New Member seeks advice

[kay85]

Hi and welcome! We, like yourself, researched breeds of dogs for several months before we finally decided on a boxer for our family. When we brought our boxer (Roxie) home my two sons were ages 2 1/2 and 8 1/2. My 2 yr old was TERRIFIED of dogs. I mean so scared that if one came near him he would just lose it. Well, it only took about 2 weeks for him to totally fall in love with Roxie and lose all of his sense of fear in dogs. You should see them now. He plays with her and she seems to know just how far to go with him and not hurt him. I think they are very smart when it comes to children. There is nothing more our Roxie likes than to play with kids. As for them being aggressive, you would laugh your head off if you saw our Roxie. She is the biggest baby you have ever seen in your life. She is just like one of the kids. She has NEVER shown her teeth or even growled in an aggressive manor. She might just lick somebody to death though! As far as being aggressive toward other dogs, NO WAY. Maybe that is because we took her to puppy kindergarten and started socializing her with other dogs early. She absolutely loved that! We also took her to some obedience clases which she enjoyed. I think it is very important to socialize dogs early, just like children, they learn to play with and respect other dogs. She has NEVER chewed on one piece of our furniture in our house. She did chew up one of my sons toys once though. You just have to make sure you keep the toys picked up. I think if you give them something to chew on it helps a lot, such as chew toys and the edible bones and such (I'd stay away from pigs ears). Dogs need something to chew on, I don't care what breed it is. Roxie will drool now and then, if she sees us eating dinner, but I understand if you don't feed them from the table from the start, they won't drool. But I just couldn't resist those eyes! My husband had a Bassett when I first met him and that dog drooled horribly! She doesn't drool near that bad. We take her for regular walks and play with her, I don't think she needs tons of exercise but I think every animal (and person) need exercise though. I think you would be truely happy with a boxer, I'm so glad we chose that breed. I couldn't imagine having any other breed of dog. Good luck on your choice!

Kay85
Mother of two furbabies, Roxie (boxer) and Sassy (cat)

 

[EMWAZ]

boxers

Well it sounds like the statements about boxers are very stereotypical, except for the drool. Any breed of dog can be dog aggressive its not specific to a certain breed, its more on how they are socialized as puppies. ALL puppies like to chew. Again its in the training and the actual effort put into raising the dog.

I agree with the posts that recommend crate training. I believe in it done correctly.

As far as the drool it depends on the boxer and yes its a little messy at times but everything else about the boxers are wonderful, if they are socialized and treated well.

 

[MandyMom]

Hi Matthew~
Welcome to BoxerWorld!!!!
I will first say I did not read everyone elses posts so I hope I will not just be a repeat!:D
As for the boxer being dog agressive, let me stifle my giggle! My two boys are the biggest "weenies" you ever saw. My pomeranian is much more aggresive than they are. I take Cooper and Tyson to the river and parks with me all the time and they have never started a dog fight.
And as for the drool. I have read lots of posts on others here saying that they do drool. Mine don't. Not at all. It maybe that every one is different, but I have had three boxers and none drooled. My sister-in-law has one and she does not drool. (the dog that is!)
As with having young kids around. I have a three year old and she LOVES them. You just need to work with them not jumping as soon as you get them at a very young age. Tyson is a rescue and was always jumping on my daughter. But we broke him of it. They just need guidence.
And as for chewing, all puppies chew. They just need to be watched and a chew bone replaced for your shoe or kitchen table leg!:rolleyes:
Good Luck!

 

[PTZAM]

Matt,
Boxers are great dogs for a family with kids. I have three children and a 1 year 4 month old male brindle boxer named Judge. My youngest is 4 years old, and she loves Judge like crazy. She is constantly hugging him and he just eats it up. This is my second boxer. I had a 4 year old boxer when I lived in Missouri. At the time, my second son was born and she was perfect with him through his toddler years. I would not worry a bit about your youngest child getting along with the boxer or vise versa. As far as dog aggressiveness goes, they might be a little bit aggressive, but as long as you train your dog not to exhibit those behaviors, you should not have a problem. I walk my dog every day and see many dogs along the way that are barking their heads off at Judge, but he just kind of looks at them and keeps going. As far as the chewing thing goes, all dogs chew. You just need to provide good chew toys for them. As far the drooling goes, some boxers drool really bad some don't really drool much at all. As far as exercise goes, a 2 mile walk will definitely do the dog some good. They can play fetch well, but really love to wrestle and run around getting crazy with you. They like to be chased around the yard and like rough play, but they know their limitations with the kids, at least mine does. I think you will really enjoy the boxer if you get one. Oh by the way, I was the second owner on both of my boxers, so the rescue thing might be a good option for you.

 

[Zeke's mommy]

I feel like I am repeating some of what you have already heard. As for the slobbering issue...only after drinking water of when begging for my food. Boxers love children!!! My male is almost 1 1/2 yrs old and loves all kids of any age....I will literaly be drug across a park to say hello to a child. My friends and relatives kids range from 1 year and up and he plays with all of them very well. They are a breed that MUST have your companionship or they will get into trouble to get your attention. I have had no problems with chewing but we made it clear that he has his toys at a young age. I live in an apartment and my pup, Zeke, adapted quite well and loves his many outings with us daily. I believe that if you do end up with a boxer you will become as crazy as the rest of us and fall in love with this goofy, loving breed. Good luck in whatever kind of companion you choose.