I've been thinking a lot lately about adopting a second boxer. I got my first about 6 months ago and it's been great. I have a few questions and concerns though, since I've never owned 2 dogs simultaneously. Right now my boy is extremely well mannered. He doesn't really bark, dig, chew, growl, or anything I would consider bad behavior (aside from jumping up on people!). I really don't want him to pick up any of these bad habits from a second boxer. I'm planning on using a rescue so hopefully I'll have some clue as to the nature of the dog, but would getting one younger then my current boxer help mitigate these kinds of problems? I feel like he might try to learn more from an older dog, but maybe I'm just applying human qualities to dogs. Also, my dog currently attends a dog daycare while I'm at work. If I got a second I would mostly stop the daycare since they'd have company. I'm positive my current boxer doesn't have any interest in trying to escape. Are 2 dogs typically more likely to try and escape then 2? My hope is they'd mostly distract each other. Some people I talk to think 2 dogs are easier then one, some think they're much more difficult. Just wanted to get some opinions from the forums.
2 boxers better then 1?
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KotasMommie
Boxer Booster
I recently got a puppy to go along with my 3 year old. I have to say that I love it! Kota (the oldest) does pick up some of Jolie's bad habits. "Since Jolie chews Momma's flip-flop then it must be ok if I do too!" must be his way of thinking. Then I just redirect him or tell him no and he doesn't do it again. I think its mostly in the heat of the moment when there is so much boxer craziness going on!! LOL. I really enjoy it tho.
packblt
Completely Boxer Crazy
Well, I have to say I am one that would agree that having more than one boxer is awesome!! I love how they are so sweet and funny with each other! Mine lay down together in a big pile using each other for headrests!!! They absolutely love playing and chasing each other!
I think two is probably not much harder than one and they really do keep each other company. I would definitely recommend having two. Three is definitely a bit of a challenge. I love my three dearly and could not imagine not having any of them, but I think they would get more walks and car rides if there were just two.
I would read about the preferred pairings also. I have heard that male/female is usually the least troublesome. We did have a little bit of squabbles with our two males at times but thankfully it seems that as they got older they learned that it was not acceptable.
Good luck!!!
I think two is probably not much harder than one and they really do keep each other company. I would definitely recommend having two. Three is definitely a bit of a challenge. I love my three dearly and could not imagine not having any of them, but I think they would get more walks and car rides if there were just two.
I would read about the preferred pairings also. I have heard that male/female is usually the least troublesome. We did have a little bit of squabbles with our two males at times but thankfully it seems that as they got older they learned that it was not acceptable.
Good luck!!!
KotasMommie
Boxer Booster
Yes! I love when Jolie rests her head in Kota! Its so sweet!
Gatorblu
Boxer Insane
I am all for having two boxers! I have had three in the past and now know that is my limit. However there are a few questions I have. How old is the boxer you have now? If he is under 18-24 mo's I would wait. He maybe well behaved now, but there is still a lot of maturing to go thru. You said something about escaping. Are you leaving your pup outside unattended? If so, it is not something I would suggest. Boxers can get bored and dig, destroy plants (that could be potentially toxic), and escape. My Arabella was a regular escape artist. She actually learned how to work the lever on the gate, and the front door. (Our doors and gates always stay locked now.)
Two boxers does bring twice the love and wiggles. It also brings twice the food and vet bills. It is also easier to take one dog with you if you go visit someone ot want to take him when running errands. Two can seem intrusive. You will also still have to exercise both dogs. Some dogs walk together well, however, I find it easier to walk mine seperately.
There are a lot of things to consider. I personally don't see me ever having less than two, but I have had a minium of two for over a decade now and it is just routine to me. My family sometimes doesn't see how I do it. (It helps that I don't work outside the home.) I almost always take mine with me when I go on vacation. This requires an suv with a cargo carrier and finding hotels that not only takes larger dogs but also takes multiple dogs. So it requires a bit more planning before leaving.
Two boxers does bring twice the love and wiggles. It also brings twice the food and vet bills. It is also easier to take one dog with you if you go visit someone ot want to take him when running errands. Two can seem intrusive. You will also still have to exercise both dogs. Some dogs walk together well, however, I find it easier to walk mine seperately.
There are a lot of things to consider. I personally don't see me ever having less than two, but I have had a minium of two for over a decade now and it is just routine to me. My family sometimes doesn't see how I do it. (It helps that I don't work outside the home.) I almost always take mine with me when I go on vacation. This requires an suv with a cargo carrier and finding hotels that not only takes larger dogs but also takes multiple dogs. So it requires a bit more planning before leaving.
In response to the questions: he's 11 months old now. He absolutely loves other dogs, and considering he spends most of his day 4 days a week in a doggy daycare that is ran like a supervised dog park I really don't see him deciding to turn anti social. He listens super well and rarely needs to be told no twice. I was considering leaving both dogs in the house and making a doggy door available so that they could go outside as needed. I would probably make it a gradual thing, by using a temporary gate to limit access to the backyard. This probably wouldn't stop a determined boxer, but it would be an added barrier they'd have to figure out. I realize this might not be the best idea, and only time can tell if they'd be interested in escaping. Ive never had a dog that tried to escape so I probably dont give it enough thought. I would prefer to give them a means to relieve though. I'm gone 11 1/2 hours for work (hence doggy daycare) and though my boy has gone much longer without asking to go outside, I never want to require that of a dog. I'm okay with the increased cost and would probably just get insurance like I have for my pup now. If it were possible to clone the dog I have now I wouldn't hesitate, which makes it tempting to use the same breeder in hopes of a dog that is so well mannered, but I do feel obligated to rescue now that I've already purchased one dog. You make a good point about the car rides and visiting people. On one hand I'd probably take them on less errands, but on the other hand I wouldn't feel as guilty any time I left my dog alone for more then 20 minutes (another reason I'm using daycare). BTW I do spend a significant amount of my 3 day weekends and general free time with my dog so no need to feel bad for him for the long work days 
. As for what sex, I'm thinking a white female would be awesome with my brindle male. Color won't be the deciding factor but it would have to be female. Still on the fence with this decision though. Thanks for the time and advice everyone.
. As for what sex, I'm thinking a white female would be awesome with my brindle male. Color won't be the deciding factor but it would have to be female. Still on the fence with this decision though. Thanks for the time and advice everyone.
Sansal
Boxer Insane
I have two dogs (one is not a boxer) and it is definitely working out well for us. As others have mentioned there is the additional cost, especially with vet visits. Yes, they do keep each other company and I don't feel as bad leaving them alone at home. My personal limit however is 8 hours, I think 11 hours is too long, but that's just me.
Is your yard securely fenced? How high is the fence? Or how do you think they would get out of the yard? I am not opposed to doggy doors, I think it can be a good option if the circumstances are right. I know I wouldn't be able to do it with my dogs because one of them digs and potentially could dig under the fence. So if you are worried, don't risk it! I wouldn't allow them to be outside unsupervised until you are absolutely sure that there is no way they can escape.
Both dogs will need one on one training sessions, outings and attention from you. That is another thing to keep in mind. It takes time to train two well behaved dogs. It is also MUCH harder to walk and control two dogs at once. It all can be done and I love having two but sometimes I look back and think wow, having only one was so much easier!
If you already have a male I would definitely recommend getting a female.
Is your yard securely fenced? How high is the fence? Or how do you think they would get out of the yard? I am not opposed to doggy doors, I think it can be a good option if the circumstances are right. I know I wouldn't be able to do it with my dogs because one of them digs and potentially could dig under the fence. So if you are worried, don't risk it! I wouldn't allow them to be outside unsupervised until you are absolutely sure that there is no way they can escape.
Both dogs will need one on one training sessions, outings and attention from you. That is another thing to keep in mind. It takes time to train two well behaved dogs. It is also MUCH harder to walk and control two dogs at once. It all can be done and I love having two but sometimes I look back and think wow, having only one was so much easier!
If you already have a male I would definitely recommend getting a female.
Well I can't really know if I'd need to be worried about escaping until I pick a house and a second dog. My boxer (Icarus) doesn't dig or try to escape, but 2 dogs are also smarter then 1 and seem to figure out more crazy stuff. I don't mind training both individually. Icarus has great commands and a good heel which I'd try to do with a second dog as well. I won't make a choice until I move into a house and see the yard barriers, so just getting some input in the mean time.
Gatorblu
Boxer Insane
Actually by getting a rescue you stand a better chance of getting a dog with the right temperment. As they are, usually, already grown and their personality developing. Just because a dog is from the same breeder, or the same litter for that matter, doesn't guarantee the same temperment. Just watch any litter of pups and you can see who is the bossy one, the thinker, or the shy one.
I am glad you are thinking this all out ahead of time, while looking for a house. It is obviuos you love Icarus. Even tho' you do work long hours, you make sure he is well taken care of. When you do get a second pup, you may want to look into a dog walker that could come by at least once a day to check on them and let them out, at least until you are sure they are ok on their own with a doggy door.
I don't know where you live but I will give you a bit of advice on the doggy door. It may be great that you dogs can go out and come in, but so can other critters. I grew up in FL and have heard a few stories of raccoons, snakes and even alligators coming in thru a doggy door. Heck my own dog has brought in some of her own "hunting trophies" thru a door, not to mention various sticks. And that was when I was home, because I had heard the stories!
Good luck on your house hunt and finding a new furbaby to love!
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