Crate vs. Yard vs. House - Need Ideas

[Luvnmyboxer]

I'm with you on this one for several reasons: 1. liability- what if the dog got loose of the fence and got lost or something 2. is there constant supervision there for the pup? 3. If an emergency came up and the house owners had to leave suddenly what happens to the dog- is it left to fend for itself until you all come back?? Sounds to me like it would almost be a day-care type thing, if that's the case enroll in doggy-day care for a day or two and see how it goes. Plus what's the point of you all owning the dog if you dont see and care for it regularly?? Maybe I"m missing something but if it's you two's dog then you should BOTH compromise and work out a plan for the dog, like you take it for walks in the morning, he takes it at night, two separate play times, short trips with the dog to the park or something. There are ways to get exercise w/o having a yard. And if all else fails--save up the extra $$ to move to a place with a yard. Just my two cents.........

 

[Lael]

Thank you all for your replies. Just to clarify, Lael is walked every day, plus a play time in an open off-leash area close to our home. In addition to that, I am constantly playing with her; whatever I am doing, I am also playing tug and fetch in the house. She gets more attention than I do. So she is very well exercised. My husband just feels that she would be "happier" and get even more exercise if she were to be in a yard. But she's very happy and I don't think she'll really get any more exercise. And if she did, the small amount still doesn't out-weigh the things that could be harmful to her or the person's yard. That's why I offered to walk her in the mornings (before her big play time with her daddy) instead of doing the yard thing. She's really so well-behaved and doesn't destroy anything. I'm really proud of her.

I agree with you all whole-heartedly, and feel much better knowing that my thoughts have been confirmed by other responsible dog owners.

I also have more "ammunition" when we discuss this again after the breeder tells him that it's a terrible idea and he would rather us not do it.

 

[Super Boo]

I agree with your decision. My dogs are alone for about 7 hrs/day when I'm out of the house working. They are old enough not to need to crate--but we really have no yard to speak of. I walk them in the morning and allow them to play. When I get home we walk again--keeps me thin too!!

I wouldn't want to place the responsibility of two high energy dogs on someone who may not know what they're getting into. We've had people offer but I just don't think they know what's involved. My dogs prefer to be at home anyway. I am positive that they just lay around the house sleeping all day. I feel more comfortable knowing they are safe at home.

 

[Faughtey]

I may be way off base here, but is your DH jealous of the time you spend playing with your boxer?

 

[Lael]

Update

It's been a while since I asked for your opinions, and I just wanted to give you an update on how this has been working out.

Not too long after my husband and I settled with the issue (that we would not leave her in someone's yard), a good friend actually ASKED if he could have her over during the day every once in a while. As alarmed as I was, I decided to give it a try, but only under these conditions:

• DH had to go over and fully check the fence. It is a new fence, enclosing about 3/4 acre, and is in good condition.
• DH had to show Lael how to get out of the pool, if she were to decide to swim (ha!) or fall in. Not only did she learn where the stairs were, but she can pull herself out of the pool from any side. (Still makes me nervous, but since I've seen her go up the stairs on her own with my own two eyes, I'm okay.)
• He is not to leave her outside in the cold or the rain. She has to have shelter and a comfortable place to sleep. He also has to be home when she is there. This turns out to be perfect, because he works from home and she is at his side all day.
• He is also not to leave her outside alone the whole time. He brings her inside with him when they are not playing, so she's under his supervision almost 100% of the time.

He has had many boxers before. His last female was a rescue, who died of cancer. In the meantime, he's gotten married and his wife will not let them get a dog. So Lael is his therapy, and they are good friends.

So all in all, I'm satisfied. Lael is happy, and I'm certain that she's safe and being taken care of. Also, our friend is sooo thankful. He has missed Champ (his last Boxer baby) for so long and is just dying to get another. So I'm happy it's working out for him. She hasn't gone over to his house more than maybe 5 or 6 times since January, but when she does she has a blast. So I guess in this case, it seems to be working out so far. Apparently the only problem is that his wife complains that he doesn't get anything done when she's there (which to me is a good sign).

 

[IluvLucy]

In the meantime, he's gotten married and his wife will not let them get a dog.

Sorry, but if it were me, this would be unacceptable. At first I thought maybe he was doing this so he could show his wife that getting a boxer wouldn't be so bad. but then I read:

Apparently the only problem is that his wife complains that he doesn't get anything done when she's there

It works out great for you though. Who knows, maybe someday he will convince her that it's o.k. to get a boxer and then Lael will have a boxer to play with when she visits too!