Boxers Being Outside?

[JaxKyz]

Pasdar's Mom -

I live not too far from you in Waco, TX, and I wanted to share with you my experience with my dogs being outside.

My husband and I both work full time jobs, but he is self-employed & is sometimes home through out the day (but not on a daily basis). We have a Toy Fox Terrier and a Boxer that we leave outside while we are gone during the day. We have a secured backyard with a little over 1/2 an acre fenced off. We also have a room that extends off the back of our house where we leave the dogs water, beds, and toys. We have had absolutely no problems and our dogs love to be outside. Sometimes they don't even want to come in after we get home! They love to lay under the shade trees or in the cool dirt.

Although they stay outside while we are gone, they are ALWAYS inside when we are home. When we leave for work in the morning they are always waiting at the back door to go out.

Hope this helps!
Briana

 

[Elyse]

It is clear that you are trying to do what is best for everyone and your BF is very important to you. Both of my babies spend a good part of the day outside, as they have a doggie door and run back and forth all day. I think what you are missing is that boxers need their humans. They cuddle and snuggle. That is a trait of this breed. To deprive them of you affection at in the evenings is going to affect them a lot. Maybe you could set aside 1 room for them to hang out in with you and lay by you so they aren't missing you.

 

[Boxer Lover]

Pasdar's mom

Hey, I'm in Austin too and although people on this site will not agree, we leave Sam outside from 8:30 - 5:00 (while we are at work). NOW, that being said our backyard has a large covered deck and it only gets morning sun. So eventhough it is hot outside he is in the shade most of the day. We didn't do this when he was a puppy, but he is 4 now and he has had this routine for several years. He LOVES being outside and he will lie in the sun (like a lizard ) until he gets hot then move into the shade.

Also, they are not stupid dogs, he doesn't run around a lot and play in the summer months and get overheated like he does in the spring/fall.

P.S. I work out of the house on Thurs/Fri. so he is only outside Mon - Wed.
Just like people dogs need to be aclimated to the heat so if your dogs are not used to being outside for GOD'S SAKE do not do this until they have adjusted.

 

[Boone's. Fmly]

kinda long!

I don't understand....If they are only going to be outside for short periods of time like you said.."1/2 hour", why go to the added expense of an air conditioner for a dog house? As long as there is shade provided and plenty of water I wouldn't see a problem with them being out for short periods of time. As for the Cat/Dog issue.....it takes time, but they do eventually learn to cohabitate together. We moved the kitty litter and cat food to the second level (where the kids' bedrooms are) and the dogs aren't allowed to go up there. If the cats want to get away from the dogs they know they can just go up there and not be bothered. Usually they just lay on a surface that is above eye level of the dogs and it's been pretty much out of sight out of mind.
Good Luck with all the new changes!!! You know in your heart what'll be best for them because you know their personalities. :D

 

[Checkers]

I dont see a problem with leaving them outside either. I think a lot of people go on what their dog is like left unattended outside and think everyone elses dogs are the same (ie will jump fences, destroy everything). I leave my dog outside during the day when im not here because she enjoys it and she is really well behaved. I leave the gate open while im home and she never goes out of it, just strolls right past. She gets quite panicy when she is left inside alone.

I think leaving them outside in the evenings might be a bit more difficult if they can see you inside though. If you are looking at options, how about outside during the day (with the air conditioning) and inside when you are home? They arent stupid, if they get hot they will go in to the dog house and cool off. Like someone else said, make rooms where your boxers arent allowed in and the cat is. With a new house it will probably be easier to teach new rules. Also its been said before, take a baby gate and put it up a few inches so the cat can go under to run away but the dogs cant.

As for being accustomed to being outside, just take it gradually. Like leaving a dog out of its crate, you do it slowly. Increase the time they are left out until they are totally comfortable spending hours out there Dont forget to give them plenty to do. Sand boxes to dig, balls hanging from trees, ice blocks filled with treats etc. Make them think its fun to be outside!

Also dont forget to remind your bf that you are making considerations for the cat, so it has to work both ways

 

[beausmommy]

As for the Cat/Dog issue.....it takes time, but they do eventually learn to cohabitate together.

Don't be so sure! I had to take my parents' cat (she was supposed to be mine but hated everyone but my brother and dad) due to remodeling at my parents' house. Bailey stressed her out so much that she stopped eating and drinking. This eventually caused liver damage and she died in my arms at 8 years old within weeks even after she went back to my mom and dad's.

Therefore, I totally understand the BF not wanting to traumatize his cat. Not all cats are adaptable enough to accept a dog at an older age (or any age for that matter). I love Beau with all my heart, but I think a poor cat might drop dead after a few minutes around him

 

[BeckyNC]

I totally commend you for doing this "research" to find the best solution for your doggies. I have a feeling your BF might eventually cave in and allow the dogs in the house full-time, unless he's super anal, of course. Boxers are just too much fun! That said, I would need to agree with Elyse. The first thought that popped into my mind is that Boxers need their people. I know that Tae is just plain happier when I'm home. Her toys stay in their basket while I'm out, but she plays with them all evening in my presence. I interpret this to mean she's just happier I'm there and wants to play (by herself). True, Pasdar will have Chloe, but he'll probably want to be around you, as well. Now, I do think that if it's nice out in the evening (=cool) a couple hours to run around should be fine, provided he gets some indoor time, as well, besides when he's crated.

 

[Cindy Creel]

We have the kitchen area with a babygate across the large opening. The cat is usually sleeping in one of the bedrooms all day. He does not roam into the den or kitchen area. His litter box is in the hall bathroom. The hall door stays shut. The cat rules the back of the house and the dogs rul the front. On rare occassions they have been in the same room and they do not bother each other. We quickly put the cat back in the back. I hope this helps.

 

[Pasdar's Mom]

I don't understand....If they are only going to be outside for short periods of time like you said.."1/2 hour", why go to the added expense of an air conditioner for a dog house?

I don't remember saying "1/2 hour" but I did say I wouldn't be leaving them out all the time. I guess the added expense because I do have 2 short faced dogs that can't handle the heat and have never spent that much time outside in the past. I want to do everything in my power to make them as comfortable as possible.

As for the cat situation, which so many have commented on (thank you!) I realize there are many factors involved and every animal reacts differently. Right now, my roommate has a cat (who has been living with us since before either dog was born) but she shelters her so much that the dogs rarely get a glimpse of her. She lives in my rommates bedroom and gets scooped up the second she ventures out. The dogs want to play with her but have never had the chance. My boyfriend's cat is 11 and never encountered a dog. I'm afraid they will totally overwhelm her. The cat is not allowed upstairs in the bedrooms (upstairs but not in the rooms) and her litter box, food and water are in the kitchen. We've already turned the little box sideways - it's under a built in desk in the kitchen - so that she can get into it but the dogs can't.

My boyfriend is great and loves all animals, although is partial to cats over dogs. I just want to get as much information and advice in order to be sure I can do everything possible to make this transition as smooth as possible for everyone.

 

[KristenElla]

I used a baby gate when I was getting my cats used to my dog. I had a chair on either side so they could easily get over it (at that point my dog was too little to jump on the chair). I baby gated the hallway so the cats had the entire back of the house to themselves. It did take some time, hissing and intervention on my part, but eventually with tons of treats for everyone (especially the first they meet - make sure it's a positive experience for everyone!!) they like each other just fine.

My bf insisted on two things when we moved in together. At that time, I had my first Boston, Sophie. She was not allowed on the bed and was not allowed to beg for food. I bought her a really comfortable dog bed and made a huge fuss with treats and stuff whenever she got in it before we moved.

Here's what happened to my bf...

1. No begging. Then, begging only allowed in the kitchen. Next, begging allowed except for at dinner table. Last, begging allowed

2. No sleeping in the bed. Then, allowed on bed but he must be holding her at all times. Then, allowed on the bed but only until "lights off". Then "well, why can't she sleep on the bed?" Note: I had become used to sleeping without a dog on me and I was the one saying no dogs on the bed! Last, boyfriend sneaking dog in bed under the covers when I couldn't see

Sophie died earlier this year and bf said I could get ONE new puppy. Well, I now have two puppies (Boston & Boxer) and he is a TOTAL 100% push-over! They love his so much too.

I hope you have the same experience with your boyfriend! Good luck.