Do Boxer Dogs Bark?

Sasha, my childhood friend, has always had a special bond with her mom, filled with adventures, joy, laughter, and tears.

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However, since she moved out, her mom complained of loneliness.

Sasha has been pondering the possibility of adopting a dog for her mom to offer the companionship she so desperately needs.

However, overly barking dogs are pretty intimidating to her mom.

Several people have told her that Boxers are affectionate and don’t bark.

She wonders if it’s true and whether this breed lives to its reputation.

So, do boxers bark?

Yes, they do, but not as much as other breeds.

Boxers are vocal animals.

They make various sounds, including a low growl, raspy, and a high-pitched bark.

Boxers usually use their bark when they’re excited or trying to get attention.

They can also bark when they see something unusual or a stranger.

This article aims to help you determine whether a Boxer would be an excellent addition to your home based on their barking.

It also discusses how to reduce their barking, what not to do when training them to do so.

Why Doesn’t My Boxer Bark?

Barking is a dog’s universal communication method.

However, some Boxers won’t respond to voice commands and have no desire to play with toys or engage in playful activities.

For some, barking can be as much a part of their daily routines as eating and sleeping.

However, if your Boxer isn’t barking, some factors could be associated with it. These include:

Age

As your Boxer ages, their vocalizations may become quieter.

Boxers tend to become more reserved as they grow older and more mature.

Their natural vocalization tendency may also become suppressed as they focus on their families and the people around them.

Health Issues

Boxers may develop health issues like hip dysplasia or injuries, which cause changes in vocalization.

These health problems can open the door for behavioral changes and physical pain.

For this reason, they may be unable to bark back at something that scares them.

Lack of Triggers

Some Boxers have trouble barking at things they don’t like or are scared of daily.

Your Boxer may have an aversion to certain sounds in your home, such as loud music or thunderstorms.

This can make them less likely to bark at anything else in your house.

Rescue Dogs

Rescue dogs, especially those that have experienced a lot of trauma, may appear unpredictable in their behavior.

For instance, some will exhibit inhibited behavior, such as appearing shy, timid, not barking, becoming quiet, or anxious or scared.

They may not be as outgoing as other breeds might be.

Often, rescue dogs are less socialized than other dogs and have difficulty adjusting to new circumstances, especially when they don’t know what to expect.

Sometimes these challenges can lead to strange behavior that might seem like an aberration from their normal selves.

Why Do Boxers Bark Excessively?

Dogs, like people, have a range of emotions.

Boxers don’t just bark to communicate with other dogs; they also do so due to several factors:

Boredom due to insufficient stimulation

Boxers are notoriously active, so they need plenty of mental stimulation and physical activity to keep them from getting bored and restless.

They need ways to get their energy out.

Barking is often a way for bored Boxers to express their anxiety when left alone for too long or when they

Unused energy due to insufficient physical activity

Boxers have high energy levels and need physical exercise to keep them from becoming pent up and frustrated.

Boxers tend not to be as active as other breeds, so they need more exercise than other dogs.

It is easy for your dog to turn to barking when you aren’t around to give them the mental stimulation they need.

Loneliness

loneliness is another reason why boxers bark excessively.

It’s especially common if they are not used to living in an apartment or condo where there is little human interaction or other pets.

Distress

Boxers who have been abused or neglected may bark a lot as self-defense against further abuse.

3 Ways to Correct Excessive Barking in Boxers

You may notice that your Boxer is more prone to barking than other dog breeds.

It’s easy to get frustrated with them when they bark excessively.

Besides, Boxers are just dogs; what else would they be doing?

Yet, keeping your Boxer from barking is easier than trying to stop the behavior after it’s become ingrained.

Both prevention and cure are impossible without setting your Boxer up for success.

You can do this through proper care and addressing their barking appropriately when it occurs.

Here is what you need to do:

Offer Training

As with any dog, training is the best way to avoid behaviors like excessive barking and other problems associated with the breed.

Train your Boxer on how to behave well around other dogs and people.

This helps prevent frustration, which will only make them want to bark more.

Moreover, address their excessive barking while they’re still young.

This should be before they develop bad habits that may be hard to break later on down the line.

Reward Good Behaviors

Provide your Boxer with positive reinforcement and rewards for good behavior.

It’ll help them understand what they should do instead of barking.

Additionally, it’s more likely that they’ll stick with those behaviors.

Offer Toys

Give your dog toys that encourage playtimes, such as stuffed animals or squeaky toys.

Playing with these toys will help distract your Boxer from barking and keep them busy.

They won’t get bored or try to find something else to do with their time.

Note that not all Boxers are born with the same amount of barking.

Some have more control over their barking than others.

However, there isn’t any way to tell how much barking will end up being part of your dog’s nature until they reach adulthood.

What Not to do if a Boxer Barks Excessively

Sometimes you don’t know what to do with a Boxer that barks incessantly.
However, avoid using shock collars, spray collars, and shouting as forms of punishment for your dog.
These can be dangerous to both you and your dog.
Instead, use a positive reinforcement method.
This will encourage your dog to learn new behaviors and make them feel more confident around you and other members of your family.
Positive reinforcement involves rewarding behavior with something that the Boxer wants.
So if you have a barking dog, give them treats or toys as a reward for good behavior.
Moreover, you can play games with them when they stop barking.
It may seem counterintuitive, but this method works.

Conclusion

Like all canine breeds, Boxers bark.

They weigh in at the lower end of breed average bark rates.

A boxer barks to communicate excitement, get attention, or express concern.

However, if your Boxer barks excessively, you may need to train them not to do so.

Moreover, avoid using punitive methods, such as shock collars during training.

Instead, use positive reinforcement as they can learn quickly.

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Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

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