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Dog Behavior, Training & Behavior Modification

Feeding Your Boxer Puppy : 

The following care instructions are what I give to my new boxer puppy owners but it is equally valuable to any new or perspective boxer dog owner. If you got your boxer puppy from Hi-Tower Boxers, your boxer has been eating Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy dry kibble food mixed with can food, chicken flavor. You are adding the can food to keep his appetite good as he no longer eats with the litter so he may not eat as well during his adjustment period from the dam and litter. He should be fed a minimum of 3 times a day until a year old. At one year old twice daily. Please check the label to make sure you are feeding him enough according to his age & weight. Boxer males usually weigh 65-75lbs when fully grown at two years of age, female boxers usually weigh between 50-65lbs when grown at two years old. One 13 oz.can of chicken flavored food will be divided between two meals. Should you not be able to feed three meals a day because of your work schedule then you should leave dry kibble out for him to free fed. But be aware this method will make it more difficult to potty train him.

Should you decide to change his food we recommend changing gradually over time by mixing the old food with the new food in equal amounts to avoid stomach upsets. Should your puppy develop diarrhea for 3 days in a row, you need to seek medical attention asap as young puppies can dehydrate quickly and also to make sure some other serious illness is not lurking like parvo which can be deadly. Puppies are stressed when arriving in their new homes and this can contribute to stomach upsets as well. We do not recommend feeding a boxer only dry kibble because of the possibility of bloat, a twisting of the stomach due to inhaling too much air during meals, which large deep chested breeds are prone too when given a diet of dry food. It is a life threatening condition and you should seek medical help asap if you suspect this in your boxer. We recommend stainless steel bowls flat on the floor. Plastic harbors bacteria. The only time we have ever lost a boxer due to bloat was years ago and he was fed in elevated bowls all his life ! Many others have shared the same experiences with us.

YOUR BOXER SHOULD HAVE FRESH WATER AT ALL TIMES.

Hazards To Your New Boxer Puppy: 

Never give your boxers rawhide treats, only treated real large lamb or beef bones to occupy himself. Most can be found at dollar stores or pet stores. The rawhide when chewed on becomes googy and is a choke hazard as are greenie bones! Kong toys filled with cheese or peanut butter are great ways to occupy him. CHICKEN BONES ARE CHOKE HAZARDS NEVER FEED THEM TO YOUR DOGS ! Dogs should NEVER be fed the following as they are toxic to dogs and can cause death: onions, chocolate, raisins and grapes. It is also wise to keep all houseplants out of reach of your new puppy as many are toxic to dogs.

Should Your New Boxer Puppy Be Confined ?

Your Boxer should NOT be allowed to run loose. Exercise within a fenced yard or on a leash should be adequate. It also prevents a potentially unpleasant encounter with a neighbor's dog.  Death from automobiles, poison, and many other causes may await the Boxer dog who runs loose in the neighborhood. Remember, too, that improperly protected screen doors and windows are a common mode of unexpected house exit. So-called invisible fencing is fine, but while it may keep your own dog in his yard, it will not keep other dogs out, which can be a problem in the case of overly aggressive dog visitors. It is also a sad but true fact of life that your Boxer may easily be confused by many with the much maligned Pit Bull, often with tragic consequences for the Boxer. You must be your dog’s best advocate and protector—a strong leash and a good fence are musts for the conscientious Boxer dog owner. Tip: Never chain your boxer outside. When a dog is chained it causes so much frustration that the dog becomes aggressive, it is just plain inhumane and dangerous.

About Crate Training Your Boxer Puppy and Potty Training?

A crate is a valuable asset to your boxer puppy's training and well-being. It is not a prison. The crate should NEVER be used for punishment! The puppy should not stay in the crate for long periods of time. A crate is a safe place for the boxer puppy when his owners go to work or the store, a place where his owners don't have to worry about his chewing of electrical cords or furniture. Be sure that the crate does not allow your boxer to slip his head through any wire mesh, as he may not be able to retract it. Since most puppies are reluctant to soil their crate or denning area, it is a great aid in housetraining. If you leave the crate door open, you will find that the puppy will probably enter the crate voluntarily when he wants to rest. Be sure to put the crate in a warm place and perferably in the bedroom with you at night and in the kitchen or living room area during the day so he can see you and be with you. Add stuff toys to simulate his littermates company. Boxers are sensitive to temperature extremes and do not enjoy drafts, summer heat, or cold. He should not be kept outdoors, but inside the house as a cherished member of the family. He has already begun crate training here and is already going outside numerous times a day approximately every 2-3 hours. TIP: Hang a bell on your back door knob and ring it every time you take him outside to potty, say OUTSIDE after ringing the bell and take him out to potty, soon he will learn to ring the bell to let you know he wants to go outside ! Try It, It Works! Remember he will need to potty after meals, playing and upon waking up. Take him to the same place to potty, praise him when he goes. Consistency is the key to potty training. Remember he can't hold it for long periods of time and to try to force him to may cause kidney problems and other health issues. Never scold him for having accidents in the house especially after the fact, he will have no idea why you are scolding him, DOGS LIVE IN THE MINUTE. If you catch him in the act, a firm NO at that time and immediately pick him up and take him to the place you want him to potty at. Do not let your puppy see you cleaning up the mess.

The black wire crates we use can be obtained at Wal-Mart and other pet supply stores. I do not prefer the old type crates with covered sides as these do not have sufficient air flow for your boxer. The puppy will not be able to hold his elimination for 8 hours until he is 8 months old. A good rule of thumb is he can hold it for 2 hours at 2 months old and add an hour per month of age.Your 8 week old puppy is equal to having a 2 year old infant human. Be sure to add plenty of chew toys to keep him occupied when in his crate and teething, he will loose his baby teeth and has teething pain just as a human infant, ice cubes and/or a frozen bath towel will help reduce his anxiety. Kong toys filled with cheese or peanut butter will be a great way to relieve separation anxiety and keep your puppy busy while you are away as well. If you work and can't be there to let the puppy out numerous times a day then ask a friend or relative to assist you with him or hire a pet sitter to help continue his potty training routine.

It is common for your new boxer puppy to whine and cry during his first few days away from the dam and his litter mates, he is letting you know that he is lonely, you are now his pack and you should provide plenty of patience and love to him, remember he is a baby! HE SHOULD NEVER BE HIT OR SCREAMED AT AS THIS WILL ONLY CAUSE HIM TO DISTRUST YOU AND AFTERALL YOU ARE THE SMART ONE RIGHT? Respect begets respect and will develop a lasting lifetime of joy between you and your new boxer puppy. Hitting a dog only causes it to distrust and fear you and is a leading cause of aggressive problems.

Collar Considerations and Exercise For Your New Boxer Puppy

Collars are always appropriate when going for a walk with the owner. However, be aware that your Boxer Puppy should not have any collar left on him when he is unattended. Even simple buckle collars can and do get caught on the most unexpected objects. They can also be twisted in the jaws of any playful dog companion or with small children, with the potential for choking a very real danger. We suggest a harness instead of a collar until your puppy is walking good with you and then add a collar around 12 weeks of age if he is walking nicely with you. You can view a great video on our website on how to train your puppy to walk on a leash. Boxers do require moderate daily exercise. DO NOT WALK YOUR BOXER IN EXTREMELY HOT OR COLD WEATHER FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND JOGGING OR RUNNING A BOXER FOR MORE THAN A FEW MILES AND CERTAINLY NOT BEFORE A YEAR OLD. Daily walks around the neighhood should be fine, you don't want to put undue stress on developing bones. Always carry fresh water with you and rest should your boxer begin to pant heavily, a boxer can overheat quickly and die of heat stroke. His coat is a single layer not a double layer like most dogs and doesn't protect him from the cold, a doggy coat would help in the winter cold. Tip: Did you know dogs only sweat through their paw pads and through panting ?

How Much Grooming Does a Boxer Require ?

The Boxer dog requires very little grooming, and it can easily be done by the owner. Nails must be trimmed regularly unless naturally worn down on a hard surface. An occasional brushing with a soft curry brush and/or bath should suffice,  Boxers have a natural tendency to keep themselves clean. The short tidy coat does not usually attract alot dirt. We prefer bathing once a month and using baby shampoo and then a light coat of baby oil after towel drying. If you bathe more than that you will remove the natural oils from the coat and cause dry flaky skin, thats what the baby oil is for to replenish the natural oils in the coat lost during bathing. The boxer is an average shedder and should be brushed once weekly or whenever necessary to remove dirt and dead hair from the coat. Brushing your dog is a great way to bond with him and to gain his trust as long as your gentle about it.Tartar may have to be removed from the teeth periodically, especially as the Boxer grows older. You can learn to clean the teeth yourself or use the services of your veterinarian. You will need to check  and clean your new boxer's ears on a weekly basis.Seek veterinarian advice if your boxer exhibits a foul smell, brown waxy buildup,crusty material and redness in his ears as these can be signs of infection or earmites. 

Heartworm Prevention For Your Boxer

Heartworm has unfortunately become rather commonplace throughout the USA. You will need to protect your Boxer from acquiring this parasitic disease, spread by the bite of the simple mosquito. Once-a-month preparations are available, as well as the daily pill (now being manufactured by private labs). Beware that there can be serious side effects from any such medication so consult your veterinarian. Your puppy has been started on monthly heartworm preventative, check his accompanying health records and continue this treatment every 30 days.

Flea Protection for Your Boxer Dog

The persistent and fast-multiplying flea is a bloodsucking insect. It carries disease and acts as an intermediate host to the tapeworm.There are no easy solutions to controlling fleas. In addition to your boxer dog, his environment must be treated. We have used Frontline in the past but have opted for a once a month pill from our vet called Comfortis. But remember, almost all flea products contain certain toxic chemicals and must be used with caution. So-called natural preparations may be equally toxic. Always consult your veterinarian for professional advice, and pay particular attention to the safety of treatments, read labels and dosage for young puppies and adults alike.

Vaccinations, Socialization and Training For Your Boxer Puppy

You will want to consult with your veterinarian as to the most current vaccination protocols for your Boxer. Some practitioners are recommending fewer so-called ‘booster’ shots than were formerly commonplace. You will also need to comply with your state laws regarding Rabies vaccinations. It is wise NOT to give multiple vaccinations on the same day, but to space them a few weeks apart so as not to challenge your Boxer’s immune system unnecessarily. We recommend 3 sets of boosters starting at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and rabies at 18-20 weeks. Kennel cough vaccine at 9-10 weeks and then annually. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TAKING YOUR NEW BOXER PUPPY TO PLACES WHERE UNVACCINATED DOGS MAY HAVE BEEN OR ARE UNTIL HE RECEIVES ALL HIS VACCINATIONS.

Puppy Training classes should begin after all vaccinations. 

Research shows that young puppies under 13 weeks of age should not be isolated alone for long periods of time as it causes behavioral problems. It can not be stressed enough to socialize your new boxer puppy with as many different people as possible and different dogs at an early age to continue good behavior.We have given him a great start and you must continue this socialization to have the great dog everyone seeks.

His socialization should be continued but with having many different people visiting him at home and including supervised play dates with other non-aggressive and healthy vaccinated dogs at his own home. DO NOT ALLOW MANY VISITORS OVER THE FIRST WEEK AT HOME AS THIS MAY CAUSE HIM UNDO STRESS, HE HAS JUST LEFT HIS DAM AND LITTERMATES AND NEEDS TO ADJUST TO HIS NEW ENVIRONMENT GRADUALLY. Always allow your puppy his own space away from the family or children to rest, perferrably in his crate several times a day.

Altho boxers adore children you should not allow children to tease the puppy and supervise them at all times. Boxers are huggers and will try to hug small children and may cause injury to small children, you must not allow your boxer to jump up, start now to train him to the OFF command and gently move him off of the child every time he jumps up. He must not be allowed to jump up on adults either, you will be confusing him if you allow this. It will not be fun to have a 50-70 lb dog in your face when grown. Elderly people can also be hurt by this behavior.

Tip: Start training your new puppy to sit when greeting people, to do this start training him with treats. First get the pups attention by giving the puppy a small bite of a treat like cheese, then give the SIT command and gentle press his bottom to the floor, as soon as his bottom hits the floor say YES and immediately give the treat, continue this every day and soon he will sit on command without treats cause he'll never know if you have a treat or not. I hold the treats in a closed fist hand, palm facing me, my arm held in an "L" shape slightly out in front of my body ( visual aid to the dog) I say the command and with the other hand I gentle press his bottom to the floor and immediately give the treat, soon when they see my hand go up they will sit on cue without even saying the SIT command. Altho I continue to say the command as a verbal reinforcement.

You need to make sure you protect him and not let traumatic things happen to him at this young age as it will have a lifetime of consequences, like an aggressive dog jumping on him will cause him to become fearful of all dogs and he may become dog aggressive likewise if a human mistreats him he may become aggressive to humans and distrust them. Provide as many postitive interactions as possible and praise him when he does something you approve of like sitting without being ask to do it, tell him good sit and praise him or praise him when he has just finished pottying outside, good potty in a happy voice!

Its more important to acknowledge good things than bad up until 16 weeks of age. Puppy biting is a natural instinct and should be handled as letting a yelp out OUCH! to let him know thats too much! Immediately stop playing with him, soon he will learn that if he bites too hard the play ends just like it did with his littermates. About jumping or acting hyper, this type of behavior manifests because you are showing too much excitment when you return after leaving the dog alone or you are showing too much excitment during play, do not make a big deal out of your comings and goings as he will learn they are no big deal and be able to cope with separation from you. Also jumping up is a natural instinct as in the wild dog pack the puppies do this behavior to elicit the dam to reguritate food for them in essense they are asking for food. They also do it during play.When you first arrive back home enter without looking at, speaking to or making eye contact with the puppy until your puppy is calm, he will learn he gets your attention only when in a calm state. Dogs mirror their counterparts, so if your excited he will be too. The energy you exibit will rub off on your dog. If you contantly say no no no no you will be encouraging his excited behavior because he will think you are joining in, the mirror effect.

Teething puppies also chew and bite to relieve the pain. If your puppy starts chewing things he shouldn't a firm NO and take it away immediately, give him one of his own chew toys, this sends the message that this is what he is to chew on.

Boxers are very intelligent and require a fair but firm approach to training.When I say "Firm Approach" I mean no screaming or hitting but mean what you say, say commands only once and if your a woman not in a squeaky little woman's voice but give it your best deep stern voice SIT and reward the behavior with verbal praise or treats. Be consistant and confident. If you don't want the dog on your furniture it should NEVER not even once be allowed on the furniture. You will confuse the dog if one day you let it up on furniture to cuddle and then the next day not let him. In training if its not fun or rewarding your boxer will become bored and act as tho he hasn't a clue as to what you are asking him to do. Treat and/or clicker training works best but ,for some dogs it is toy rewards, like a game of fetch. When your dog is performing the asked task without failure for 8 weeks you may consider him trained for the specific command like sit, stay, down, come,etc. Do not expect a very young puppy to grasp training perfection. Most boxers are not fully able to grasp "trained behavior" until after 4 months of age and up until one year of age and then it is a lifetime of re-enforcement. Short 10-15 minute training sessions twice a day are ideal. Should you encounter behavior problems please contact me so we can work out a behavior modification plan and nip it in the bud. Behavior modification can take as long as 6 weeks or longer and all members of the family must follow the same procedures and/or commands to be successful. Consistency is the key to training any dog. TIP: NEVER USE YOUR PUPPIES NAME WHEN SCOLDING HIM OR THE WORD "NO" TOGETHER WITH HIS NAME, HE WILL NOT COME TO YOU WHEN CALLED OUT OF FEAR OF BEING SCOLDED. You will have a harder time training him to come to you. I prefer to use the command LEAVE IT when my boxers are doing something I'd rather they not do. Others have expressed to me the command FOOEY instead of NO for their boxers or the german word for no which sounds like the English word nine (9). Just be sure everyone in the household is using the same commands so as not to confuse the dog. Use visual cues as well as verbal cues to train your dog as I mentioned before with the sit command, the dog sees my hand go into that position and sits or I say the command and he sits, there could be times the dog is too far away to hear you but can see the verbal cue,etc. There are many great training books and DVD's out there or if you prefer more formal classes puppy kindergarten and other dog training classes with a professional trainer are recommended. IF YOU DO NOT TEACH YOUR NEW DOG THESE BASIC COMMANDS: COME <SIT < STAY< LEAVE IT, I GUARANTEE YOU HE WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY AND HAVE BEHAVIOR ISSUES. You don't have to have a robot dog but these are the minimum dog manners all dogs should know for the safety and well being of all. Remember dogs are social creatures just like humans and require companionship to be happy. Dogs live in packs and are followers and if you don't become the pack leader he will, but he prefers you to do it. The pack leader(s) control all resources, they eat first, sleep in the best places and they protect the pack.They are confident leaders. He needs to figure out where he belongs in his new human pack. You must not treat this puppy like a human baby, he is a canine baby, a different species and those of us who try to humanize the dog always have complaints that the dog has behavioral problems. The fact is dogs have a completely different set of genes(DNA) than humans, while we call them domestic dogs the truth is they probably tolerate us for companionship and probably really think we are great hunters because we can provide meals so readily, but they have been hotwired by genetics and some instincts are ever present. Domestication happened only after many generations of selective breeding by human intervention.

Spoiling the puppy like a human child will only confuse and frustrate the puppy. Dogs do not speak English but they do communicate with each other through body language, vocal sounds and smell. I would like to encourage you to read and learn about canine socialization and their language, it will boarden your relationship with your dog in ways you never imagined. When you can communicate with your dog and understand his behavior you will have a more satisfying relationship with this magnificant creature. Try this book : On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas, a quick read.

( I am in no way saying you shouldn't love this puppy, dogs just see the world differently than humans, example: when you hug your dog you think you are showing affection but in a dog's world they hug for different reasons, right before mating the male may clasp his legs around the female to show his intentions and they also do this in ritualized aggression play to show dominance. ) So maybe let the puppy sit by you and pat his chest instead to show your affection or gentle stroke his back. Just allowing the dog to live inside with you as a member of the family pack and enjoying your companionship is the greatest love you can give him.

Tip: Did you know that approaching a dog in a head on position like playing a game of chicken is a sign of a challenge, you should always approach dogs to the side and never pat a strange dog on his head as this is a sign of dominance and is how many dog bites occur. When you stare at a dog they see this as you challenging them, never make eye contact with strange dogs. Children should expecially be taught this and always ask to pet strange dogs before doing so and then NOT on the head on the side or chest.

Did you know that when puppies lick you in the face they are being submissive to you, showing you they mean no harm or as a calming signal and also dogs do this to elicit food from the mother.

Angela Donald,  Hi-Tower Boxers, www.hitowerboxers.com