Sunday, October 25, 2009

Puppy training - Always use a rewards and praise-based method of training

Always use a rewards and praise-based method of training. Your puppy is eager to please you, and knowing that he has done something right will make him eager to do it again.

Boxer - Dog Lover

Friday, October 23, 2009

Puppy training - Teach your boxer puppy to "Sit and Stay"

Teach your boxer puppy to "Sit and Stay" by gently putting pressure on his bottom as you firmly say, "Sit." Reward him with a small dog treat each time he remains in the "sit" position, and add the "Stay" command by removing the reward from his reach each time he begins to gets up without being told "OK."

Boxer - Dog Lover

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Puppy training - Teach your boxer puppy to "Leave it"

Teach your boxer puppy to "Leave it," by placing a small treat in your hand and pretending to offer it to him. When he comes for the treat, close your hand quickly over it, and put your hand behind your back, saying, "Leave it!" in a stern voice. When he starts to walk away, call him back, and offer him the treat again. Repeat the "Leave it!" command and remove the treat from his reach. The next time you offer him the treat, place it at your feet, and call him. When he starts to head toward the treat, say, "Leave it!" and place your foot over the treat. When he backs away, change your tone to a pleased one, and say, "OK, take it," allowing him to eat the treat. Do this several times until he anticipates being rewarded for leaving the treat alone.

Boxer - Dog Lover

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Puppy training - Roll over command

Praise your boxer puppy for rolling over each time he does so, and pat his belly, saying, "Good rollover! Good!" When he starts to link the words with the action, give him the "Roll over" command, and help him along by gently pushing him into the belly-up position and patting his belly.

Let go, praise the rollover, and give him a treat. Pretty soon, he'll link the command with the action and reward. Then you can embellish on the trick by gently moving his paws back and forth while he's on his back, saying, "Do your exercises!" Or hold him very still, and tell him to, "Play dead," praising him with the phrase "Good play dead!" and a treat.

Boxer - Dog Lover

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Puppy training - Train with doggie biscuit

Place a doggie biscuit on top of your puppy's nose, and hold it there for a second, saying, "Hold it, and wait." After a second or two, push his chin up quickly, but gently, as you say, "OK! Take it!" The biscuit should land in his mouth, and you should praise him for catching it.

Boxer - Dog Lover

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Puppy training - Give me your paw

Put your puppy in the "sit" position, and stroke the top of his front paw with your hand. He will usually lift his paw in response to the touch. When he does, lightly grab the paw, and shake it, saying, "Good shake! Good!" in a high-pitched, happy voice.

Give him a small treat, and repeat the process, saying, "Shake," or "Give me your paw," before you touch his paw. After two or three times of doing this, your puppy should automatically raise his paw on the command, and you should lavish him with praise. Reward him each time.

Boxer - Dog Lover

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Selection guide - Take your puppy to your veterinarian as soon as you adopt him

Take your puppy to your veterinarian as soon as you adopt him. Let the veterinarian perform an examination and ensure the puppy is healthy, along with getting you scheduled for the immunizations your puppy will need.

Boxer - Dog Lover

Friday, October 9, 2009

Selection guide - Check the personality of the puppy

Check the personality of the puppy. Play with the puppy. A normal puppy should be playful and outgoing. After evaluating the puppies personality with your family, you should watch them interact with their litter.

You should watch for signs of dominance or aggression with the other puppies. As with humans, the best match for your family will probably be the puppy that is neither overly aggressive or submissive.

Boxer - Dog Lover

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Selection guide - Make sure that the puppy is healthy

Make sure that the puppy is healthy. Quick signs to ensure that the puppy is healthy include checking to see if it is alert and playful. Other signs include how it interacts with its mother and litter.

More in depth things you should check include the puppy's cage. It should be clean and frequently changed. Check the boxer's fur. The boxer's coat should be shiny. The puppy you choose should have open eyes and a wet nose. In addition, the puppy should not have any noticeable weight issues.

Boxer - Dog Lover

Monday, October 5, 2009

Selection guide - Evaluate the whole litter

Evaluate the whole litter. Watch to see how the litter behaves as a whole. If the majority of the boxers seem distrusting or shy, then they are all probably genetically inclined to be shy. The problem with shy puppies is that most do not outgrow it. They will grow into shy dogs, who are more likely to snap at humans and other animals.

Boxer - Dog Lover

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Selection guide - Visit a responsible and reputable breeder

Visit a responsible and reputable breeder. It is really important to only use reputable breeders as your puppy's genes will determine their health and disposition as an adult. Signs that the breeder is a responsible and reputable breeder include a desire to better the the breed.

In fact, many responsible breeders will keep the best puppy out of the litter and require that people who adopt boxers with faults sign agreements to spray or neuter their puppy. Responsible breeders are also in full compliance with the laws in their area on breeding puppies.

Boxer - Dog Lover