Thanks guys! Itsmyfault, well if you want a dog, it will take up your time especially if it's a puppy so just have time/patience on your side. Hayesfan, that is what I read too! I could go to the park by the house since it has a path of a circle.
On the leash thing, one technique that has worked for me is this: Walk with slack in the leash. When he gets in front of you, give a whistle or an encouraging sound and quickly pivot to the other direction and start walking while letting the slack go. Don't jerk him, but if he doesn't turn around right away, let him feel the end of the leash. When he catches up, give him some encouraging words (which you should do anytime he's being good on the leash) and take the slack back up. After a few strides, give the whistle or sound again and start back home. If he pulls, repeat. Do this every time he gets in front of you or pulls on the leash. Soon, he will be looking at you as you walk and be more responsive. You should make sure he walks beside you and not in front of you... they will try to assert themselves even if it is just by a step or two... also, when they put their foot on yours, that's a dominance thing and you shouldn't let them get away with it... a sharp grunt (use the same one each time to voice displeasure) and pulling your foot away a few times should do the trick.
Yeah, I'm just thinking it over whether it's the right time or not. I guess with all that goes into taking care of a puppy... I think I may just hold off until I'm really committed to it.
Congrats on your new boxer puppy! He has some very cool markings for a boxer. Be prepared (if it hasn't happened yet) for major snoring and a lot of farting from these suckers. And if you don't give him enough exercise, he'll be sure to start making his own exercise regimen using your shoes and house. Here are my two demons...
Aw, they are so cute!! He doesn't fart that much anymore now that we are feeding him better quality food. He snores! It is a little bit hard because he is always trying to establish his dominance over me. He barked at me after I stared him down when he nipped at my hand today. How do you exercise your dogs? Thanks for the advice, I will definitely try that. It is hard because he is getting heavier and pulling me more. He is fine only if we're walking in opposite direction of my house. He walks besides me but when we turn around, forget it.
Conrads on your new puppy, what a cutie! I know he seems very young but along with training him to walk on a leash it is a good idea to enforce a no nipping rule now, every time. I think our puppy playfully nipped at JV once and he flipped her on her back and growled at her. She was a Great Pyrenees so these rules were better taught when she was small enough to flip over. I wish we were as consistant with our own children as we were with her, I'd have less of a headache.
definitely. it doesn't matter how "big" a dog is, they respond to dominant behavior. you have to enforce that you're in charge as early as possible. a nip is unacceptable - you need to grab the dog by the mouth the keep it shut, stare him down and tell him NO....or something similar. crate training may also be helpful. ideally, a crate becomes a comfortable, homey place for the dog, but early on can be used as a "time-out" place, where if he wants to nip at you, he goes in time-out (in addition to doing the above).
Boxers are known to be "gassy" breeds even if you feed'em the good stuff. I've been feeding my dogs Eukanuba Boxer breed specific dry food mixed with a little canned Eukanuba wet food. I'm sure I'm paying more just because there's a boxer picture on the bag but it has helped a little with their farts. As for exercise, there's nothing like a good run around the neighborhood for my dogs. We'll play some fetch in the backyard but it doesn't work'em up as much as running/walking can do. Luckily both my dogs were trained on a leash before I adopted them from a rescue organization so they walk/run very well on a leash. And with regards to dominance, as the other members have said, you really need to define your "pack leader" (per The Dog Whisperer) role at an early stage of his life. If he nips at you, grab him and force him to a laying position and say "No" in as dominant a voice possible but without yelling. When my dogs misbehave I will command them to lay down on their sides in a prone, subordinate position. And never give in and most importantly - be consistent with the discipline even if he tries the puppy dog eyes trick. Hope that helps and good luck with your new boxer! He'll be a perfect companion and great guard dog!
