Last Updated on September 1, 2023 by Denise Leo. Post first published on November 5, 2022.
Are you wondering whether your Boxer will bark a lot or not? You will be happy to know that they are not yappy dogs. Boxers are known for their unique ways of communicating with their human family.
Boxers are generally not big barkers, but they are vocal in the sense of growling and whining. That’s really just the dog’s way of talking. If a boxer barks, chances are there is a good reason.
Boxer is a medium-sized dog breed with a short and tight-fitting coat. This upbeat and playful dog breed has been among America’s most popular dog breeds for a quite long time. This powerful and high-energy dog is square-jawed and muscular.
Reasons for Boxer Barking Issues
Boxer dog barking is due to many reasons. It can represent anything from excitement to stress. Sometimes, Boxers don’t know any other way to express fear, anxiety, pain, or excitement.
All dogs barks do not mean the same thing. Boxers have several distinct vocal communications they use depending on the situation. There are certain situations when you will find that Boxers tend to start barking more than usual.
Let’s have a look at the reasons for Boxer dog barking:
- Territorial bark
Boxers, by nature, are very territorial and protective dogs. They will do everything in their power to protect their family. If they sense danger, they will start barking to alert you. This is called a ‘territorial bark’ or ‘warning bark.’ The area that your Boxer considers its territory might include your home, yard, car, and anywhere your furry friend has spent time including the areas you walk together.
- Greeting bark
Boxers bark when they greet people or another dog. Greeting bark is high-pitched and repetitive, with brief pauses. It is a friendly bark and Boxers usually get excited with relaxed bodies and wagging tails.
- When lonely for a much longer time
Boxers are affectionate companions and need the attention of their owners. Boxer puppy barking may simply be attention-seeking behavior. If a Boxer is kept alone for a long time, it may start barking to draw some attention. Your furry member might be barking in the hopes of getting a treat or some playtime.
- Playing around
Your Boxer may be barking because he’s playing around with his owner and is full of energy. This is called a ‘playful bark.’ You can take your Boxer for a long walk or throw a ball for him while you walk. Playful bark is accompanied by a wagging tail and a happy body position.
- Communal bark
If your Boxer answers when he hears other dogs barking, it is usually a social response. Boxers usually do not engage in communal barking but it depends on your dog’s personality.
- Anxiety and stress
No matter how happy-go-lucky your Boxer is, they all get anxious and stressed from time to time. They will start barking more often when under stress. This is called ‘distress barking.’ A bored dog or one that isn’t getting enough physical and mental stimulation can also bark.
- Illness bark
Not all Boxers are vocal when they are sick. Many Boxers often bark or whine in response to pain. Illness bark means your dog is feeling ill and is looking to you for comfort. Your vet will need to examine your Boxer’s overall health to determine any underlying condition that is causing your dog to bark excessively.
If your Boxer puppy is barking, it’s normally just part of the Boxer pup phase. Keep in mind that barking is natural and a means for your Boxers to communicate and express themselves.
How To Stop Boxer Dog Barking
There are several ways to address Boxer barking. The best way to stop this is to prevent this habit in the first place. Try to figure out potential causes of barking and give your Boxers better things to do. Here are some tips to help you stop excessive barking in Boxers.
- Remove the stimulus
Block your Boxer’s sight to potential barking triggers. If your Boxer keeps barking when he sees something outside, you might want to make a barrier to remove the stimulus. Cover the windows with curtains or blinds. You can also use spray-on glass coating or removable plastic film that makes windows opaque. Use privacy fencing to block views to neighboring yards or the street. You can give your Boxer an activity so that he is not focused on the stimulus.
- Teach quiet command
Train your Boxer to stop barking using a command or sound. Teaching ‘speak command’ and ‘quiet command’ is helpful to control excessive barking. These commands are useful to train your Boxer to be quiet on command. Stay patient and consistent until your Boxer learns it completely.
- Increase your Boxer’s impulse control
Excessive barking is sometimes related to poor self-control. A relaxed Boxer is a well-behaved dog. If you teach your Boxer emotional impulse control, it will be more pleasant to live with. Impulse control is the ability of dogs to resist excessive barking.
- Challenge your Boxer physically and mentally
Barking in Boxers is often the result of pent-up energy. Your Boxer might need physical and mental stimulation to release its pent-up. Give your Boxer plenty of physical activities and mental stimulation to reduce their physical or mental imbalance.
Physical activity can be long walks, running at the dog park, games of fetch, tug of war, playing flyball, or backyard agility. There are plenty of interactive toys including chew toys or puzzle toys that will reduce excessive barking.
- Set up a quiet zone
If your Boxer barks when left alone in the house, set up a safe and quiet place for them away from the front door.
Your dog’s safe and quiet zone may include a crate with a comfy bed and blanket, and an interactive toy to keep them busy. You can also use a white noise machine to mask external sounds while producing soothing sounds for your Boxer.
- Rule out anxiety
Boxers who suffer from anxiety might bark excessively. They need extra support, love, and patience. Give your anxious Boxer a sense of security and safety. Avoid leaving a lonely Boxer by itself for long periods if possible. You can also try natural supplements to keep your Boxer calm. If your dog still seems to be anxious or stressed, you speak to your vet.
- Check their health
Every Boxer is different but a healthy Boxer usually appears relaxed and comfortable. If your fur buddy is having some type of health problem, you need to examine it and take it seriously. Talk to your vet about your Boxer’s barking issues. Discuss with him if you suspect there might be an underlying medical issue.
Your vet will help you develop an action plan based on your Boxer’s needs. He may also suggest activities, diets, and supplements specific to your Boxer’s needs. The causes of barking and subsequent action plans also vary with age. A senior Boxer will have different needs than a Boxer puppy.
- Seek professional help
If training and other methods are not working for your Boxer, you should seek professional help. You can call a dog behaviorist for expert opinion and professional guidance or organize obedience training.
Pet parents can also manage excessive barking by enrolling in dog training classes. Dog trainers can assess your Boxer’s unpleasant behavior and deal with it accordingly.
What You Should Not Do to Prevent a Boxer From Barking
Here are a few things that you should never do to prevent Boxer barking:
- Never stop excessive barking through punishment-based training
- Never yell at your Boxer. This may actually stimulate the dog to bark even more.
- Do not hit your Boxer or use harsh devices like shock collars. This is not only painful but also unkind.
- Never attempt to surgically cut your Boxer’s vocal cords.
- Don’t use devices like shock collars on a regular basis.
Don’t let your Boxer bark constantly when it’s outside, regardless of the reason. It is one of the fastest ways to turn neighbors into enemies.
All these methods are harsh, unkind, and cruel. They will have a negative outcome and will permanently damage Boxer’s temperament.
Final Thoughts on Do Boxers Bark A Lot?
Boxers often bark because they are trying to tell you something. If you can figure out the cause, you can fix the issue. Your Boxer’s feelings largely depend upon its environment, diet, socialization, and how the owner treats it.
Barking can be a real pain in the ears, but the right combination of techniques and training will help your Boxer learn when to keep quiet. Regardless of the reasons for excessive barking, there is always a solution if you know where to look.
Unfortunately, excessive barking is a common reason many dog owners rehome their furry friends. Barking can annoy your neighbors as well. However, with the right help, most Boxer dogs’ barking can be managed and prevented.
Hope you enjoyed reading this article! Did you find it helpful? Feel free to share your thoughts with us.
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References and Further Reading:
[1] American Kennel Club, Boxer Information.
