How to Raise a Boxer

Buy your boxer puppy from a reputable breeder. Ask to see the boxer's parents when selecting a puppy, and get some family background. Boxers are prone to genetic disorders like hip dysplasia and hyperthyroidism, so make sure the breeder has taken care to avoid these problems and that the parent dogs are healthy.

Make sure your boxer gets all the necessary puppy vaccinations and booster shots, and treat him monthly for fleas and ticks.

Feed your boxer twice a day. Give him high-quality food that has meat as the first ingredient, and always feed him after you've eaten to reinforce your dominance. Occasional table scraps are fine for boxers, but put them in his bowl instead of feeding him from the table.

Brush boxers every week or two, and wipe them down with a damp cloth if they get dirty. It's not necessary to bathe boxers often, and in fact it's better not to because they're quite sensitive to hot and cold.

Start training your puppy as soon as you get him home. Boxers' intelligence is coupled with stubbornness, so the dog needs to learn right away what's expected of him. Keep commands simple, be consistent, and reward good behavior. Keep training sessions short, and make them as playful as possible to keep the dog engaged.

Socialize boxers to people and other dogs starting when they're young. Boxers are usually very friendly dogs, but if they're not used to people and dogs, their fear can make them over-protective or aggressive.

Play with your boxer as often as possible, and let him out to run at least two or three times a day. Boxers love to play with their owners. You can even use playing as a treat for good behavior. They are also very energetic dogs and need to run to work off their extra energy. If a boxer doesn't get enough running time during the day, he's likely to get his extra energy out by doing something inappropriate, like chewing up your sofa.

Spend as much time with your dog as you can. Boxers are very loyal to their owners, but this makes them prone to separation anxiety, which leads to nervousness, clinginess and destructive behavior.

Carry treats in your pocket to reward your boxer right away for good behavior. Boxers respond well to positive reinforcement. If he is bad, correct him immediately by scolding him in a clear, gruff voice. Dogs don't know what humans consider good or bad behavior unless they're taught. The only way to teach this is to catch them at the moment they're being good or bad and reward or punish them accordingly.

Enroll a boxer in obedience school when he's about six months old. Professional obedience training is necessary for boxers, and you'll learn the best ways to approach teaching and maintaining discipline with your dog. Dog classes also give dogs a chance to socialize in a controlled environment.