Lots of questions! (beware--long!)

[Canuck]

Well, I guess now is as good a time as any to start asking all the questions I have for you guys.
I am very interested in getting a boxer (it will be a rescue) but I have some concerns and general questions to ask before I take that step.

The reasons I want a boxer include: Their smooth, easy care coat, their unique personality, their cuteness, the fact that they are protective of family one moment but goofy the next moment, etc. . . .

Here's the question: How much exercise do they really need? I want to go for a daily walk (1/2 hour to an hour), would that be enough to satisfy them? I don't expect him/her to lie around and sleep all day but I get frightened reading the posts about the destructive rampages :eek:

Also, I would like to throw a ball, or play with other toys off and on, and while I'm home the dog would be getting lots of attention.

Well, there's my first query, I hope it's not too confusing! You'll be hearing more from me in the future :D

Thanks in advance, I'll be eagerly awaiting your replies!

 

[Brutus and Amaya's Mom]

I think 1/2 to 1hr a day walks would be fine. I usually walk my dogs 1-2 miles a day. We have a small yard but they are able to run around some. The best exercise they get is playing ball and wrestling each other. Any dog can be destructive but with training you should be able to avoid that stage.


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Brutus & Amayas Mom
Brutus 9/23/99 Flashy Fawn
Amaya 3/22/00 Flashy Brindle

 

[Robyn]

I agree, 1/2 or more is good plus they are very good at exercising themselves...throwing toys up and chasing them, chasing you, you chasing them :D etc.

Cooper zips around our little fenced in yard like a freak!

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Robyn
Cooper, 5-11-99
Red fawn, neutered male, floppy and docked,rescue
http://www.boxerrescue.com/spotlight.htm
Mugzy, fawn, neutered male, cropped and docked rainbow bridge Sept. 98

 

[Sandy]

Hi Canuck,
Do you have a fenced-in yard? Do you have any idea of what age range you'd be getting?

The reason I ask is that with my 7 year old boxer girl a daily walk would probably be fine. My 19 month old is another story altogether...she is almost always in motion. If I didn't have a fenced-in yard, walking once a day would not satisfy her high energy requirements. My boxers run laps around the yard (reminds me of greyhounds) in addition to our daily walk and their endless play.

So, if you don't have a fenced-in yard, then maybe a rescue boxer that's a little older and more sedate would fit better into your lifestyle than a high energy youngster. If you do have a yard, then I think any age would be fine with a daily walk in addition to some serious play time.

Good luck,
Sandy

 

[nanabear]

I sort of have the *odd ball* Boxer here. A big young male who is very laid back at 21 months. He gets two walks a day. One day 2 miles in the AM and PM - the next day, a 3-5 mile hike in the AM and a shorter one after dinner. He snoozes most of the day in between and plays with toys in the evening.
But, I had a very hyper female.......and *with tears in our eyes*, we used to say "Just once I would like to see this dog tired," that she'd had enough! She did not become socially acceptable around visitors until she was about 5.
The people with two or more dogs don't have to provide as much daily exercise (IMHO) as those of us with *only dogs.*

It would really help if at least once in a while you could take the dog where it could be off leash and really tear around. It also really helps if you can find a place for him to run with other dogs. Although that can be iffy as Boxers sometimes have problems with dog aggression.
They are really wonderful dogs, but the young ones really *DO* need a lot of exercise.
Only you know how much you can really offer. There is a lot to be said for an older rescue dog that has been temperment tested for you particular family situation.

I decided to come back and add one more thought: The "destructive rampages" we tell each other about..............that can/will happen with any puppy, any breed. From toy poodles to Irish Wolfhounds.

[This message has been edited by nanabear (edited 09-16-2000).]

 

[Cindy and Lacie.]

Okay, I also have a "strange boxer", she has never been distructive!!!!! She is just fine in the house. She does get at least one run a day, but if Im to busy she does just fine. She really good at enertaining herself. She has been through 2 rounds of obedience and was crate training started the day I bought her home. Good luck and keep asking the questions. Bless you for getting a rescue!

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Cindy Corl
Lacie female, brindle, natural ears,7-17-99

 

[Jan]

Boxers are not always destructive. It usually happens when they are given too much freedom when they are too young. Most boxers cannot be left loose in the house until they are two years old. Before that it important that they be confined in a crate, exercise pen or puppy proof room. Even leaving them loose for short periods usually doesn't work as the destruction usually takes place right after you leave. It often helps, if you give them something to occupy them when you leave, such as a stuffed Kong or Buster Ball. Once they have finished those off they are usually ready for a nap and are not so likely to get into mischief.

It's better to prevent them getting in trouble in the first place than to have to break them of bad habits later.

If they are young, they do need a fair bit of exercise. How much all depends on the dog. Lots of ball throwing will help as boxers love to chase things, but they are not great retrievers and will not always bring things back.

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Jan
Markus, dark brindle
neutered male, 6 yrs old

 

[Canuck]

Thank you for the replies.

I was thinking in age somewhere between one and 3 years.

We do not have a fenced yard yet but hope to do that sometime soon. (If I get a dog before then I guess it's me standing in a downpour holding the dog's leash while he does his business!)

I do realize that all puppies can be a little destructive, we have a 'cockapoo' at the moment but I was to young when we got her to remember all the things she did :eek: (for example, tearing the screen door at my grandparents house. she was also and excellent escape artist). I am told she was a terror as a puppy. At 16 years old, she is a GREAT dog. (the dog is the one who is 16)

Thanks again :D


[This message has been edited by Canuck (edited 09-16-2000).]

 

[Mac and Tigra's mom]

I don't think a 1/2 leash walk is enough for an energetic boxer. Mine get a 60-90 minute leash walk, or an hour of off leash running and playing. If you in corporate ball playing in the yard that will definelty help. I have 2 boxers so they excersise each other. Even though I have a large back yard that is totally "dog proof", my boxers really don't run around to much out there unless I instigate it. good luck, you will love having a boxer, they are the best dogs ever!

 

[nanabear]

I just have one more thought for you.......
I think if you get a ONE yr old, he will likely be housebroken (lets hope!) but he will be a big dog and may be at the height of destructiveness. Still a puppy, with silly ideas but in a big powerful body. Boxers stay a puppy a long time, and I think you would be more likely to get the companion you want if lean towards a healthy 3 yr old. In a perfect world, "from a good home" where he had to be re-homed for no fault of his own.