy that you are the alpha dog then you can expect problems such as disobedience, aggression, jealousy, and other similar behaviors. It’s important to know how to become your boxer’s alpha leader. Obedience training is a great way to reinforce that position so that your puppy knows who’s in charge. Obedience training can start off with rewarding your puppy for simple things like “come” and “sit”. Your puppy should learn that he will get rewarded only when he listens to your commands which reinforces you as the leader.

If you want to become the alpha dog in your puppy’s eyes do the following:

• Don’t let your dog lead during walks. The alpha leads, so be sure YOU are the one who leads not him. If he starts pulling on the leash simply stop and don’t walk. Then reward when he walks alongside with you.
• Don’t let your puppy eat before you do. In the wild, the alpha dog eats first – the pack members eat after.
• Don’t let your puppy get up on you. Your boxer could be asserting dominance over you. Dogs get up on each other when testing dominance. First one to give in loses. If your boxer tested your dominance by jumping up on you and you got down to play with him and praising his behavior, he could think he’s the leader. If you challenge his authority you could make him aggressive!

These are just some of the things you shouldn’t do to make sure your puppy doesn’t become disobedient. Always be sure to make the rules and never bend them or else you’ll cause confusion. Always be firm but fair with your boxer and he will learn that you are the alpha dog and he’s the pack member. Every member of your family must follow these rules if they want to be above him.

Looking for a 1-stop solution to all your boxer needs? Take a look at our comprehensive, step-by-step guide.