Hi I'm an avid reader of this forum and this is the first time I've posted a question.

I have a 5 month old boxer (boy) and am wanting any advice re good walking manners.

We have been to ring craft classes after the second injections for socialisation only and for the last few weeks have been attending a beginners basic training class.

Our training started from as soon as we brought puppy home.  We can sit, sit-stay, down and the recall is ok but yet to be practised in a public field/park (not brave enough yet)

When it comes to lead walking its hit and miss.  Sometimes we are very good but then other times we are a monster and can easily reduce mummy (me) to tears.  The heal work is currently being practised, ok ish at home and so so in the training hall, but on pavements we have selective hearing. I dont doubt we have many months ahead before we get anywhere near to walking to heal.

The main problem is pulling and jumping up at me.  When he pulls i stop and turn to go in the opposite direction, this often means I am walking passed peoples houses umpteen times without getting far.  If we see a person I get him to sit which he does, then we lunge to say hello.

He's on a normal lead and collar.  When I stop to change direction he is still pulling to go where he wants and i dont want to be rough and hurt him. (think i have been a couple of times unintentionally)

How do i get him to stop jumping up at me and focus on where im going.  He only jumps when walking.

As he is teething we occasionally like to eat our lead and have a tug of war, whilst walking.  I bought some bitter apple spray, bit think he likes it !!

ho hum.

thankfully he is sleeping at the moment.

i have an 8 month old boxer who also pulls when walking ,i use an harness as the collar choked her ,and find it a lot easier,she does'nt up at me when on the lead but does jump up at people when off while out walking,boxers have an inbuilt desire to jump it drives me mad! try using an harness and have him on a  very short lead your be able to pull him straight back down and he won't be able to tug on it so easily, i feel i have more controll with a harness

I find that the headcollar is the most useful invention ever! i know how anrnoying it is to have a strong dog pulling....the relief I felt when getting my afghan a headcollar was amazing.....she stopped all that larking about. i would highly recommend it, it leads to a better relationship with your dog, and walks that are less stressful for both of you :)

I have the same problem with my boxer, he's 8 months old, very strong, and goes like a steam train! :)  I have had a look on the internet at the Halti and the Easy Leader ( I think thats what it's called?).  Any one have any recommendations on which would be best for a boxer?

I would say the Canac gentle leader for a boxer.  Mainly because the bit that goes around the muzzle has an adjustment mechanism underneath to get a snug fit, thereby refuing the likelihood of it coming off the short muzzle and the riding up.  Also the webbing is nicer and not hard edged like that of the halti, so less marking and rubbing.

Thanks Brainless - I'll have a look for one of those :)

I found this article, and thought it may be useful for any other boxer owners, It tells how the Canac Gentle Leader works, and gives a case study.

(sorry, don't know how to do links!)

http://www.pets.f9.co.uk/casehistories/dogstoday/dt-0201.htm

Edited to say: Sorry, not JUST boxers owners, obviously!

Thanks for all the replies.  It's good to know that it isnt just me who has the same problems.

Tried replying at work but my access is restricted.

Just back from training class, felt a little deflated.  Feel better now other half bought a large dairy milk bar (oops ate it all, was meant to share)!

Will look up the gentle leader and see how sir progresses.

Went out for a walk tonite and he was very good, didnt pull as much or launch himself at me.

thanks again.