Boxer Temperament and Training

Core personality

Boxers love their families and want to be part of everything. They lean on you, follow you from room to room and greet people with a full body wiggle. Many owners describe them as dogs that never fully grow up.

Energy and exercise

A healthy adult Boxer needs about an hour of activity a day, split into walks and play. Puppies need less at a time but more often. In hot weather, move exercise to the morning or evening because short nosed dogs overheat. For growing joints, see the puppy care guide.

Boxers and children

Many Boxers are patient with kids, but a young Boxer is large and bouncy. Teach children to be calm and supervise play. Teach the dog to sit for attention.

Boxers and other pets

With early introductions, most Boxers live well with other dogs and cats. Some males become pushy with strange dogs, so manage greetings carefully.

Training basics

Use short sessions, tasty rewards and clear cues. Teach sit, down, come and leave it first. Never use harsh corrections. Boxers are sensitive and shut down under pressure. Start early, because a 70 pound adult that jumps is harder to manage than a 15 pound puppy.

Common problems and fixes

• Jumping: turn away and reward four paws on the floor.
• Chewing: trade for an approved chew and manage the room.
• Pulling: use a front clip harness and reward position next to you.
• Mouthing: redirect to a toy and pause play when teeth touch skin.

Guarding and protection

Boxers are naturally alert and will bark at strangers, but they are not aggressive by nature. Good socialization prevents fearful behavior. Follow our socialization plan from the first week.

Is a Boxer right for you?

If you have time, a fenced yard and a sense of humor, yes. For help with size and space, see how big Boxers get.

Written by Lauren Loftis Moore, who has bred Boxers for 38 years.