How to Restrain a Boxer Dog

All dogs owners should have the ability to restrain their dogs. You may need to restrain your boxer during a high-stress situation, so practice the technique in advance. This way, the animal will be comfortable with the restraint, will understand you are the boss, and will not try to fight you. Practicing restraint is especially useful for boxer owners, because if they're not used to being restrained, these dogs can be stubborn and wriggly. Familiarizing both you and your dog with this technique will ensure that you are prepared if you need to use physical restraint in an emergency.

Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure that your boxer has basic obedience training. A dog that obeys commands such as "sit" and "stay" will be much easier to restrain.

    • 2

      Attend socialization lessons with your boxer. This will help the dog behave and stay calm around other people and animals. If your boxer obeys your commands and stays calm, fewer situations will arise that require physical restraint.

    • 3

      Practice restraining your boxer when both you and the dog are calm. This way, the dog will become comfortable with physical restraint and will not associate it only with negative experiences, such as getting a shot at the vet's office.

    • 4

      Talk to your dog in a quiet, soothing voice. This will have a calming influence and will help prevent your boxer from resisting you. Keep talking in the same soothing tone throughout the restraint.

    • 5

      Position yourself so you will be able to restrain your dog comfortably. Lean over your dog, and drape your arm over its shoulder.

    • 6

      Apply minimum pressure. Pressure will encourage your boxer to wiggle and fight back, and you could both get hurt. Using very little pressure should encourage your dog to relax and comply.

    • 7

      Watch for signs that your boxer is becoming restless and may want to escape the restraint. If necessary, restrain your dog by draping one arm over its shoulder and the other arm over its bottom.