The Boxer

Who doesn’t fall in love with their wrinkled, worried faces? Their imposing stares, noble posture and jaunty gait? Don’t be fooled. Behind that stern façade lies one of the friendliest, most playful and loyal breeds Bark Busters has ever had the pleasure to train.

And training they will need! Boxers are highly energetic and without consistent mental and physical stimulation, they can get into a lot of trouble! They love to jump on people, so it’s important to break this behavior as soon as possible. Because they are so people oriented, they do not like being alone, so separation anxiety can always be an issue.

Boxers are well-muscled and of medium in size weighing between 50 to 80 pounds and generally live 11 – 13 years. Their coloring is generally fawn, brindle or white. About 1 in 4 boxers are white, often with colored markings called “Checker boxers”. It is a misconception that white boxers are less healthy than other colors of boxers and always deaf because 14% are born deaf.

Many boxers have docked tails and cropped ears, although it is becoming more common among pet parents to not crop the boxer’s ears and just let them hang down.

If a boxer is joining your family, know that their intelligence, courage and easy-going nature makes them a great family dog!

Boxers are one of the most recognizable breeds—athletic, expressive, and full of joyful energy. Known for their “superball” enthusiasm, Boxers bounce, jump, and play with an intensity that makes them lovable and sometimes a little challenging. While their fun-loving nature and intelligence make them wonderful family dogs, they also require clear communication, consistent leadership, and plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep unwanted behaviors in check.

Common Boxer behavior issues include jumping on people, pulling on leash, counter-surfing, rough play, and excessive barking—especially if their natural guarding instincts go unmanaged. Because they’re strong, energetic, and highly social, Boxers thrive when owners establish structure early and give them outlets for both physical exercise and “brain work.” Without guidance, boredom can quickly turn into destructive chewing or attention-seeking behavior.

Despite their energy, Boxers are deeply affectionate, expressive dogs who bond strongly with their families. They’re typically great with kids when properly supervised and trained, and they excel in active homes that enjoy running, hiking, or playing outdoors. Their athleticism also means tools like the Bark Busters Wagg Walker® can help immensely with polite leash walking.

At Bark Busters Home Dog Training, our trainers love working with Boxers. Our method—based on voice tone, body language, and natural canine communication—helps owners quickly address jumping, leash manners, barking, and impulse control without treats or harsh corrections. With the right leadership and mental stimulation, Boxers are incredibly quick learners who eagerly respond to clear direction.

Whether you’ve brought home a Boxer puppy, rescued an adolescent Boxer, or are struggling with behavior issues, Bark Busters can help you build a relationship based on trust, love, and respect—bringing out the best in this intelligent, spirited breed.

Boxer puppies need socialization as early as possible and firm but fair training. Boxers need to be positively motivated and love praise. Establishing yourself as the alpha dog and providing a consistent and structured environment goes a long way with a boxer.

Remember that your dog wants to please you – he just doesn’t know how. He will challenge you for control if he suspects you are not going to be a strong leader. Letting him know who is in charge and earning his respect upfront is key to successful training.

Boxers tend to have a mind of their own. Remember that boxers don’t like to be left alone, so separation anxiety can be a problem. They respond best to firm but fun training to help overcome their jumping, biting, barking and other mis-behaviors. Praise should be a major part of your training program.

An essential part of your training must involve exercise. Because of their high energy, a rousing game of fetch, or a long walk daily is a good idea. Remember that a bored dog is a mischievous dog.

Separation Anxiety

Some Boxers don’t do well when left home alone. They just don’t like solitude (especially if their doggie parents have never prepared them for it).

Things like leaving the home for a few minutes, but staying close by, to gauge your Boxers reaction to being left alone.

Leaving durable toys or treat-dispensing toys with your dog can help break the boredom, but sometimes they just want you.

This might sound great since anyone would want to be loved that much? However, the issue is that you might never be able to leave your dog at home alone while you go out to the movies or a meal.

It is best to start practicing separation from your Boxer as soon as you can. For example start off by teaching your dog not to follow you from room to room. They need to understand that they cannot always follow wherever you go.

If your dog sleeps with you or a family member, that might seem like a wonderful thing and no issue if your dog does not suffer Separation Anxiety, but a problem if it does.

The reason is your dog never gets to experience separating from you or the family when you are at home and the only time you do is when you all go out.

So practice separating, stopping your dog from following you everywhere you go and understand that the wanting to be with you all the time, might not be love, but could be the start of Separation Anxiety.