I am crazy to consider a 2nd boxer right now?

[Oscar's mama]

I hope this is the right forum to post this in...

Today I received an email from someone looking to rehome their 4 year old boxer. They said he is a wonderful and trained companion, but they have to rehome him due to an isolated biting incident due to dominance issue with their female boxer. They would love to try to work it out with training, but they have 3 small children and no time.

Here's my situation: My husband and I have a 2 yr old boxer, also named Oscar! I also have a 10 1/2 month old baby. We live in a 1100 square foot home which is already tight for the 4 of us, but we also have a lareg open basement and fenced in yard. My husband and I both work fulltime, so my Oscar is alone in the house for about 9 hours per day, which he has grown accustomed to and sleeps all day. When I get home I am cooking, feeding us, baby, putting baby to sleep. But my husband or I always find the time to play with and exercise Oscar with a nice walk, etc.

I need opinions on how another boxer would fit into our home, routine, and our life. I am leary about the whole dominance/biting issue that was mentioned and don't have many details yet, but am I crazy to even consider this? Especially since hubby and I are planning on baby # 2 soon. Someone please tell me I'm crazy to even consider, because when I look at his adorable picture I am compelled to call and take him in!

 

[totallyhip]

I dunno that's a tough call. I think its something you have to really know and decide for yourself. Sounds like you already have your hands full! I'm sure Oscar would love a companion? Is it possible that you can have the 2 dogs meet and see how they would get along first, before you agree to taking the dog?

We just recently adopted our 2nd dog. We wanted 1 male and 1 female b/c we were worried about how the dogs would get along. I heard that it's a better combination. I think though that male & male would still be ok. You just have to worry about having too many females together But it was also a big concern to us if they would get along. And we actually lucked out they get along fantastic! We are also planning on having a baby (as we don't have any skin kids yet). But we always knew that we wanted a 2nd dog, so we got her early enough before any skin kids come so that she can be trained prior to having a baby.

What does your hubby say?

 

[beausmommy]

I think that if the dog has dominance issues with a female the issues might even be worse with a male. I also wouldn't consider bringing a dog with a bite history (no matter what the circumstances are) into a home with a small child and possibly another to come soon. I myself have been drawn toward a 2nd boxer but when I really sat down and thought about it I realized it's just not the right time. It seems like you have a lot on your plate right now with a baby, a full day at work, etc. I'm not saying you shouldn't adopt him because I am not in your position. You know what's best for your family. I just urge you to please seriously weigh all the benefits/drawbacks before making your decision

 

[Oscar's mama]

I think I have come to my senses in the last 1/2 hour and realize that our plates are already full at this time. So as much as I would love a 2nd, we have to hold off a while until we have some more time on our hands. Thank you for your input!

 

[catcrazy56]

I would wait till your 2nd baby and get a puppy raised with both your children you didn't state if it was oscar or the female that was agressive I would definetely say no if it was oscar

 

[billbgh]

I think that if the dog has dominance issues with a female the issues might even be worse with a male. I also wouldn't consider bringing a dog with a bite history (no matter what the circumstances are) into a home with a small child and possibly another to come soon. I myself have been drawn toward a 2nd boxer but when I really sat down and thought about it I realized it's just not the right time. It seems like you have a lot on your plate right now with a baby, a full day at work, etc. I'm not saying you shouldn't adopt him because I am not in your position. You know what's best for your family. I just urge you to please seriously weigh all the benefits/drawbacks before making your decision

I have to agree. I work about 3 days a week, have a 5 & 2 year old(skin kids) and let me tell you that having 2 boxers is even harder than having one(of course there are rewards, however, not all boxers are the same). We have potty issues with Rocky and he is a ball of endless energy. I would definitely hold off on another(especially one with a dominance issue) and count my blessings that life is at a level of chaos that you are accustomed to. Glad to see that you decided now wasn't the right time, though.

Erin
Apollo & Rocky's mom

 

[Biff]

I think I have come to my senses in the last 1/2 hour and realize that our plates are already full at this time. So as much as I would love a 2nd, we have to hold off a while until we have some more time on our hands. Thank you for your input!

Good decision imo

 

[totallyhip]

I agree! Its the right choice for now

 

[Jagers Mommy]

That is tough, but if you're both gone so long in the day perhaps they could keep each other company! Just make sure they get along well before he permanantly moves in.

 

[rfdfirewife]

Like somone previously said, its definitly a tough call. My house has never been the same since I rescued Clay. I have a completely different house than with one boxer. Addie settled down alot, and I never realized how lonely she was.My only problem was that its 2x the mischeif. He taught her bad habits we are now breaking. Just recently theyve started teaming up on me while counter surfing...one distracts while the other commits the mischief. Its a handful having 2 ,but if your in a tight space I wouldnt reccomend it. I will never again own only one boxer....