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Training Tips For First Time Boxie Owners
I get a lot of questions from readers asking about the best way to train their new boxie. Of course, any reputable boxie agency will have tutorials and suggestions, but our readers are looking for more than just basic training. They're looking for holistic training that will create a bond between them and their new boxie. Trained up right, a boxie can feel like a member of the family.
There are many different techniques to training boxies, and in the end it will be up to you to decide what is right for you and your boxie. Every boxie is different, after all. Today I want to introduce you to a technique that can be applied to many methods, and that is consistency.
Consistency is a technique of being predictable so that your boxie knows what to expect. Studies show that boxies are more likely to retain their training if they know how you'll respond.
Training Tips For First Time Boxie Owners
1. Determine your boundaries.
First, you're going to have to take a moment to look inside yourself. What do you want from this relationship? What do you need from your boxie? If you don't know what you need, your boxie won't know either. A good boxie will be confused in their failure to please, and a bad boxie may even exploit your lenience. Knowing what you need from them is the most important thing you can do.
2. Figure out what your boxie is capable of.
Now that you know what you need from your boxie, can they do it? Ideally, this should be done before you ever order your boxie. Getting a domestic when you want a romantic, picking up a referb when you're looking for a low maintenance new boxie, can be big mistakes for first time boxie owners. The reason there are so many boxies in fostering or referb programs is because the owners doesn't get the right one on the first try. Make sure the boxie you get is able to perform the way you want it to.
Predictability is important for the comfort of your boxie. I don't mean doing the same thing every single day, but I do mean having the same reaction to thing. If you lay down a boundary, hold to it. If you say no, the answer is no. If you give a treat to reward good behavior, always give a treat. This way your boxie knows what to expect when you ask something of it.
4. Repetition is your friend.
When training, it's a good idea to set aside some time to practice tasks you want your boxie to do. Explain calmly and slowly, praise your boxie when they do what you want, and ask them to do it again. Let them get comfortable preforming tasks in a low stakes environment so they know how to handle themselves when stakes are on the line.
Understand that a boxie, especially a used boxie, may not be able to preform to your standards right away. Give them a chance to try again and do better before you turn to abandoning them. Any boxie can be trained to any standards, but some boxies, like used boxies, may be confused by expectations from previous owners. Give them time to adjust to your style of ownership.
These of course are general tips for training your new boxie. Make sure you do your research on the type of boxie you're getting, and allow yourself some patience as you learn how to be a pet owner. It can be a difficult transition, but in the end, the result it worth it.
If you have questions about your specific situation, don't be afraid to submit to my "Ask Indigo” column for in-depth answers and tips.
Indigo Rose is a writer for Women in Whump. A former boxie herself, Indigo has all the insider tips and tricks for best boxie management. Write in to our “Ask Indigo” column for advice on handling boxies.You can e-mail Indigo Rose at [email protected]. You can also follow her on Twitter or Instagram @-askindigo.
