How to Housebreak Boxer Puppies

Many dog breeds are known for possessing specific skills sets, and selective breeding has enhanced these traits, making certain types of dogs well suited to herding, tracking or hunting. The boxer is no exception. Named for the characteristic movements he makes with his front paws, the boxer is well known for his distinct appearance, sharp intellect, natural guarding instincts and even temper. On the down side, the boxer is also known for being stubborn, strong-willed and an independent thinker. When training, you must be firm and consistent, or your authority will be challenged. The training of your boxer puppy starts with housebreaking. Young boxers can begin house training at about seven weeks of age, though they won't understand what is expected of them at first. By following the steps in the guide below, you can expect your boxer to be fully house trained by the age of four months.

Things You'll Need

• Dog bed Baby gates or other barricades Leash and collar Training treats Paper towels White vinegar Sponges

Instructions

1. Create a resting area for your puppy with a soft bed and several sturdy baby gates or barricades. It is a natural canine instinct to avoid soiling the area used for sleeping; use this to your advantage. As your boxer grows, you can expand the size of the "den" to grow with her. Eventually, your house will become the den. Be sure the barricades are secure, as boxers are a rambunctious breed, prone to chewing. They are also keenly intelligent masters of escape.

2. Watch the puppy closely, and take him outside when he has finished eating or drinking, when he wakes up from sleeping or when he exhibits signs of needing to go, such as sniffing or crouching.

3. Put the puppy on a leash and take him to the same outdoor place each time. Give her a simple one-word command, such as "potty."

4. Wait for the puppy to go. Do not play or allow the pup to spend a great deal of time searching for the perfect poo spot. Boxers love being outdoors and will want to play with you and explore the yard. This must be discouraged until the business at hand is accomplished.

5. Give the puppy loads of praise and a small reward when he successfully eliminates in the outdoors. Then, follow potty time with a short period of playtime. If you take your boxer directly back inside after eliminating, she will quickly learn to hold it as long as possible to extend her outside one-on-one time with you.

6. Repeat the above steps a minimum of four times a day for eight to 12 weeks. Try to take the puppy out at approximately the same times each day, so he will get on some sort of schedule.

Tips & Warnings

• There will be accidents. Accept it, and prepare for it ahead of time, and you'll be better able to deal with it later. Clean up any indoor accidents by blotting with paper towels, and then spraying with a mixture of 50 percent white vinegar and 50 percent water. Allow the mixture to sit for five minutes, then wipe away with a sponge. Never hit your dog or rub his nose in a soiled area. Boxers were originally bred for bear and bull baiting, and have an extremely high tolerance for pain. You will not hurt your boxer by hitting it. You will only demonstrate to it that you cannot be trusted and foster an attitude of noncooperation.

Resources

• Boxer World