boxer "wiring" question

[jhweim]

I'm very new to the forum and as I said in my intro post- I don't have a boxer. I do have 2 weimaraners and pointer x lab. One of the weims is a 16 week pup, the other is a crabby ol' lady. The pointer x lab (jake) is 3 - a bit shy of strangers but an 80 lb lap dog once he knows you.

Here is my situation. I get my three dogs up about 6 am every morning and walk them to an open 100 acre open field just down the road from my house - where I let them off lead, we make a circuit around the field, then on heel home. About 2 - 3 times a week we run into a boxer - no owners, just the boxer. He seems very friendly, he and Jake seem to do well racing each other and a bit of dog wrestling. I think they are working on the male thing - who's boss.

I'm a bit nervous about the pup. The boxer seems fine with him, a little rough housing, but he hasn't made the pup squeek or anything. this morning he pushed him down with his front legs. It kind of seemed this morning that he was almost trying to get himself between me and the pup, but not in a real determined way.

I don't really know how the boxers are wired. I know they were originally fighters. I guess I'm looking for signs to watch for that indicate comming trouble. He has shown no signs of agression, he lets me scratch his ears when we run into him, he stays with us through the whole walk, and follows us home. He has a collar, didn't notice a tag (and its pretty dark out anyway.) I'm afraid to let him into our yard for fear that our crabby ol weim might take exception to him in her space. The first couple times we ran into him I put my dogs on sit and just tried to wait until he got bored and left, he stayed right there with us.

john

 

[ehayes21]

First off, Welcome to the forum! From your description it sounds like pretty typical boxer behavior...they use their front legs a lot; they "box", they jackhammer, etc..it's definitely a breed trait. They also play pretty rough and loud, so the wrestling you are witnessing has really nothing to do with sorting out who's boss and has more to do with simple play. It really sounds like he's trying to join in the fun with your crew. Do you want him to come and play on your property? Do you know if he has owners?

 

[Darbysmom1]

Boxer

If he was going to be aggressive with your dogs he would have by now it does sound like he is simply playing. Boxers tend to play different then most breeds they are very vocal so it sounds like they are being aggressive but they are not they also use their front legs to box other dogs and like to jump up and swat them like you are seeing. I too am not sure what you were asking about your yard do you want him to come in and play? He may continue to come back and play and hang out by your house if you let him in to play. Or were you wondering because you wanted to look closer to see if he had tags or something? I wouldnt worry about him with your puppy other then to know that sometimes boxers play rough so depending on your babies size and his size. Hope this helps.. I had to laugh when you said you put your dogs in a sit and waited for him to get bored and leave no red blooded boxer would leave a gang of play pals... ... They are clowns and always want to be where the fun is.

 

[jhweim]

Thanks- I feel pretty good about him joining in, though it is somewhat of a distraction if I want to do any real training vs. just walking. IOW I wasn't real concerned, but I do want to be bit carefull. I don't know where he lives, so I wasn't sure he'd find his way home from my yard. I thought about putting him in the yard so I could try to get his tags read and call his people and let them know where he is. He seems to have figured it out though. My wife says she has never run across him when she walks the dogs in the field in the afternoon, so he isn't out often, or is only out mornings.

I've never been one to let my dogs roam the neighborhood (the crabby old weim does at times anway, she jumps our 4' chain link fence and goes for a walk when she is bored) so I was concerned I might lead the boxer to far from home and get him lost.

He is a pretty fun little fellow. I can definately see the boxing in him!

Might take a note along with me next time and wrap it to his collar and let his people know where he goes in the morning.

john

 

[samsons]

i agree

sorry - i was laughing at the " waited for him to get bored " sorry -
my Sam will stare at a olive for 3 hours ( at that point i gave up n gave it to him )

they play rough , but are VERY lovable kissy kinda dogs ~ BUT once u make FRIENDS u have a friend for life - .... like others have said , they " box " and play with there paws but are not being mean . OHHH n they TALK ... loudly .... means they have something to say , and have decided they like u enough to share with u what that is. ( its a privilege
, my Sam only talks to me )

also , i would wonder what kinda of " responsible boxer owner " would just let out there baby and not watch them ??? knowing that they are going to go to ppl and other dogs ??

 

[Indy's mom]

I agree with the responses you've already received on here.

Your post made me smile as well, boxers can be very high energy and easily distracted, but if there are other dogs willing to play, they really aren't likely to lose interest.

I really like your suggestion of tying a note to his collar, if he was my boy and I thought I knew where he was and what he was doing I would appreciate the heads up. It sounds as though his family really just lets him out to do his thing, but I applaud your willingness to go the extra mile. You really have no idea of his family situation. Generous to notify them and possibly find out more about him.

Good luck to all of you, enjoy your morning playtime.

 

[Marisue Zorens]

I mostly agree with the other posts here: despite their origins, Boxers as a rule don't tend to be overly aggressive. They're big, loveable knuckleheads who just want to play and have fun.

But a couple of things do concern me. I can't imagine ever letting Petie out of my sight outside. Even playing in an enclosed yard, I am out there with him. So many things can happen to him- he could be hit by a car, poisoned, stolen, attacked by another dog- I don't even want to think about it! I don't want to sound judgemental, but I wonder about someone who would let their Boxer wander loose like that.

And I think your concern for your dogs' safety does you credit. You didn't know this particular dog and were entirely right to watch him. And while it's true that Boxers aren't generally "mean" they are still big, strong, rough- playing dogs that might accidentally hurt a smaller dog in play. Good supervision is always wise.

 

[jbbtlr]

The first couple times we ran into him I put my dogs on sit and just tried to wait until he got bored and left, he stayed right there with us.

john

That's funny!!!!! Getting bored I am not sure is in their vocabulary. There always seems to be one thing after another that peaks their interests.

I liked your idea of putting a note on his collar. The owner might not even know he is getting out, he might be one of those escape artists. :D I can't imagine someone just letting their dogs just roam. I know people do it but have never understood that.

Good luck and welcome to the board!

 

[jhweim]

Found his people today. I haven't seen the little fellow for a couple weeks, but he was out this morning. I got a read on his tags, and called his owner when we got back to the house.

Played ball for a bit with him and our 3. he does not like to be on lead at all. I have been trying to get my dogs to sit until one or the other is released to go get the ball, retrieving dummy, whatever. The boxer, Tyson, does not like being held back!

He's a character though, fun to have him around - he's just is going to have to learn some manners

Thanks for all the insight, I do appreciate it.

John