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Step 1
Begin training your boxer as soon as you bring him home. Boxers, especially puppies, are very active and without training, they may play too roughly with small children or jump on adults. Your boxer puppy will benefit from a puppy kindergarten where you and he will work together to master the basic commands of sit, stay, down, heel and come. Older boxers can continue advance their training with obedience classes or instruction in the AKC, "Canine Good Citizen" program (see Resources).
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Step 2
Socialize your boxer with other dogs. According to the "Howell Book of Dogs," adult boxers can develop aggression towards dogs they do not know if they are not heavily socialized as puppies and young dogs. Walk your dog in a dog park where he regularly encounters other dogs.
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Step 3
Teach your boxer to respect cats. With their fun loving desire to chase, an adult boxer may chase or harm a cat if he is not used to its presence. Consider raising a boxer puppy with a cat or expose him frequently to cats as he grows.
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Step 4
Exercise your boxer frequently. This breed has a lot of energy and will benefit from frequent walks or from being allowed to run freely. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of a summer day, since boxers are prone to developing breathing problems as a result of their short muzzle. In addition, boxers are well suited to agility training and are regularly seen winning agility competitions (see Resources).
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Step 5
Select a slip-type collar for your boxer pup when you're training him. This can be a choke chain or a nylon slip collar that will exert pressure on his neck if he pulls on the leash. At other times, allow him to wear a plain buckle-type collar. Remove the slip collar from your boxer pup immediately after training.
