Downers of having 2 boxers?
- Thread starter iBoxer
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VTbxrFan
Boxer Insane
Here are my thoughts...
My first experience with two dogs was as a foster mom. I, too, was a single 20-something (in an apartment) at the time. What I found from that experience was that I was not ready to commit permanently to a second dog. Now I'm still glad I did the fostering - it was a great experience and also a great way to experience two dogs without risking a commitment I wasn't ready to make. Two dogs are more work than one. Based on your comment about your social life, I would encourage you to really think about that...if you are willing to scale back your activities a bit, maybe a second dog will work. If you aren't willing to scale back, well, you might be better off sticking with one.
My life has changed a lot in the last couple of years and now I'm feeling more ready for a second dog, but I won't do that until my husband and I are absolutely sure we want two permanently.
If you do decide you want a second one, don't rush and spend sometime training your first one well. One of the hardest things to me about two dogs is walking them at the same time. That's a lot easier if you've already taught one to walk nicely on a leash before you add the distraction of two. My own dog was not so good on a leash when I had my first foster, so it was really tough taking them both out. With later fosters that I had after I'd had more time to train my own dog, walking two at once was easier.
Two dogs can be more fun, and they can keep each other entertained, but it can also be more work. And of course more expensive - don't leave out that part.
My first experience with two dogs was as a foster mom. I, too, was a single 20-something (in an apartment) at the time. What I found from that experience was that I was not ready to commit permanently to a second dog. Now I'm still glad I did the fostering - it was a great experience and also a great way to experience two dogs without risking a commitment I wasn't ready to make. Two dogs are more work than one. Based on your comment about your social life, I would encourage you to really think about that...if you are willing to scale back your activities a bit, maybe a second dog will work. If you aren't willing to scale back, well, you might be better off sticking with one.
My life has changed a lot in the last couple of years and now I'm feeling more ready for a second dog, but I won't do that until my husband and I are absolutely sure we want two permanently.
If you do decide you want a second one, don't rush and spend sometime training your first one well. One of the hardest things to me about two dogs is walking them at the same time. That's a lot easier if you've already taught one to walk nicely on a leash before you add the distraction of two. My own dog was not so good on a leash when I had my first foster, so it was really tough taking them both out. With later fosters that I had after I'd had more time to train my own dog, walking two at once was easier.
Two dogs can be more fun, and they can keep each other entertained, but it can also be more work. And of course more expensive - don't leave out that part.
adeinert
Boxer Insane
Hi,
I have a new light to shed on this topic.
When I added a second boxer, I thought about it for a LONG time and then waiting till rescue found one that matched my male's personality. (He was very alpha.) I knew adding a puppy at that time would be too much and I worked all day and couldn't raise a puppy in the way I deem correct. When I added the third, I again really looked at the situation. They were hard decisions and I made the decisions informed since with fostering I've had up to five boxers in my home for a short time.
But, it doesn't go as well for everyone. Here is an example.
I recently approved a family to adopt and they were in love with the foster who did the home visit. They embraced all the boxer traits and spent over an hour getting to know him. I prepared them for all that may happen in the adjustment period and they were excited, ready, and feeling quite capable to add this guy as their second boxer. After a few days and MANY, MANY lengthy conversations, I felt they had all the right answers and attitude and let them adopt this sweet guy. The had made up their minds to return him by the next day midday and when I got home they brought him back - it had not even been 24 hours.
Their complaints were everything I prepared them for and they realized that two boxers was too much. They wanted a playmate for their energetic 16 month old female and then were overwhelmed at how much they did play.
I wish this family had done a bit more preparation because it just wasn't fair for the poor boxer who went on the test run. It must have been one really bad night for them because here in my home he is an angel and I never have any problems. If someone is truly not ready to add a boxer then he/she will be incapable of caring for that boxer and find it hard. If one is ready to add a boxer the joy will outweigh the work!
:cool: If you have any doubts, just wait it out. One day you will feel 100% confident, that is the time to add another child!
Good luck!
Ashlie and the crew of rescued angels: Jillian, Tulley, Desi, and our foster- Copper McCloud
www.flbr.org
I have a new light to shed on this topic.
When I added a second boxer, I thought about it for a LONG time and then waiting till rescue found one that matched my male's personality. (He was very alpha.) I knew adding a puppy at that time would be too much and I worked all day and couldn't raise a puppy in the way I deem correct. When I added the third, I again really looked at the situation. They were hard decisions and I made the decisions informed since with fostering I've had up to five boxers in my home for a short time.
But, it doesn't go as well for everyone. Here is an example.
I recently approved a family to adopt and they were in love with the foster who did the home visit. They embraced all the boxer traits and spent over an hour getting to know him. I prepared them for all that may happen in the adjustment period and they were excited, ready, and feeling quite capable to add this guy as their second boxer. After a few days and MANY, MANY lengthy conversations, I felt they had all the right answers and attitude and let them adopt this sweet guy. The had made up their minds to return him by the next day midday and when I got home they brought him back - it had not even been 24 hours.
Their complaints were everything I prepared them for and they realized that two boxers was too much. They wanted a playmate for their energetic 16 month old female and then were overwhelmed at how much they did play.
I wish this family had done a bit more preparation because it just wasn't fair for the poor boxer who went on the test run. It must have been one really bad night for them because here in my home he is an angel and I never have any problems. If someone is truly not ready to add a boxer then he/she will be incapable of caring for that boxer and find it hard. If one is ready to add a boxer the joy will outweigh the work!
:cool: If you have any doubts, just wait it out. One day you will feel 100% confident, that is the time to add another child!
Good luck!
Ashlie and the crew of rescued angels: Jillian, Tulley, Desi, and our foster- Copper McCloud
www.flbr.org
iBoxer
Boxer Booster
I like the way you put that...."100% confident" thats exactly what I'm waiting for, the "Ahuh!" moment. I think it will come when my career and social life slow down.
Update:
I just ordered my Gentle Leader from http://www.bargraph.com/gentleleader (lets hope they are not internet crooks and send the merchandise as promised) I ordered the Gentle Leader plus video and leash, lets hope Blue likes it... I'm also going to follow the advice from this thread to acclimate her. I have also been taking treats on my walks to get Blue to stop pulling.
Thanks for all the support and helping me to make a responsible decision!
Update:
I just ordered my Gentle Leader from http://www.bargraph.com/gentleleader (lets hope they are not internet crooks and send the merchandise as promised) I ordered the Gentle Leader plus video and leash, lets hope Blue likes it... I'm also going to follow the advice from this thread to acclimate her. I have also been taking treats on my walks to get Blue to stop pulling.
Thanks for all the support and helping me to make a responsible decision!
dukie's mom
Banned
I have 2 dogs....did for several years, then one died, so went back to one, then got a puppy this summer.
I kinda forgot about the disadvantages:
Twice the dog poop to scoop.
Twice as many dogs to pee on the grass and turn it yellow
Having to pay for and haul twice as much dog food.
The biggest...twice the vet bills. And they never seem to need to go to the vet at the same time or be on the same schedule for shots.
Twice as much to board them when we go on vacation: not totally true, our kennel gives a second dog discount, but its not much.
Twice the number of dogs in the house to get into stuff.
With 2 dogs, there is now someone to vie for dominance with, and be concerned that the other might possibley be getting something you arent. THere can be occasional spats over food, toys, etc.
And you think if you are a couple and have 2 dogs that mom can pet one and dad the other..wrong answer..they both want the same person to pet them at the same time! Silly dogs!
No matter how many toys you have, or how many of the same toy...they both want the same one at the same time. This can result in spats too.
2 dogs together are rowdier that multiplying the rowdiness of 1 dog x2. While your single dog might be content to snooze on the sofa for the evening, 2 boxers will race through the house chasing each other.
After this list...you are probably wondering why I even have 2 dogs...The rest of you with 2 know why. But it is not for everyone. I would say that a single dog would be easier for a single person to handle.
I kinda forgot about the disadvantages:
Twice the dog poop to scoop.
Twice as many dogs to pee on the grass and turn it yellow
Having to pay for and haul twice as much dog food.
The biggest...twice the vet bills. And they never seem to need to go to the vet at the same time or be on the same schedule for shots.
Twice as much to board them when we go on vacation: not totally true, our kennel gives a second dog discount, but its not much.
Twice the number of dogs in the house to get into stuff.
With 2 dogs, there is now someone to vie for dominance with, and be concerned that the other might possibley be getting something you arent. THere can be occasional spats over food, toys, etc.
And you think if you are a couple and have 2 dogs that mom can pet one and dad the other..wrong answer..they both want the same person to pet them at the same time! Silly dogs!
No matter how many toys you have, or how many of the same toy...they both want the same one at the same time. This can result in spats too.
2 dogs together are rowdier that multiplying the rowdiness of 1 dog x2. While your single dog might be content to snooze on the sofa for the evening, 2 boxers will race through the house chasing each other.
After this list...you are probably wondering why I even have 2 dogs...The rest of you with 2 know why. But it is not for everyone. I would say that a single dog would be easier for a single person to handle.
babydex
Boxer Booster
Question part2
I know this is an old thread but I didn't want to start a new one.
We have been planning to get Dexter a sibling and have considered all the ups and downs. However the question that still lingers in my mind is.......do we get a boxer of the opposite sex??? Little brother or little sister for Dexter???
Dexter will be around a year if not younger when we get another addition. He has the sweetest disposition and personality. He gets along great with other dogs....although seems to be a little over zealous for them. (Obedience school is coming soon)
I just wonder will he get along better with male or female beings he's still so young???
Any advice for the still wet behind the ears Boxer Mom???
I know this is an old thread but I didn't want to start a new one.
We have been planning to get Dexter a sibling and have considered all the ups and downs. However the question that still lingers in my mind is.......do we get a boxer of the opposite sex??? Little brother or little sister for Dexter???
Dexter will be around a year if not younger when we get another addition. He has the sweetest disposition and personality. He gets along great with other dogs....although seems to be a little over zealous for them. (Obedience school is coming soon)
I just wonder will he get along better with male or female beings he's still so young???
Any advice for the still wet behind the ears Boxer Mom???
Abby&Baxmom
Boxer Buddy
I will have to agree with Rachel. Two boxers are the best and I would not have it any other way. I had Abby first and when she was 15 months, I got Baxter who is 2 yrs old. The male/female pairing has been great for us. They get along so well with each other. Before we got Baxter though, Abby got along with all other dogs (always giving kisses). But sometimes they did not get along with her (other females). Good luck.
Jennifer
Jennifer
oremug
Boxer Buddy
We didn't think we could handle 2 boxers but we got our 2nd 3 weeks ago and I think its the best thing for Sherbert our 6 year old male, he took over like big brother with our new female 10 weeks old. I think if you can handle 1 boxer you can definelitly handle 2. Boxers are fun dogs!
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