How to Stop a Boxer Dog Biting Or Nipping

If you have a boxer for a pet dog, you will know that the breed possesses very strong jaws coupled with a powerful bite.  These physiological characteristics are ideal for grabbing, biting and hanging on to large prey that, unfortunately, can include human arms and legs.  Thus, the problem of biting is one of the challenges faced by the owners of boxers.

Fortunately, there are effective ways to stop a boxer from giving in to its instinct to bite any and all available object in sight.  Of course, it will take patience, perseverance and passion to successfully carry out these tips but the benefits are well worth your time, effort and a little money.

Chew Toys

The easiest way to stop a boxer puppy from biting is to provide for the appropriate chew toys.  Even adult boxers will benefit from chew toys although to a lesser degree than puppies because of their less playful nature.

We must emphasize the appropriate chew toys as boredom from these objects can easily lead to more dog biting.  Usually, chew toys made from rubber such as balls and bones are sufficiently durable to withstand the onslaught of sharp boxer teeth.  Just purchase as many rubber chew toys as possible and then observe which ones the boxer dog likes best.  Plus, these rubber chew toys can be used to play games with your pet dog.  Think along the lines of fetch as well as rewards for hide-and-seek games.

Behavior Modification Training

Chew toys may be insufficient to correct bad behavior on a boxer dog.  This time, it is necessary to resort to behavior modification training in the house coupled with classes in obedience training.  When done properly, positive results can be observed within a day.

Do not reward bad behavior by giving any kind of attention to the boxer.  Keep in mind that boxers will resort to biting in order to gain the attention of humans, of which providing said attention is seen as a reward on the part of the dog.  When the boxer is jumping up in preparation for a bite, do not provide any kind of attention to it.  This means no eye contact, no touch, no voice commands and even its removal from your presence.  Just turn your back but do not run as it will be interpreted as play.

When the puppy has all its four paws on the ground, then it is the proper time to provide rewards.  Say “Good boy” and “Yes, that’s my boy” while petting the boxer.  As soon as it jumps up on its hind legs, immediately turn your back and do not provide any attention.  In time, your boxer dog will get the message – all four paws on the ground, no jumping and no biting will be rewarded.

It is possible to progress to proper greeting of guests at the door.  This is achieved by placing the boxer on a leash and commanding “Stay” just in the vicinity of the door.  Then, let another person open the door and see its reaction.  If the boxer breaks the stay command, say “no” and then stop andgo back to the first position until the message becomes clear.

With these tips in mind, you can train your boxer dog to stop biting people, animals and objects for no reason at all.