Training your dog to respond to specific commands is somewhat of a necessity if you would like to enjoy your life as a dog owner. However, the actual experience of training your dog can be fun and positive for both you and your lovable pet. Here are some of the most common dog training commands a dog should learn, and the easiest ways to teach them.

Basic pet obedience training usually consists of 6 commands:

• Sit
• Down
• Stay
• Recall ("come" or "here")
• Close (or loose-leash walking)
• Heel  

Sit

Teaching your boxer to sit is one of the most basic training exercises. Many boxer owners do not teach their dogs this command. When you properly teach your boxer to execute this command it can keep your boxer out of trouble and can build up his confidence. This command can also help in behavioral problems involving dominance issues.

The goal is for the boxer to put its bum on the floor with its head up looking at you whenever you say 'sit'. Hopefully your boxer already responds to his name. It is best to start the exercise in a quiet room and use a calm voice. Call your boxer by his name and show him a treat that he loves and have plenty of other treats available and close. While your boxer is standing show and hold the treat close to the his nose and then move it just above his head while moving the treat slowly backwards. He should naturally get into the sit position by bending its legs. As your boxer's legs are bending say 'sit'. Immediate reward your boxer as he sits and enthusiastically say 'Good boy!' and give him some petting. If he does the wrong thing then hold back any reward and try again. Keep this up over time until he has mastered the command. Then continue the training varying the levels of distraction. Slowly decrease the food rewards and substitute them with enthusiastic 'Good boy!' praisings and/or pettings.

- Try this technique before your boxer's mealtime when he may be hungry and eager to work for the reward.
- In order to avoid confusion, always use the EXACT same command AFTER saying his name.
- Never fumble around looking for the reward after he sits. Have it ready!
- Be patient and never get angry. Dogs pick up on these feelings and won't want to practice with you if it's not fun.
- It's best NOT to push his bum to the floor with your hands if you are having trouble. Your boxer might well associate this with the actual training and wait for you to push his bum down in the future. If you are having trouble with this technique then an obedience class with other dogs is a great idea.