New to forum--training advice

[Djswafford]

We have a nine months old female boxer, Lacey. She is our first and she has become good friends with our 11 year old golden. Outside if the normal puppy stuff, she is pretty good. Or only issue is that she struggles with coming to us when called. Any advice, or is this normal boxer puppy behavior--our golden sure was easier to train!

[Mgibs]

Boxer are EXTREMELY stubborn. They are very independent and want to do their own thing, which is a complete 360 from a Golden who all they want to do is please you and listen to you - not a boxer. Lol this behavior is very normal for a boxer and one of many "tests" they will give you. 1.) how long have you had your puppy? 2.) does ur puppy clearly know their name yet? I would practice recall by having your puppy on a long leash and calling them. Every time they come back, reward with a treat. Every time they don't listen then tug on the lead. I would also practice NILF training - nothing in life is free- make your puppy sit for everything and work for everything. Sit before they get their food, sit before they get the leash on, sit before they go outside and come back in. Sit before they get the toy thrown. It helps a BUNCH on listening skills and knowing who's boss


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[Djswafford]

Thanks for the long leash tip. We did take her to puppy class and this seems to be an extension of this. She does know her name. We had had her since 9 weeks. Having her sit may also help with her clawing at the back door to come in.


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[Breezygirl]

I agree with what Mgibs said.... too add to it... Be sure the you use JACKPOT treats for when pup comes without any gentle tugs on the lead! Also try playing hide and seek... hide, call your pup when he finds you treat him! have somebody else hide somewhere else again call puppy and treat. The more you work on it the better Never practice recall off lead... if you call your dog and they choose to run to the fence instead... that fence became their reward.

I also own a golden and a boxer.... to be honest now they are 6 (golden) 4 (boxer) and our boxer had a more reliable recall faster then my golden. I think thats because our golden loves "everybody" and "everything" lol.... Our Breezy is far more interested in us.

[Djswafford]

Ok, we have a new issue with Lacey. At times, she comes to the back door to come in, raps on the door, but when we open it she won't come in. She acts as if she is afraid to come in. She then darts away. I can see when she wants to play, but when it's at 5 am it's kind of frustrating. Working on rewarding with a small treat when she does come in. It seems to be mostly I at night. Suggestions?


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[Gypsiemouse]

Does she want to play when this happens or is she afraid?

Are you frustrated by the time you get to the door to let her in or out?
If so, she is picking up on those emotions and she thinks she's in trouble maybe.

My two won't go to the door if we get up with the "OMG, again ? type attitude in our body movements" or if we let out that "sigh" of frustration. We have to act all happy

.

[Djswafford]

Maybe 1/2 of the time she wants to play--the frisbee in her mouth is a dead giveaway. She may be picking up on the frustration when we are called to the door every minute or so and she won't come in. If she wants out at 5 a.m. we are now taking her out on a leash.


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[Breezygirl]

That was going to be my suggestion, take her on a lead when you are in a hurry! This sounds like our Breezy. Although, we did end up noticing she had a fear of the door. If I opened the back door and held it with my body she would run right in.. Otherwise she would hesitate. Strange we never did figure out why lol. (although it wasnt always fear lol)

So we did start taking her on leash till she was more cooperative with coming inside. Even tho she was on a lead when she came in the door she was asked to sit, and I gave her a small treat... so when we started taking her off lead.. she would run back in and sit for her treat.. now we have no more issues. We open the door and in she flies lol. I do recommend that you figure out her FAV. treat and reserve those for when you are training something new. Like coming in the house when called. For Breeze its salmon cakes. So while we worked on coming in that was her jackpot.

I did the same thing when working on guests coming in the door! Made a big batch of salmon cakes. Works like a charm... when your dog is food motivated.

[Djswafford]

Thanks for the tips. We have out her back on the long line, especially at night. No issues so far, and she cam right to the door when called and not on the line. Our door is a slider, so I don't think she is afraid of it but who knows, a different position when opening it.


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[winnie]

My pup ran into the screen and then was afraid of the door. I would open it very slowly then treat him when he went through. It seems to have disappeared.