What jobs would boxer dogs be good for?
Posted on August 11th, 2010 by admin
I have a new boxer puppy, and I want to train him in some way. But i’m not sure what job would be best for him. I’m also trying to figure out what job I should be getting to work best w/ him (firefighter, police, etc)
Hi Ben,
Try not to put the cart before the horse… *wink*. Your boxer’s just a wee-one and it will be awhile before he’s ready for the big leagues. First… and you probably know this… get him the required vaccinations, boosters etc. Unless he came from some top notch lines and good reputable breeders I would have him neutered when he’s age appropriate.
To start with – as soon as he’s age appropriate get him started in a puppy class (for good socialization with people and other dogs.- learning to focus on you… some baby training steps )etc. Then….on to basic obedience when he’s again…age appropriate for that step.
As he matures more training opportunities will present them selves. I think agility would be great fun for a boxer bearing in mind (since they are a Brachycephalic breed) that getting them over heated can be fatal. As a rule…they can’t swim worth beans so…you should probably know that too. I got one of mine to jump off a dock once and he swam with all the grace of a sinking bank safe. Not good. I always believed it was due to them being solid as a rock with no fat for added buoyancy…but a boxer breeder/fancier in here (Sheri) states it’s also due to them being a brachychephalic breed. Regardless why… I’ve never owned a boxer that could swim.
There are AKC titles he can earn (if he’s papered/registered) BUT I’m not sure about him being intact or neutered ). Someone else will probably tell you that. Titles – CD – Companion Dog….and CDX – Companion Dog Excellent and quite a few others to pursue if you’re interested (once he’s mature).
My boxers have always been excellent watch dogs. They can sound the alarm with the best of them, but mine have not been yappy. They may sound like Cujo wannabe’s from the yard, but once I let someone in they are happy as clams to meet them and share a little slobber. They are not classified as guard dogs, but more "threat" dogs. What more do you want in this litigious society we live in?
As far as your job… I can’t help you with that. Any full time job pulls an owner away from their dogs…and once that little boxer of yours gets under your skin… you won’t want to leave him home EVER. It’s true…
If you have to work full time I’d look into a good, established daycare for him. Boxers integrate into their families soooo tight that they do not like being left alone for long periods. If left to their own creative entertainment they can be a bit destructive *cough*. They can be a bit head strong, but I’ve not found them hard to train. They are super sensitive dogs… so.. work on positive communication first…then …if you’re being ignored…up the attention getting ante. Just remember…if you break his trust in you…he won’t give it back easily.
Crate train him now… it’s not a cruel thing as some people think. It’s an awesome tool for house breaking, and other areas as well. If you have to turn your back on him (showering… going to the show… running to the store) at least you know he’s safe…and not chewing a lamp cord in half.
I tell everyone they are the PERFECT 73° dog. If it’s 75°…they are too hot. If it’s 66° they are too cold.
Regardless….they are soooo worth if for what that give back with their impish spirits, and endless devotion. I nabbed my first boxer out of a pound when I was 18 years old…and have had nothing but boxers since. Many a dog has passed through my doors (due to rescue situations), but the boxers that come in stay until they pass of old age.
Good luck… you’ll be hooked for life.
.