How to Train a Boxer Puppy to Walk on a Leash
Introduction
True to their nature, your Boxer puppy is everything you hoped he would be. He’s devoted, playful, energetic, and not short of confidence. He’s certainly not shy about sitting at your feet staring lovingly up at you when you’re eating. He’s really brought the family together and the kids never seem to get bored of playing with him. Having said all that, he doesn’t quite score full marks across the board. He’s not so well behaved when it comes to securing him to a leash and taking him for a walk. In fact, you’re forever getting pulled in every direction.
Training him to walk on a leash when he is a puppy is essential. If you don’t, you may find he’s even harder to control when he’s bigger and stronger. This training will assert your position as the pack leader and instill some much-needed discipline.
Defining Tasks
Fortunately, Boxers are intelligent dogs. This means he should be receptive to training. You will need to take a number of steps to prevent him from pulling. You will also need to use consistent obedience commands to keep him walking calmly while on a leash. The trick is finding the right incentive. Boxers, like most dogs, have a soft spot for anything they can eat. So, some tasty treats will play an important role during training.
If he’s particularly eager to please then you could see results in just a week or two. If he’s devious and not such a great listener, then be prepared to invest up to six weeks into training. Succeed with this training and you can have those relaxing strolls through the countryside you originally envisaged. Training now will also save you from considerable stress later on in life if he can’t behave on a leash.
Getting Started
Before you start training, you will need to go out and collect a few bits. Boxers are strong, even as puppies. So investing in a body harness may be wise. It will increase your control while reducing the strain on his neck.
You will also need a short training leash. A generous supply of tasty treats or small chunks of his favorite food will also be required. You can train when you normally take him out for walks.
Once you have all the above, just bring patience and a positive attitude, then work can begin!
The Treat Lure Method
The Heel Method
The 180 Method
Success Stories and Training Questions
Training Questions and Answers
Rex
He doesn’t like to walk at all with his leash on. He tries to stand his ground and will just put out his legs to make sure he doesn’t walk. I’ve tried luring him with treats so that he can walk, but he doesn’t pay any mind to it. We tried to take him outside once but that ended up in him being terrified and he didn’t move or budge, but even to a simple pull. We mostly walk him in the house to get him used to having a leash on him and to get him used to the whole walking concept. Any advice would help out thank you!
422 Dog owners recommended
Hello Charlie, First, simply spend time getting him over his fear of the leash and showing him that the leash will stop tugging if he takes a step toward you - so that he feels like he has control again. Most puppies fight a leash at first. Some catch onto following to get the leash to stop tugging right away, and others need to be shown more. Check out the article that I have linked below and follow the "Drag" method or the "Wait" method. If he will not accept a treat, you can also try offering him a favorite toy, but he may not take anything while still nervous. That's okay. Praise him instead and offer the treat when he is doing well every once in a while. When he calms down, he will probably get more interested in the food again, and once he is relaxed enough to take the food, the training may speed up even more. Be patient with him. It can take dogs a little time to get used to collars and leashes at first. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-your-puppy-to-accept-leash After he is completely over his fear of leashes, then you can return to the original article to teach him not to pull on a leash using one of the positive reinforcement methods - which is more what that article is geared toward. That's a later lesson though. Basic leash introduction comes first. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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