2 boxers = behavior problems

[chadshan]

Some opinions appreciated. We have a 2 year old neutered male. Considering weather to get a second female puppy? Boscer is so well behaved. He stays inside all day when we're at work and has no accidents and doesn't destroy anything.

We also have a 4 ft fence and feel fortunate he hasn't jumped it...yet. He has not even tried. Not sure if he learned from our 130 lb malamute or not.

Just wondering if introducing another may cause them to feed of each other and cause mischief. I would love to get another and have a companion for Boscer because I've heard a male and female get along so well. Just wondering if that would be best or should we feel fortunate for the behavior of our 1 baby and keep spoiling him.

Thanks

 

[Roxie'sMommy]

Roxie is 4 1/2 years old and we thought it would be a good idea to get her a little brother. She was the best puppy ever and she never does anything wrong (for the most part). Very calm and friendly, so well behaved. We just brought home a 9 week old male boxer, Konan. He is an absolute monster but he is still young. Roxie was very "iffy" about Konan and growled/snapped at him a few times (food/toys/playing). It will be a week tomorrow and they are best friends. She shares her toys and lets him climb all over her. He will never be as good of a dog as Roxie (he has a lot to learn) but I am so glad we got another one. Good luck with your decision.

 

[kayboxer]

We have two and I haven't noticed any ill manners from our oldest one since we got the second. She did start digging again, I think because the young one started but that is about it. They don't tear anything up, but we make sure they have lots of fun toys. It's actually very nice because they entertain each other and help each other get exercise by chasing one another full speed around the yard. I will always have two boxers now, I don't know why I only just had one for so long.

 

[Dukebluedevi]

We had Duke for 6 months when someone approached us with a female 1 year 3 month. Most people would say that they are too close in age but they absolutely love each other. They play and cuddle and now I can't imagine only having one. They wear each other out because they run after each other. This hasn't taken the place of walks/runs but I think they are a good match and am really happy with our decision to get another dog.

 

[caranmar]

2 boxers

I got two brothers as pups, Nero & Cooper, and in hindsight it may not have been the best thing to do (having two dogs the same age), but, I will say they play all day long, playing tag around the yard, playing tug of war with their rope toys, etc,. I would advise putting up your fence a little bit, mine is 6ft, and already they can hear other dogs and people the other side of the wall and are jumping up and down at it. They look after each other and its nice to know they have company when you are not there. But, remember everything you do is by two, food, pooh pick up, insurance, barking, but you know I would not have it any other way. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Crystalstock]

I never regretted my decision to get a second dog. my first seemed more content and less lonely when we left. when i decided for a third.. things got a little iffy. they all got along well but it had been four years since i'd dealt with potty training and it kind of brought me to my witts end!

than we added number four. all are a happy family..

 

[RoxDiezAlize]

I started out with Alize, she is 6 years old now... then decided to get another one a little over a year ago... I went to get one, and ended up bringing home Roxi and Diesel from the same litter. After about a week I was questioning my sanity in getting two pups at the same time, as I'd kinda forgotten what it was like to potty train a puppy, not to mention the energy level of puppies. Once they were finally potty trained, and after watching all 3 of them play together, I was actually happy that I'd gotten two. Since Alize is 6 years older than the puppies, she doesn't have the same energy level as they do. Don't get me wrong, she still has plenty of energy and loves to run, chase (and be chased), and romp and play (she is a boxer afterall. ), but she tires out more quickly. When I realized this was the case, I was even happier that I brought home two. They keep each other occupied when Alize decides she's had enough of them. As others have stated, having more than one, will absolutely help them wear each other out.

I have never once regretted getting two at the same time, nor having three at a time. Although, I will admit that it certainly takes LOTS of patience to have 3 boxers... especially since all four of us share a queen sized bed at night!

 

[Caney Creek]

Just wondering if introducing another may cause them to feed of each other and cause mischief. I would love to get another and have a companion for Boscer because I've heard a male and female get along so well. Just wondering if that would be best or should we feel fortunate for the behavior of our 1 baby and keep spoiling him.

That usually is the case when you have two puppies at the same time, or two untrained dogs. If you have an adult dog who has already had the time to bond with you and is well trained, and well behaved, that is actually an ideal situation for adding a new puppy. Since Boscer has already learned the ropes and knows that YOU are his family and YOU are the boss, it's very unlikely that he will follow the lead of a new puppy; rather, he will set a good example for her. Since puppy has a lot to learn, she will naturally mimic the behavior of the older dog.

The behavior of your new pup isn't entirely dependent upon those two factors though (meaning you and the older dog); it also has a lot to do with individual temperament. A calmer puppy in the litter will likely be less trouble in adolescence; a feisty pup will be the opposite. My BF's co-worker happened to get one of Caney's littermates, another white female, and she turned out to be a little devil digging, counter-surfing, destroying furniture... you name it. Of course, I don't know details as far as their training/exercise routines, but looking back, I can remember that pup being especially mouthy even at 6 weeks old; much, much more so than Caney, who had NO counter-surfing or furniture-destroying habits

 

[Lil Boo Boo]

That usually is the case when you have two puppies at the same time, or two untrained dogs. If you have an adult dog who has already had the time to bond with you and is well trained, and well behaved, that is actually an ideal situation for adding a new puppy.

I would have to agree. When you have 2 dogs or shall a say two puppies which we have, it is important to give each the needed training time so that the rules of the house are clear and consistent.

 

[boxstar]

Our boxer Maverick was 14 months old when we brought his brother from a new litter home. Maverick is a year and a half and Goose is six months now. The first month I thought I lost my mind. Maverick was the "perfect" dog until Goose came along. I wanted to train them to walk by my side, behave in the house...you know...the "perfect" dogs. I worked hard and after a few months, we have peace in the house, we can walk with one on left and one on right. They can eat in the same room without taking each others food. Now they play like crazy outside and at times get rowdy in the house, but they know there is inside play and outside play.

Things to consider, double poop, double vet bills, double food etc. Mine love each other tons and hate to be apart. It is easier on me now to leave them at home without feeling guilty. They happily share the same crate too.

I think it is a personal decision and I really don't regret having two, I love them both and they bring all of us a lot of joy and lots of laughs. But, it is a lot of work and expense.

Good luck with your decision.