Dog Question

[DangerouslyMoody]

So I know this is not photo related (well it could be later haha) but I have a friend that has to get rid of her 1 y/o boxer and asked if I could take him in...how are boxers?? She said he is pretty much kennel trained and leash trained, never been alone though so he would need some love and attention...kinda nervous about taking a dog that is used to another owner and how he will be in a kennel while I am at work all day..??

[groovyone]

Dogs usually adapt quickly. All of my dogs have been rescue or from previous owners. If the dog is crate trained you should have no issues leaving them in the crate while you are at work, although mine did break out of his crate once. I actually had to put reusable zip ties on the door for a couple days so he wouldn't do it again. Now, the crate is in the attic and he is allow to chill in the house while we are gone.

He is also my photo victim for trying new things. He tends to roll his eyes at me now if I try to take his picture.

[dezignMedia]

Do you get the National Geographic Channel? Maybe you should watch The Dog Whisperer show. It's on every Friday evening. Several episodes starting at around 6 pm. I adopted 4 Labs last year without any dog experience and it has helped me tremendously!! I now have 5 dogs and they are so very well behaved. Best of luck to you!

[HeatherLou]

When we found Pixel, (A 3lb Chihuahua that someone left in my parking lot) he was pretty much adapted to the way we do things at our house within a week. I also have a friend that has a female boxer and she has two small children and the dog loves them. Here is a link to some info about the breed http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/boxer.htm

[adirty1]

boxers are hyper nuts. good dogs just have never met one that was not totally nuts. And I have a catahoula. the trainer that helped me learn to handled our catahoula said he would not take boxers on as a client. And after watching him work our dog I can't believe there is a breed that he would not work with.

[Truckman]

They adapt quickly and respond to love and attention...My two Peke-a-Poos were dumped on me (unceremoniously and without a word) by my ex-wife after telling me for a year I'd see them when hell freezes over...They remembered me and adjusted to life with me instantly...I'll never let them get away again...

I'd say go for it if you're up to the attention they need...Ben

[DangerouslyMoody]

Thank you guys!! I think I am going to go for it!! Thought about getting a kennel that has 2 doors (do they make those??) so he can go in and out the doggy door...I am gone from 530 Am to 630 PM every day so that way he could get out and about

[dezignMedia]

Originally Posted by adirty1

boxers are hyper nuts. good dogs just have never met one that was not totally nuts. And I have a catahoula. the trainer that helped me learn to handled our catahoula said he would not take boxers on as a client. And after watching him work our dog I can't believe there is a breed that he would not work with.

Dogs are only hyper if you let them and don't give them the exercise they require. If you are willing to be a responsible owner, accept the boxer. If you have any doubt about the responsibilities it takes, don't do it. Again, I would suggest watching The Dog Whisperer.

[LegacyPhotographic]

I personally have had 4 boxers in my lifetime. One thing to know, is they pretty much stay in the "puppy" stage of personality until they're about 3yrs old. They have lots of energy, but are the most loving, kind dogs. They are also very intelligent, and thus, can be trained if you take the time to do so. I just got a 1 1/2 year old boxer, who was not used to any sort of training, and was pretty wild. In the month and a half we have had her, we have already trained her very well with sitting on command, only getting up on "her" chair, not on the couch, bed, etc, and not to jump up on people. We trained her to sit while putting on the leash, and until we open the door for the walk, and other things.

They LOVE their owners, are fantastic with kids.. but sometimes dont realize their own size/strength. I would say go for it, but they do require attention and exercise. Feel free to PM me if you have any boxer specific questions!

[Roadrnr]

Originally Posted by dezignMedia

Dogs are only hyper if you let them and don't give them the exercise they require. If you are willing to be a responsible owner, accept the boxer. If you have any doubt about the responsibilities it takes, don't do it. Again, I would suggest watching The Dog Whisperer.

I completely agree!

Hyper dogs can be destructive dogs. Exercise is key with dogs like that. It doesn't mean turn 'em loose in the backyard and maybe play ball with them. It's taking them for walks...1 hour a day should be a minimum walk.

She said he is pretty much kennel trained and leash trained, never been alone though so he would need some love and attention...kinda nervous about taking a dog that is used to another owner and how he will be in a kennel while I am at work all day..??

Being kennel trained is great. Dogs are den animals. If the pack leader is gone, they will choose to sleep (if they've gotten the right amount of exercise) If no exercise, they will easily get bored which means chewing on things they shouldn't.

Both of my dogs are kennel trained and stay in there when I'm not home. They can be trusted to be alone in the house, but for their safety they go in the kennel.

One thing I will say is, be careful on the "love and attention", don't coddle the dog as it will only teach it that certain behaviors (destruction, fear) can be ok.

The first couple of days at home for the pup will be important IMO. Be firm with commands (they aren't requests) but also play with the pup. It's best to get it on a friday so that you have all weekend to be with the pup in its new surroundings.

The 4 best commands to teach a dog as soon as possible: SIT, STAY, COME, DROP IT.

If you aren't sure how to accomplish those commands, basic dog training classes can be great for both you and the dog. Feel free to PM me if you have any training questions, I've worked with a lot of dogs, not only my own but foster dogs as well.

Hope it all works out for you.

[Rson]

Originally Posted by adirty1

boxers are hyper nuts. good dogs just have never met one that was not totally nuts. And I have a catahoula. the trainer that helped me learn to handled our catahoula said he would not take boxers on as a client. And after watching him work our dog I can't believe there is a breed that he would not work with.

I second that.....very hyper, loves to run.

Did I mention very hyper?

They can jump and scale fences too.

[Duffy Pratt]

The question isn't really "How are boxers?", but whether you like this dog enough to take responsibility for it. Individual characteristics and personalities predominate over breed characteristics. So, while Boxers might be hyper (and I don't know them well enough to know), this dog might do nothing but sleep all the time. You basically can't tell much of anything about the personality of an individual dog by knowing what breed it is. Well, you can, but about as much as knowing what astrological sign it is.

Duffy

[C!LLY]

I have a male 1yr old boxer and he is awesome....super hyper but awesome. he is for the most part kennel trained, but we have to let him out as sooooon as possible when we get home because he gets excited. They are pretty easy to train, but seem to have problems getting past the hyperness. They have boxer magazines at petsmart and that helped us a lot with Oscar.

[DangerouslyMoody]

My biggest concern and pretty much only concern I guess is him being in the kennel so long. I am okay with walking him (good exercise for me as well!!!) but I leave around 530 most mornings (unless I am lazy and then its 7) and get home around 615 at night excpet for a few times a month when i have meetings and i don't get home until after 9, i don't work near my house so i can't just swing in...that is my biggest fear...that he will feel trapped or abandoned or unable to hold his bladder that long!!

[Frazzled LaShawn]

Boxers are a great breed! I have a boxer/lab mix that is my best dog to date. Love boxers.