Boxers

[JethroTull]

So we just brought home a 9 week old Boxer pup. We've both wanted a Boxer for ages. But it's the first time we've had a dog. I've read lots of books but wanted to ask if anyone had any practical no nonsense advice - all welcome! TIA.

[MotherJack]

Number One.. find a good puppy socialisation/training class who use positive reinforcement training methods and go. As a first time dog owner you will find it invaluable and your pup will enjoy the socialisation :)

That and read the Culture Clash, if you haven't already. A fantastic insight into dog minds (in my opinion).

[Wiggypigs]

Aww I love boxers. Make sure you get decent pet insurance. They are unfortunately prone to quite a lot of medical conditions which can cost a lot to treat.

[ginmakesitallok]

Wow - you've chosen to go in at the deep end!! I would love a boxer - we had them growing up, wonderful wonderful dogs. Be prepared to have a puppy for the next 10 years!

[JethroTull]

Thanks everyone. We've got through the first night without too much trauma!

[goingtoexplodesoon]

I've got a Boxer puppy called Hamish and you have to go straight to puppy training. They need to get rid of the energy and they need training. And get them used to a leash right away. They're strong animals, they pull. And make sure to wipe around the face- the crinkles in traps dirt and leads to infections. And if you ever give them an 'indestructible' toy, be prepared to go back and buy the same toy five seconds later: when they have a toy, they won't stop until it's torn into a million pieces.

Also, don't ever take them swimming. We went to visit a friend who has a swimming pool (lucky them) and Hamish jumped right in. He sank like a stone. The friend wasn't very happy about having to dive in, pull up a VERY heavy, VERY large dog and then have the very same dog trailing water around the house for the next two hours . Their big chests mean they can't swim.

[babesdontlie]

We have two boxers!! These are our second lot.

Someone once said 'owning a boxer is like owning a perpetual 2yr old' and that just about sums them up.

Definately socialise and go to training classes. They need to be taught not to jump up at people (boxers are very jumpy and springy in a giddy way). And also, not to pull on a lead as they are big, heavy dogs.

I love boxers, they are so playful and daft and very very loving. They love to play football and 'romping' about with you on the floor.

Buy paper towels in bulk for all the drool!!

Boxers are very sociable animals and do suffer separation anxiety so shouldn't be left on their own for too long.

On a minus point, definately make sure they are insured as boxers are prone to cancer and tumours (our previous female had eight operations in her six and a half year life and our present male has just had an operation to remove a mast cell tumour).

[JethroTull]

Thanks for the advice. We can't take him to training classes yet as he's not had his jabs, he's only 9 weeks. I'm struggling with his diet, his poo is very runny. I'm also finding it really difficult to leave the house! What do I do with him when I'm in the house but can't pay him attention e.g when I'm having a shower or making the dinner?

I'm worried we've made a massive mistake. He's so lovely but he keeps biting my feet. I don't want to shout at him but how do I tell him not to do something?

[wereallmadhere]

I have a boxer, grew up with them and they are hard work but rewarding. If you put in the time you will have a wonderful companion.

My tips:
By a book on boxers, read, re-read and read again to get a good understanding of the breed.

Second the insurance, aside from cancer they have bad bones in general (that's inbreeding).

Third, do not wait to start puppy training classes! I spent about 4 hours a day every day for months training mine, the benefits are that she obeys all my commands, she walks around our village to heel OFF the lead. I can not emphasise enough that putting in the work now will be of benefit.

Buy a crate, this should be used as their safe space, somewhere it can go when it needs space and familiarity...

Boxers only destroy things out of boredom, there is absolutely no need to have a dog that destroys toys or your possessions. Make sure you exercise them well, until recently I walked mine 3 times a day, lots of play in the house too.

Boxers like routine, feed and walk times should be kept the same each day.

Another boxer trait is their incredibly weak stomachs. Keep food bland and consider a biscuit diet, discuss with your vet.

I'll be honest, I see lots of owners being dragged around the parks by their boxers and hear lots of stories of destructive behaviour and honestly, there is absolutely no need for any bad behaviour. If you don't have the time, energy and inclination to train and play, then this is not the dog for you.

[JethroTull]

wereallmad great advice thank you. I work part time so do have time to train the puppy, I wasn't sure how long to spend with him at a time as he can get very over excited. Do you have any recommendations for books?

We have a crate which he seems very happy in & we also have a basket in the living room so he can sit with us in the evening when we're watching tv, reading etc. Does this sound ok? I just want him to be happy!

[wereallmadhere]

That all sounds great. At this stage, your puppy, just like a wee babe will sleep a lot so small bursts of play and training. Practice walking on the lead, teach sit, lie down, fetch with rewards, make it fun for you both. Boxers were originally bred as working dogs, they need stimulation, control, routine and they are highly intelligent.

I used to have a good book; how to train your boxer, liz palika. But there are quite a few good ones out there.

Good luck and if you need any help or advice please feel free to pm me :)

[babesdontlie]

Boxers have very sensitive stomachs and are prone to having 'the runs' and doing the most horrendous farts!!
The two I have now are rescues and were skin and bone when we got them.
The vet recommended Royal Canin Vet Breed Boxer (they do junior and adult) and their stomachs are settled, they don't fart and they are beautiful healthy dogs now.

Where in the country are you? We have a local boxer training club run by a boxer breeder and crufts judge ( try and imagine 20 - 30 boxers in the same room! a lot were exceptionally well trained, some were works in progress and I think there was only one that wouldn't do anything at all).

We have a baby gate on the kitchen door and they stay in the kitchen when we are eating and sometimes when we go out.

[JethroTull]

Thanks mad & babes. It's reassuring that I'm doing some of the right stuff.

I'm in the east midlands. I'll have a look on line for Boxer classes & food. Where are you both based?

[wereallmadhere]

I'm southeast, although I lived in the midlands for 10 years. I know an amazing dog trainer near Coventry/Solihull, so if all else fails I can put you in touch with her :)

[babesdontlie]

Warrington, so not much use to you!

We buy our royal canin online from petmeds, they do free delivery and its about £5-£10 cheaper than in the shops.

It takes time for both you and your pup to settle in a routine, but you'll get there in the end.

When we brought these rescue ones home, the female was sick all over the car, neither of them would walk properly on leads, the male had no manners and the first they both did was jump in the pond.
Now they are a delight to be at home with and everyone who visits our house compliments them.