Introduction
Boxer dog behaviors can vary from dog to dog and can stem from poor socialization and training. If you can provide enough exercise and training for your dog it will thrive. They love to run and jump and require a lot of different exercises, having them as a family pet for 10-16-year-old children is definitely a good fit, as kids and dogs have similar energy levels, and can spend time outside, and this will fit well with your dog’s needs. The dog will really enjoy a long daily walk.
Boxer Dog Behavior
A male boxer dog may be dominant and aggressive towards other dogs and cats, and may actually chase a cat. Because the boxer dog has a history of being a working dog, they make very good watchdogs and will bark and alert you when anyone approaches your house. They are highly territorial, so early socialization will help to stabilize their behavior, and unless you are willing to invest in some training for your dog, they may not be the right dog for you. If you choose to get an adult dog from an animal shelter, pick one that is already trained.
Boxer Dog Bad Habits
You will sometimes hear people ask ‘why has my Boxer dog become aggressive’? The answer is because they require early exposure to people and to other animals. When they have had insufficient exposure to others it makes them very uncertain, and this, in turn, leads them to become fearful and aggressive. From very early on, they will need to attend a ‘dog group’ behavior training program where they will meet a lot of other dogs, and learn to interact with them.
If he suddenly becomes aggressive with your family, it may be another problem like pain or injury, and if the type of aggression appears out of character take him along to the vet for a full check-up, as dogs can develop illnesses as people do. When you are at the vet ask this question. Are Boxers Known to be Aggressive?
- If your dog is aggressive and a male, have him desexed, this will calm behavior.
- Book into a dog group to learn dog socialization ( you will need to attend once a week for six weeks).
- Boxer dog behaviors can be changed, being in the group will help to do this.
- If your Boxer bites anyone, he may need to wear a good fitting muzzle until you can calm him down.
- If the aggression does not subside, the dog may require medication for a few weeks, sometimes an older dog can develop dog dementia.
- When bad behavior occurs withdraw treats, and only give them as rewards for good behavior.
At What Age Does a Boxer Calm Down
Once a dog is 2 years old he is already an adult, and given all the right training, he should be beginning to calm down. This will probably be gradual, as some dogs like to behave like puppies all their lives. Many Boxer dog bad habits start to modify at this time, and if he has had the required level of exercise all his life, he will start to be a lot quieter.
However, a few become bored and develop different bad behavior. A dog we saw locally loved the washing line, he would grab the end of a sheet or towel and go swinging around and around for hours, often ripping linen to shreds. I found this rather clever, and when the family provided him with old towels to continue this practice, he did it for about a year, and then suddenly got tired of it. This was an intelligent Boxer dog, and he won his family a trip when they videoed the antics for a TV program.
How do You Calm a Boxer Down
Dogs like people become bored, and Boxers are intelligent and they seem to think for themselves.
- Exercise and training, for the first six years at least, is a great energy outlet, and essential to the dog’s well being.
- You can continue his training at home every day, as the dog will benefit from it. Short sessions of positive behavior reinforcement are best.
- Give him some problem-solving games to engage him when you are not there, example: the treat hidden in a ball.
- If he is excessively energetic confine him to a small space when you are going out, this way he will fall asleep and relax for a while.
Confining your dog sounds a bit cruel, you would only do this for two or three hours, and it does appear to have a calming effect. As your dog gets older he will require more sleep and he won’t want to run around so much.
Boxer Dog Behaviors at Night
Sometimes when you bring your new Boxer puppy home, he may not sleep well at night. This is because he has been removed from his birth family and now has to adjust to your family. He is probably just feeling anxious and adjusting to his new life, and puppies like babies will need quite a lot of sleep. Start to take him for an on-leash walk before bed, and try to develop a routine, and he will soon be sleeping well in his designated dog bed.
Boxer Dog Bad Habits
If you get your Boxer puppy home from the breeder, and he is not eating well, consult the vet. Boxers have a short muzzle and your puppy will require special puppy food, offered more frequently. A puppy of 2-4 months of age requires four meals a day. Be really careful not to overfeed, as puppies are greedy and will keep on eating this can lead to health problems later in life like diabetes and arthritis.
He should also have a dental check-up and make sure that all vaccinations are current.
Conclusion
Many Boxer dog behaviors are caused by the owner not implementing strategies to curb the behaviors soon enough. Boxer dog bad habits can be stopped with a few simple actions and limit setting taken early in the life of the dog.