Introduction - After all the frustration to find out the truth on how to make a Boxer healthy, happy and obedient, I have created ‘Boxer Secrets’.

I spent over 2 months just communicating with 93 boxer lovers (some are owners) to get their input and learn from their experiences.

Then, I searched the internet, burning the midnight oil to read articles and forum posts to find out more. And, of course, I did not forget about the tips I’ve gathered from books I’ve bought from the local bookstores.

01. Boxer? - Boxers are a great all around breed.

They are a distinguished canine and the coolest, most lovable dog out there! It is a medium-built and strong breed that is so named because of its habit of standing on the hind legs to begin a fight and boxing with the front paws.

By nature, Boxers are working dogs. Throughout history it has been trained as:

02. Boxers Pets - Pet Boxers, although low-maintenance, require your consistent attention, exercise, human interaction, consistent obedience training and lots of love. You cannot leave them to their own design for too long or they get lonely, bored and into trouble.

Being a big and strong dog as well as a highly intelligent one, Boxers need both physical and mental stimulations to keep them even-tempered and dignified while still keeping their impish spirit and fearless courage in tact.

03. Boxer Ready? - The answer is “no” if you are the type who mostly leave your dog on a chain. Boxers require much of your love, attention and companionship although they are easy to take care of.

One Boxer-lover even said to never get one as pet if you work full time!

Another point to consider is that the costs for food, training, grooming, medical care, toys and other supplies do add up.

04. Choosing Boxer - An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer starts with checking out the parent dogs for unbecoming traits like aggression, hyperactive and extreme shyness.

This is easier to do when you get your Boxer from a reputable breeder or from a pet shop that get their animals only from known breeders.

05. Family - Boxers are very family-oriented and always love to be around people. Treat them as family members. Never underestimate their need for human companionship, which is the most notable trait of this breed.

The Boxer is happiest when it is with people. Its whole pelvis moves when a Boxer wags its tail in delight and exhilaration. It can adapt to any environment as long as it is with people.

06. Discipline - Most would agree that the day you bring the Boxer puppy home, you must already pick the direction in which you want to go with him.

Disciplining one is a matter of thinking and working a step ahead of your Boxer. Do it with love, gentleness but firmness as well.

Also, a Boxer that is well behaved today may not remain so forever. Dog’s behavior constantly changes; new problems can always develop and existing ones could get worse. So make the discipline constant.

07. Potty-Training - Make sure you feed your dog at regular times everyday as this makes bathroom breaks regular as well. Feed your puppy 2-3 times a day.

As soon as he is finished eating, take him to a grassy "potty area". Speak the words "go potty" or "go in the grass" before and while he is eliminating. Be sure to praise him when he is done.

What you are doing is building word associations with the dog that will allow you to encourage his potty activity on command.

08. Reprimanding - Talk to Boxers like you would to children when they do something wrong.

Tell them “no” and show them immediately what the correct behavior should be and reward them for doing it right. After a few times they'll know how to do it right.

For example, tell him “NO” when you catch him chewing the shoes. Then immediately give him his own toys to chew and cheer him on to chew on the toys. Praise him for doing so.

09. Feeding - Giving your Boxer a raw, natural diet (as opposed to commercially prepared one) makes the feeding task flexible and you get to control the quality of the food your Boxer is getting.

The Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or “BARF” diet is easy to prepare. You are basically feeding him “bones and raw food”, adding in or taking out supplement as needed.

10. Healthy Boxer - Feed him a balanced diet.

Additional tips from owners include:

• Give an occasional yogurt treat
  
  
• Ask your vet about giving Boxers calcium tablets as they could have some problems later on in life!

• Keep him comfortable so his immune system can remain strong.

• Boxers are shorthaired and sensitive to extreme elements of the weather and thus must be kept a housedog. His shortened muzzle also makes hot and humid weather uncomfortable for him.

11. Conclusion - In conclusion, spotting any ailment in your Boxer before the condition becomes serious, and supported by routine checkups by the veterinarian, will help ensure you have a happy and healthy Boxer that loves and is loyal to you.

In return, during your life journey together with your Boxer, you also become a happier, healthy and loving person.

THE END