Brain Games For Boxer Puppies
Boxer puppies are full of energy, intelligence, and just the right amount of mischief. If you don’t keep their brains as busy as their bodies, you’ll end up with a dog that’s chewing furniture, jumping on guests, and generally driving you up a wall.
As a veterinarian with ten years of experience and someone who runs a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats, I’ve seen too many Boxers surrendered because owners didn’t realize how much mental stimulation they need. These dogs aren’t just high-energy—they’re smart and easily bored, which can lead to some serious behavior issues.
If you want a well-behaved, well-adjusted Boxer, you need to challenge their mind, not just their muscles. Here are the best brain games for Boxer puppies to keep them focused, engaged, and out of trouble.
1. The Cup Game – Teach Them to Think Before Reacting
Boxer puppies are excitable and impulsive, so they need games that make them slow down and focus. The Cup Game is a great way to build their patience and problem-solving skills.
How to Play:
🥤 Grab three identical cups and one treat.
🐶 Let your Boxer see you hide the treat under one cup.
🔄 Shuffle the cups around, then let them choose the right one.
🎉 If they pick the right cup, reward them with the treat and praise!
💡 Pro Tip: If they start knocking cups over in frustration, take a step back and make it easier. This game should challenge them, not frustrate them.
2. Puzzle Toys – Keep Their Mind Busy
Boxers need mental challenges, especially when they’re home alone. Puzzle toys keep their brain engaged, preventing boredom and destructive behaviors.
Best Puzzle Toys for Boxer Puppies:
🧩 KONG Extreme – Stuff it with peanut butter or frozen yogurt to make them work for their reward.
🐾 Nina Ottosson Puzzle Games – These require them to slide pieces to uncover treats.
🔄 Treat-Dispensing Balls – Make them roll the ball to get their kibble out.
💡 Pro Tip: Boxers are strong chewers, so make sure you pick puzzle toys that are durable and tough.
3. Hide and Seek – Strengthen Their Recall
Boxers can get so distracted by excitement that they ignore commands. Hide and Seek helps improve their focus and recall, turning obedience into a fun game.
How to Play:
👤 Have someone hold your puppy while you go hide.
🗣 Call their name or say “Come find me!”
🐕 When they find you, reward them with treats and praise.
📍 Try different hiding spots to keep it interesting.
💡 Pro Tip: If they ignore you, try using their favorite toy instead of treats for motivation.
4. Tug-of-War with Rules – Teach Self-Control
Boxers love a good game of tug, but they need to learn self-control while playing. Tug-of-War is a great way to burn energy while reinforcing obedience.
How to Play:
🦴 Use a strong rope toy.
🛑 Teach the “Take It” and “Drop It” commands—only let them tug when you give permission.
🚫 If they get too aggressive or overexcited, stop the game immediately.
💡 Pro Tip: This is a great pre-bedtime game—it helps drain their energy so they settle down easier.
5. The “Find It” Game – Work Their Nose & Brain
Boxers aren’t scent hounds, but they love using their nose when properly motivated. The “Find It” game engages their brain and body, forcing them to slow down and problem-solve.
How to Play:
🍗 Take a strong-smelling treat (cheese, chicken, or liver treats work best).
🔍 Let them sniff the treat in your hand so they know what they’re looking for.
🛋 Hide the treat somewhere easy at first—under a towel or behind a chair.
🗣 Say “Find it!” and let them track it down.
🏆 Gradually make it harder—hide treats around the house or even outdoors.
💡 Pro Tip: You can also play this with their favorite toy instead of treats.
6. Name That Toy – Build Their Vocabulary
Did you know Boxers can learn over 100 words? Teaching them toy names is a fun way to challenge their memory and make playtime more interactive.
How to Play:
🧸 Pick one toy and give it a name (e.g., “Ball” or “Bunny”).
🗣 Say the name every time you play with it.
🎯 After a few days, place two toys in front of them and say the name of the one you want.
🐶 If they pick the right one, reward them.
💡 Pro Tip: As they get better, increase the number of toys to test their memory.
7. Obedience Training as a Game – Keep It Fun
Boxers get bored easily, so you need to make training a game, not a chore. Turning obedience into fun challenges helps keep their focus and motivation high.
Fun Training Games for Boxer Puppies:
🎾 Fetch + Drop It – They only get the next throw if they bring the ball back and drop it.
🛑 Red Light, Green Light – Walk around, saying “Go!” to move and “Stop!” to make them sit.
🎯 Target Training – Teach them to touch your hand or an object for a reward.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep training sessions short and exciting—5-10 minutes at a time is best.
8. DIY Food Puzzles – Make Mealtime a Challenge
Instead of just putting their food in a bowl, make them work for it. This slows down fast eaters, prevents boredom, and engages their brain.
How to Make Mealtime a Game:
🐾 Scatter kibble around the room so they have to search for it.
🔄 Use a puzzle feeder instead of a regular bowl.
🎭 Stuff food inside a toilet paper roll and let them figure out how to get it out.
💡 Pro Tip: The harder they work for food, the more mentally satisfied they’ll be—which means fewer behavior problems.
Final Thoughts: A Mentally Stimulated Boxer is a Well-Behaved Boxer
If you don’t challenge a Boxer puppy’s brain, they’ll find their own ways to entertain themselves—and you probably won’t like them.
✅ Use brain games daily—mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise.
✅ Focus on impulse control—Boxers need to learn patience early.
✅ Make training fun—if it’s boring, they’ll ignore you.
✅ Keep them busy when you’re not around—puzzle toys and scent games prevent destruction.
A tired Boxer is a happy Boxer. Use these brain games to keep them engaged, well-behaved, and ready to learn—instead of turning your house into a disaster zone.
