Boxers bring love, affection and lots of energy to your home and can make for great companions. However, if you are having difficulties housebreaking your Boxer, these warm, happy moments may be few and far between. It is very easy to become frustrated if potty-training is proving to be difficult and it can come between you and your Boxer. By employing a few techniques, you may be able to get your Boxer to become housebroken once and for all.
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Properly Clean Your Puppy's Mess
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It is a given that your Boxer will have a few accidents in your house. Boxer puppies have small bladders and cannot hold their urine for more than a few hours. When your puppy does have an accident, clean it with a product that is intended for the removal of dog urine and feces, such as Nature's Miracle. Enzymatic cleaners remove the odors that humans cannot smell, but are pungent to dogs. If your Boxer puppy can still smell where he soiled, he will continue to go back to the same area. Thoroughly wash the areas with the enzymatic cleaners and consider removing any rugs or carpeting that may be affected.
Crate Train Your Boxer
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Work with your Boxer's natural instincts by providing him a den in the form of a crate. This crate can be used to housebreak him and can also keep him out of trouble when he is unsupervised. Leave him in this crate when you are not able to watch him, such as when sleeping or at work. Boxers do not like to eliminate in their eating or sleeping areas; therefore, yours will likely avoid doing so. Purchase a crate that is only big enough for him to stand up and turn in---a crate that is too large will allow him to distance himself from his waste and will defeat the purpose. Since your Boxer will grow, buy him a crate that can be sectioned off. Create a small space for him to spend time in when he is young, and as he grows, allow a bigger space within his crate. Use a blanket to section-off the areas or purchase a crate divider.
As Boxer puppies love to play and romp around, he may initially protest being confined in a crate. Entice him to enter by placing toys or treats inside, and initially place the crate near you with the door open, to allow him to freely enter and exit.
Repetition and Praise
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Boxers enjoy routines and often learn best when introduced to one. Establish a set schedule with your Boxer as to when to go potty. Take him outside after he eats and before and after he wakes up. Go out to the same spot every time and exit through the same door. This repetition will become ingrained in his mind and he will begin to associate each point with what is expected of him. Since Boxers love to play and run around, it is important to take him outside on a leash. Once he has eliminated, allow him to play. Boxers are extremely playful and if you teach him that playtime is over once he goes potty by making him come inside immediately, you will hinder the housebreaking process.
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