Old dog new tricks..

[Dozing03]

Hello, I'm going to be a first time boxer owner within a few days. My husband and I are very excited! We are adopting a 3 year old boxer who's family is moving and cannot take their dog with them. Both of us absolutely love dogs and are crazy about boxers and we can't wait until we get Hooch!
My concern is that Hooch has never had any proper obedience training before. Although he is potty trained and a rather polite boxer, I sincerely want to teach him some obedience. Sit, stay, lie down, and to walk properly on a leash at the least.
I am experienced at training dogs and have obedience trained dogs such as huskies and german shepherds but I have never started training one as old as this and never a dog with the disposition of a boxer. I have the time and patience needed, but am lacking advice from those who know best, other owners. Anything you can give me to help me train this wonderful new addition to our family is welcome.

 

[marciafinn]

Congrats on the new baby - being owned by a boxer is remarkable! We are training for the CGC for Mason, who is almost 5, and we had to go back to the basics. Tons of praise & some good treats have been the best result for us. Mason is doing great and I can't wait to see how we do at our first run at the exam. You can also use the search here to look up obedience and a ton of information will pop up. Good luck!

 

[apollosdad]

training an older is the exact same as training a puppy. patience, consistency, timing, and patience are all the basic principles used to reinforce the wanted behaviors. since you have previous experience, it shouldn't be hard at all for you.
find whatever motivates your dog. for example, food treats, balls, squeaky toys, petting, etc. once you know what he loves, utilize that to keep him focused and motivated.

 

[Ritzy57]

You already know the basics of dog training. And since you have done this before, probably know the basics better than most of us.
My only comment to this thread is what I have learned, in the past 6 months, being a first time Boxer owner. You might know dogs, like I do, but you probably don't know Boxers!! A whole other animal!
They are big muscle babies. They want to lick you to death....they will clean the WORLD if you let them. They have delicate health issues, allergies from food and environment. They can leap up six feet, from a standstill. They can run like the wind. They look small, but they weigh a lot more than they look. they LOVE to "BOX" with those little Boxer paws, and pack quite a wallop. They are clowns and velcro fur babies.
You look at that face, which, at first, can seem homely, and then, all at once, they are beautiful!! We call them "babies" their whole lives! But not because they aren't good watch dogs, and not because they can't cause most people, intent on harm, to back down, but because they are such cuddlers! They are tender with little dogs and little people. they can look at you and have you melting all over the floor. TRY to say "no" to them! Those eyes......It's going to take a good month for your new arrival to get used to his new surroundings. He will be waiting for someone to come and take him back to what he knows. But then it will click, and he will know that he IS home. Lotsa lovin and lotsa cuddlin.
They are easily trainable, because they are so intelligent. But you have to train with love and treats, because Boxers don't take to harshness.
Good luck

 

[Dozing03]

Thank You

Thank you so much! We just got Hooch today, and let me tell you! He is a character! He is definently not like any other dog I've worked with or owned. But man I love him!
Thanks for your comments and welcoming me aboard my new adventure!