Hello to my fellow Boxer owners. I've wanted to register before but just couldn't get around to it and now I'm doing so out of desperation! Murphy, our 10 month male is destroying our house!! We love him to death but are ready to contact a boxer rescue - that's how bad things have become. I'm sincerely hoping to gain some insight here as it would destroy us to give him away.
Hello from AZ!
- Thread starter mehoppy1
- Start date
- Status
house destroyer
Don't give up on your boxer. My first 2 boxers were rescues who were about to go to the pound. They had the same problem. I got them at different times, but they were both around the same age, 11 months. They were eating the houses and yards of their owners. The biggest problem, besides puppyhood, was a lack of obedience problem. I didn't have them very long before they turned into wonderful dogs. It was a combination of obedience and growing up. Make an obedience class a priority in life. Have everyone in the family practice with him. Get acceptable toys and chew toys for him. Throw them in your dirty laundry for a few days and make a big deal out of playing with them. My guess is that most of what is being destroyed is things that have a strong human odor. They want to play with your "toys." Please contact me if you have any more questions. I have lots of tricks and ideas, but I don't want to overload the reply. I think this might be too long.
Don't give up on your boxer. My first 2 boxers were rescues who were about to go to the pound. They had the same problem. I got them at different times, but they were both around the same age, 11 months. They were eating the houses and yards of their owners. The biggest problem, besides puppyhood, was a lack of obedience problem. I didn't have them very long before they turned into wonderful dogs. It was a combination of obedience and growing up. Make an obedience class a priority in life. Have everyone in the family practice with him. Get acceptable toys and chew toys for him. Throw them in your dirty laundry for a few days and make a big deal out of playing with them. My guess is that most of what is being destroyed is things that have a strong human odor. They want to play with your "toys." Please contact me if you have any more questions. I have lots of tricks and ideas, but I don't want to overload the reply. I think this might be too long.
Queenmum
Super Boxer
Hello from a fellow Arizonan. My Wilma is 17 months old and is just growing out of this "make me crazy" stage! Is he crated? Does he use a doggy door? What are the specifics of his freedom? I started out giving Wilma free reign of the house until I found out I couldn't trust her after one night she decided to chew the corner off my coffee table. She is better, but we do not leave the house without closing all the closets and bedroom doors. Part of her problem is that she is home alone sometimes as much as 7 hours a day. I think she gets bored..............!
Where are you in Arizona?
Where are you in Arizona?
mehoppy1 said:
Well if you think about it and you love him you need to give your boxer another chance. I would recommend crate training or obedience. Also can you or have you tried to puppy proof a room?? He is only a young dog and needs time and guidance just like a child. There is plenty of information on the web and you can contact the local humane society for information and help or even your vet. Boxers are not considered adults until they are about 3 years old.
1FlashyFan
Boxer Insane
Welcome from a fellow Arizonan whose glad to hear you're trying to keep your pup! Please don't give up yet, you'll find lots of good advice right here on crating, training as well as many a sympathetic ear. Your pup is just a baby, and he may just need more exercise, short-term confinement when you cannot supervise him and some training. The payoff is huge if you work through this difficult stage. Hang in there!
calamitydad
Boxer Pal
home alone
Hi We had the same problem with our Calmity. She would watch both of us leave and either get mad or bored but she would progress to tear stuff up. We considered giving her back but bought a crate for one last try and now things couldn't be better and it is alot more enjoyable coming home to a dog and not having to scold or wonder what has she gotten now. Plus she likes it because the crate has become her getaway place.
Cody
& Calmity- fawn 2yrs old docked and floppy-cuter that way in my wifes opinion
Hi We had the same problem with our Calmity. She would watch both of us leave and either get mad or bored but she would progress to tear stuff up. We considered giving her back but bought a crate for one last try and now things couldn't be better and it is alot more enjoyable coming home to a dog and not having to scold or wonder what has she gotten now. Plus she likes it because the crate has become her getaway place.
Cody
& Calmity- fawn 2yrs old docked and floppy-cuter that way in my wifes opinion
Maxwell's Ma
Boxer Insane
Welcome!! Read here and ask questions. There is lots of knowledge and support to be had.
apollosdad
Boxer Insane
Hello and Welcome to Boxerworld. 
bayleighmom
Boxer Insane
Welcome to BW! Please give your baby a chance. Previous posters have given some great advice. I would highly recommend a crate. Bayleigh is only crated when we are gone. Sometimes she will go in her crate on her own when we are home...just to nap...it's her safe quiet place. Also, puppy-proof! They are just like babies. Take away the temptations. It will get better...just takes lots of patience!
- Status