Puppyhood is one of the most defining times in your dog's life, so Boxer puppy training should be considered a priority the moment you bring your new companion home. Anything he or she learns throughout this time will shape the ways in which your dog matures and his or her character development.

If you've purchased your Boxer from a good breeder, the odds are that your puppy will have already undergone some degree of socialization and early Boxer puppy training. But now that your new friend home, it's up to you.

Socialization is the most important first step for Boxer puppy training. There are many different activities that you can do with your boxer in order to help socialize him or her. Primarily, you will simply need to make sure that you take your puppy out to meet as many other people and animals as you can.

Keep in mind that the ideal time to adopt a puppy is between seven and eight weeks of age (if your breeder won't let you bring your puppy home until he or she is eight weeks old, make sure that you adopt him or her on the very first day available), because between eight and ten weeks puppies go through a psychological stage where they are exceptionally susceptible to mental and physical trauma.

Therefore, make sure that during those two tender weeks, you spend as much time with your puppy as possible. Let your puppy meet as many "safe" friends and family as possible for lots of different kinds of social encounters. This will get your puppy used to the various feelings, sights, sounds, and other stimulants involved in a social environment.

You'll also want to invite people over to meet your puppy (not too many at a time, you don't want to overwhelm) for a Boxer puppy training experience that shows your dog that there will be people coming and going, and that's alright.

Bonding is also a vital part of Boxer puppy training. Spend lots of time together, and take the opportunity to play many kinds of games. Introduce new toys to your puppy's environment. If your puppy plays with a toy for a while then ignores it, take it away, and reintroduce it as "new" in a few days. The more time your puppy spends with you playing, experiencing new things, and building skills, the happier you both will be together.