2 questions re: my 4-month old

[Lmuglia]

Hi all --

1. I live in Pennsylvania. As such, the winters are cold. Is it really necessary, though, to have my Boxer wear a "sweater" during the winter months? I can never tell if this is really necessary, or just overzealous. I know boxers are sensitive to heat, and not really wild about the cold, but... curious as to your thoughts.

2. I go home everyday at lunch to let her out of her crate, each lunch, run around and potty twice. When is it appropriate not to have to do that anymore? She hasn't had an accident in some time, but I don't know if 9 hours would be pushing it. My neighbor, who has an 11-month-old Boxer said they NEVER went home at lunch to let her out, which I found amazing, frankly...

thoughts? thanks in advance!

 

[Poetic_thing]

Hi there. If your going to be out an extended period of time in winter - go for a sweater, boxers have a tough time with the cold. It will help to keep them warm and they look soo cute too! As for 9 hours - way too long. We have always gone home to let our dogs out, personally I don't think holding their urine/feces is good for their bodies - all those toxins sitting there. Besides, can YOU imagine having to hold it that long! If you are able to go home for lunch I say keep doing it. If you are unable I would see about getting someone else to come by and let your dog out. Take care

 

[momstaxi]

I agree 100% with poetic thing

 

[BoxerLoverNC]

1) I quess it depends how long she'll be out. And the temp. Here in NC there's really not a need so I'm not much help.

2) Both of mine are crated for 8-9 hours per day. And have been since the age of four months. there were a couple accidents. and in the beginning I would put a towel just in case. I hate it, but it has to be done. I dont trust leaving them outside, and if I left them in the house it would be no more by the time we got home. We commute to work, going home on lunch is no option. It would take 1 1/2 hours - 2 hours to do so. I believe there are many more members here who have to do the same. Granted, they are not crated at night, or on weekends. And we always go straight home after work. Try explaining this to co-workers!

We bought the house two years ago and what we hope to do is either my hubby or myself, getting a job closer to the house. I would love to go home on lunch and be with my babies. But I really think it'll be my hubby. He looks all the time for something open. And he hates his job. Mines more like a career. Somebodies gotta pay for all that land there roaming on.

 

[lovemygracie]

Sweaters

I think you'll be able to tell if a sweater is necessary--some puppies are sensitive to the cold and start shivering, and others don't seem to mind at all.