Causes & Solutions
Protection. This includes a Boxer protecting their human family and instinctual self protection. Many people are aware that a dog's hearing is much more keen than a humans. How much more? A Boxer can hear detect noises that you will never be able to hear; these will be those of a higher frequency. A Boxer can hear noises at frequencies approximately twice the range of humans. They will hear anything up to 60Hz compared to humans top capacity of 20Hz. Hz stands for Hertz; and 1 Hertz equals 1 vibration per each second. Also, a Boxer will pick up on noises that originate at a further distance than the human ear can detect.
Therefore, when your Boxer is barking loudly and seems to be on alert, there is a good chance that your dog is detecting an unfamiliar noise and associating it with potential danger.
Training Solution. The Boxer makes for a very good watch dog. It is wise to not dismiss barking in the case that your dog may be displaying correct behavior in attempting to warn you. If you quiet your dog down each time they try to warn you, this may backfire. When you Boxer eventually learns that barking to warn you is un-wanted behavior, you may find yourself with a silent dog while an unwanted "guest" in breaking into your home. Appreciate this type of bark.
When your Boxer barks, take a look around the home and outside. If there is indeed a stranger walking by or on your property, even if it is the neighbor retrieving something from your yard, let your Boxer know that you appreciate the warning. A quick pat and a "good dog" will instill your approval that the warning bark was welcomed.
If you see no danger and there is not a valid reason for your Boxer barking, you should then train your dog to quiet down. They may be barking because of a car alarm 6 blocks down or a bird 500 feet away. A Boxer must be taught that this type of barking is not appropriate. It is important that you do so in a calm manner. When an owner yells or becomes frustrated, this simply shows the dog that their human family member agrees with the barking and is making a commotion also!
It is your actions and reactions that will show your Boxer that their barking is unwarranted. This is done by gently patting your Boxer; not in a reward action, but in a calming motion. The tone of your voice must be calm and relaxed, as you give your Boxer a pre-planned command word. The most common and affective word is "Shh" or "Calm Down". The command should be short. Dogs only pay attention to the first syllable of words. If you make your command a long sentence, you will confuse your Boxer and be speaking to no one.
Self protection barking will ensue when a dog feels that their belongings are in danger. A Boxer can become very attached to their toys, dog bed, blankets or other objects that they use daily. Your dog's things should not be rearranged or bothered with, other than to clean them. A Boxer will also become protective of their food and water. Their eating area should quiet and out of the way of foot traffic.