what to do when boxers "talk back"

[Tulsa-Dan]

Saying "No!" to the dog is not going to help the situation, as you can probably tell by now.

The dog thinks you are barking, so he's going to start barking back. Its a play thing. He'll explain it to you when he's older.


Therefore, stop using "No." I advise my clients that "no" has no meaning to a dog other than to sound like you are barking. They do not understand it and it is used so much in every day speech that the dog can't associate it with much of anything.

You must learn to ignore your dog. When the dog is trying to engage you in play or whatever, and you are busy, you must ignore the dog completely, no eye contact, no petting, no words, no nothing. Ignore the dog until he stops the unwanted behavior. Even if it means going into another room and shutting the door (always very effective because they thrive on attention), you can't give in to the dog.

Once the dog has calmed down and is exhibiting proper behavior, you can reward the dog by playing with him, rewarding him with a toy or game, a treat, or a walk or whatever.

So stop barking at your dog and he'll stop barking at you!

Good luck.

 

[exk23]

These talkers must be all related and seems like most of them are girls. Lily does this all the time. It has gotten worse with her these two weeks. She alway starts barking when we tried to pet Ruby. Any suggestions?

E

 

[gidget1]

Gidget also talks back. I just tell her "don't you sass me", just like I would talk to my kids. Then walk away. She understands the tone I use. Boxers are the only dogs I have ever met that sass their mommies and daddies. :D :D

 

[WAT]

Blaze talks back to me too! Bad little boy, I say to him you respect your mama! Then I walk away.

 

[Lennox]

9 month update

Well Lennox has proven to be very obedient. WE stopped going to classes after intermediate. Not interested in showing her.

This Dog is excellent when it comes to obedience. Like Dan said she is playing when she barks back at you. THe easiest thing to do is ignore her or change your tone. TOne is the biggest tool in obedience. AS a guy, I do not get into high tones too much, but that is what works with Lennox. Not much else to say, but I will never own another breed of dog.

 

[Dempsey J's mom]

We get sassed too!

Dempsey J. does exactly what you tell him and he does it right away, but never without some garbled little comment. We can't help it--we laugh at him.