hi! help, boxer owners!!!

[flamingjune]

Hi, first of all I wanted to introduce myself. I am an artist living in Pasadena. I am currently living in an apartment but soon I will move to a larger place, and I am seriously thinking about getting a boxer. I adore these dogs, but I need to know a couple details, and I think any of you boxer owners can help me
For instance: I have two cats. They are very mild mannered, and declawed, so strictly inside. Would this be a huge problem with the dog?
Are boxers outside or inside dogs? do they enjoy being inside?
Are boxers difficult to housebreak?
Are they big destroyers? should I expect my house to be chewed and clawed everywhere?
Well...thats about it. I appreciate any response. I want to be a responsible owner and find these things out BEFORE I get the dog. They might sound like stupid questions but I have never lived with a boxer, only had casual interaction with a couple, and no book has given me a straight answer on those subjects.
Thank you, and have an awesome day.

-June

 

[Julie Davis]

First of all, June, welcome. Secondly, congratulations on being responsible enough to ask questions instead of acting hastily. Boxers are great with cats and other dogs. If you are worried about a boxer hurting your cats, don't. You should worry more about the boxer! My cat rules the roost around here, and won't let my boxer forget it. My boxer, whose name is Boomer by the way, can be destructive if no one is watching for a long period of time, or if he is left alone. As long as you can keep an eye on your boxer, or have him in a kennel, or enclosed in a smallroom, you should be ok. I have a small downstairs bathroom that I leave Boomer in when I have to leave. He has scratched at the door, but that is easily repainted. Boxers do this thing called "counter surfing". They stand up on their back legs, and use their big faces and front paws to reach things on the counter. They are big clowns...if you get a boxer, he will always keep you laughing. They are definetly INSIDE dogs. Other than using the bathroom, taking walks, and exercising, they should be indoors. They form a strong bond with their family, so be prepared to have a dog that follows you wherever you go, and is loyal and full of love. Good luck, June. I would like to know when and if you take the plunge and become a boxer owner. Be sure to visit all the forums and read the posts. They are very informative. Nice to "meet" you.
Julie

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Welcome to the board. We commend you on doing your research first before getting a dog. I agree with Julie 100% You'll love boxers. They need lots of love and human attention and exercise, but that's not too much to ask, now is it?

Again, welcome. We look forward to hearing all about your new dog when you get him/her.

Dan

 

[Aimee]

Originally posted by flamingjune
For instance: I have two cats. They are very mild mannered, and declawed, so strictly inside. Would this be a huge problem with the dog?
Are boxers outside or inside dogs? do they enjoy being inside?
Are boxers difficult to housebreak?
Are they big destroyers? should I expect my house to be chewed and clawed everywhere?-June

Thank you for being responsible enough to ask before you act. You have no idea how many boxers end up in rescue because their owners just don't have time for them anymore, they require too much attention and so on...

1. Cats - mine are very interested in the cats and my female will sometimes chase them. She doesn't harm them and my cats often put the two dogs in their place when they have had enough. I woulnd't necessarily worry about your cats unless you decide to rescue a boxer and not get a puppy. In that case I would make sure the dog has been around cats and is tolerant.

2. Boxers are INSIDE dogs..I won't even expand on that because there is no other answer

3. I have found that females are harder to house break in general but I have not found that the boxer breed is harder to house break. The success of housebreaking does not depend upon the dog it depends upon the owner. You must be consistent. A dog only knows what you teach him/her.

4. A boxer is a high energy dog and I seriously recommend taking your boxer for a morning walk before you go to work. I come home for lunch and entertain mine and then we have one more romp in the evening. A tired boxer is a happy boxer. I learned the hard way. My boxer had so much energy during the day when I was at work she was VERY destructive. We now have her behavior under control and adding Baxter has really cut down on the energy...they play all day

If you have the time and energy to devote to a boxer, your life will never be the same again :D Once you've had one, you can't stop!

 

[Priscilla]

considering a boxer?

I am a brand new boxer owner, and I agree with everyone here - they are great, and they are definatley indoor dogs! Bailee is an 11 week old female. We have a two year old Siamese, Zoey, who puts up with Bailee, teases her, but keeps her distance. She is still mad at us for bringing this thing home! She has the upper hand. As far as housetraining, ours is a done deal, believe it or not. It does take a lot of time and patience, but Bailee goes to the door, and now, even comes and finds us to tell us she needs out. We keep her in a small bathroom with puppy papers and her crate/bed (not closed though). The last three days, she has not even soiled those! I do however, let her out every 2 1/2 hours - break, lunch and when son comes home from school. I live close to work. Bailee does sleep through the night.... in our bed (oops! but very convenient!) Even though I am brand new to the breed, I love these dogs! Good luck on deciding! Priscilla

 

[MarinaS]

Hi and nice to meet you, June I would also like to share wi th you my experience with boxers.
1. Unfortunately, I don't know about boxers/cats relations, but my Tina is very good with small dogs. With big dogs she is dominant and can be aggressive sometimes (not with all!), but when she sees a small dog she only wants to play.
As I know boxer tend to be dominant with other big dogs.
2. Boxers are definately inside dogs as everyone here told you. They are (1) don't like to be alone and have very strong bonds with their human family; and (2) have no undercoat, so they do not bear neither cold nor draughts. BTW, due to their short noses exetremely hot weather us not for them either.
3. Housetraining. I have read a lot of positive posts in which people said their boxers had been housetrained by the age of about 3 months. In my case it took me quite a long time to housetrain Tina (about 6-7 months), but when she was 6-7 months old she had very few accidents at home. I also heard an opinion that boys were housetrained easier and quicker than girls. So if you want it to be quicker think of getting a boy.
4. Tina has NEVER distroyed a thing in the house. I was calm when leaving her alone even when she was a little pup.

OK, hope this information helps Congrats on your decision to get a boxer baby :cool:

Best of luck

 

[flamingjune]

Wow! thanks so much

Wow, i never imagined i would get so many replies so quickly. Well...I have really made up my mind and I am currently searching for a house with a yard. I will definitely keep the dog inside, but I think it would be nice to have extra space for her to run around. Or a he? I am not sure on that yet.
In any case, I am now researching on breeders in the area, or maybe a rescue...I am not sure on that either. I will keep you guys posted either way. It might be a little while, since I just got laid off...computer industry is running out of money...so I am dedicating most of my time to drawing right now. I hated computers anyway.
This might delay my doggie-plans, but it will certainly not deter me from them.
Thank you very much. I am really excited to see how passionate you guys are about your babies, can't wait to join the club.

-June

 

[Xena]

Hi June and welcome,
Boxer are great dogs or shell I say KIDS. I've owned one for 11yrs. Now I have my second who just turned 1 feb,2001 First off I BELIEVE ALL DOGS SHOULD BE INSIDE. They seem to be better take care of.They enjoy be on top of your feet ever chance they get which is great. They love to give hugs and big sloppy kisses. They are quite addictive. I would really love to have other I'm hinting to my husband. I've only had females they are a little to pottie train. But I believe its the dog and you. My first chewed when she was mad at me for leaving her. Only until about ayear and half. My second I did'nt give her a chance plus she was a puppy and I did'nt want her to get into anything so she got kenneled when I left. But now we are tring not to kennel. WHICH I should say is working out very well she has been great no messes and been out six times. So heres hoping we can keep it that way. A puppy will learn to get a long with its surronding. Mine even love my african grey they love each other. A stupid question is a question that is never asked. This broad is great. Nice meeting you and good luck you will not reget it. Terry Xena mom

Xena- brindal,black masked,chopped ear,tail

 

[Linda]

Originally posted by Xena
This broad is great.

Which broad were you referring to? :D