Nned a home for my baby

[zoeys]

Thanks everyone, we are working on more excercise and playtime. I am also going to try moving the toys around, and more petting/floorplay. She has those big boxer feet and scratches at you alot with them, but I find if I get her close to me and rub her tummy and chest, that keeps her from scratching me. I have given up on the flowers, next time I plant something, it will be in the front yard away from her. I think some of you misunderstood when I said the main problem we were having with her was the eating/stealing issues. I wasnt saying she is a problem dog, just saying that was all she was doing. She is very sweet, just a typical baby like you all said.
One other question for you all, why does Zoey foam at the mouth during walks or when she gets excited when another dog is here? Is that normal too, she doesnt drool or anything, but when excited, she foams a little.

 

[Net45582]

Foaming at the mouth in this case is normal for our Boxers-LOL. Its just a sign of excitement. Chancey gets a little foam "mouth-stache" when she gets overly excited. Kiddo was famous for it. Sounds like things are getting back to an even keel. We're here for ya!

 

[Jill's boxer]

Some of her behavior could be attributed to the abrupt changes that have taken place and the stress/emotions she feels around her as well, aside from the need for space/exercise; she may be acting out a bit of all that has happened in your lives. Perhaps finding some quiet moments when the two of you could just go for nice long walks to relax and de-stress would be great for both of you I don't think it is necessarily that you need more space--there are members on here who live in apartments or without yards, its more a matter of making the most of the time you do have--you may need to get a bit creative in finding ways to burn off her energy. If she enjoys fetch at all, its a great energy burning--nice short bursts of running! Set the alarm a 1/2 hour early and enjoy a nice cool brisk morning walk together before everyone else is wake and bustling about--I know that is my favorite time with Gracie, and its a great way to start the day! Best of luck to you!

Jill and Wanda, maybe you should take a minute now and read my intro and you may understand my situation, or you may prefer to keep the opinion you have drawn. My decision to get rid of her, if it comes to that is purely unselfish, I only want whats best for Zoey, not me. I know she deserves the best and if I cant do it right now, it will break my heart to lose yet another thing, but I will do it. Maybe if you live through a disaster, have your life turned upside down, lose your home, your job, and your best friends, you may understand how hard it would be to have to lose your dog too.

Sorry if you think I judged you harshly--I was basing my comments and opinions purely by the information you provided--and you didn't post this "updated" intro until the following day, so not giving a full picture of the issues involved doesn't allow me the chance to see the whole story and answer accordingly! Nowhere in your original post do you mention any of these things, which would have allowed us to provide different/better suggestions or comments--basically all you said was she was digging and chewing up stuff and you were nearing your wits end and needing to rehome her as you didn't seem to have the time/space for her. I am truly sorry for your situation and I hope you are able to work things out, but be fair--you can't entirely blame me for my assumptions based on the information you provided at the time!

 

[shaunamarie]

awwe

sounds like a normal boxer, I crate trained my pups both of em, and I dont think its cruel it keeps them safe from all things they can get into. My house is also bare sometimes too. I understand that you have went through a devistating time but I lost my house and my dog a year ago and I would give anything to have her back... even with counseling and all of it I would do it in a heart beat.. This dog has been through alot with you and prolly is pretty attatched.

my vet told me there is no exersize like walking or running for a dog. If they are only in a back yard that is not healthy for them. They need to be out in the world and socialized and also i find taking Peanut up a hike wears her out faster and more than running in the yard for 4 hrs.

we walk 2-4 miles every day so you see its work thats why boxers are not for everybody..

good luck

 

[rog1006]

my vet told me there is no exersize like walking or running for a dog. If they are only in a back yard that is not healthy for them. They need to be out in the world and socialized and also i find taking Peanut up a hike wears her out faster and more than running in the yard for 4 hrs.

good luck

While I agree that the OP definitely needs to get creative here with exercise (and to the OP--good for you for agreeing to work with her!!!) the above comment is not always true. I wholeheartedly believe that walking a dog can be beneficial, however, many boxers do just great in a big backyard to run and play and never need a walk. Not to mention that many people turn in their dogs to rescue saying "my dog does horrible when we're on walks, blah blah blah" and to them I say, "train your dog, or if you have a good sized backyard, don't walk them." Not to mention that here in AZ (where the OP lives) it's HOT and I mean HOT, so in the hotter months that means walking your dog at 10PM or later and the sidewalks are still hot to the touch even then. I can also tell you that some dogs in rescue have leash agression, which means then really need to steer clear of walking, etc until they have worked with a trainer.

The only reason I bring this up is bacause so many people get it in their minds that to "have a dog = dog must go for walks with family" and then if the dog doesn't do the walking well, they turn it in to the rescue or RETURN it as they adopted him or her and she/he's not performing as they had all planned.

 

[shazza36]

sorry If ive come into this post late... Its sounds like you are doing everything you can to give Zoey the love she needs. Just as an FYI, I have 2 and its true, you can never really Boxer proof your house. I get up at 6.30 am to walk my 2 as I work f/t. I have my bf come round at lunchtime and they get a walk in the evening too. Due to this I have minimal issues.HOWEVER, If for any reason they dont get out in the afternoon I come home to chaos!! The 1st thing they do is rip my sofa..cushions on the floor and all the stuffing out!!. Luckily I am getting a new sofa.. THERE WILL BE SOME SERIOUS BOXER PROOFING WHEN THIS ARRIVES!. Boxers are very active and need a minimum of 45 mins a day of good exercise, if you can achieve this you should find that the taking things such as remote etc subsides..I cant promise about the garden..I really think thats just a play thing rather than a boredom issue.I used to have a real nice garden before my babies arrived..I have now given up!

 

[zoeys]

Thanks again everyone. I guess I am lucky, Zoey has learned to walk on a leash no problem. I do notice that she gets hot and tired, so the walks usually last 15-30 minutes, and yes, here in az, it is too hot in the midday. I do walk to my Dads, is only 200 yards away and he has a pool, so I try to coax her in there. She will get on one step, but is not too keen on getting all the way in.
Also, about the crate training, she spent the first 5-6 months in the crate at my Dads. She was allowed out when we were home, and wasnt put in there until midnight at night, and never minded it at all. Now, she has a dog door and is free to roam.
In the past 3 days, she hasnt eaten another plant, but did eat a box. She has had more excercise and play time with my sisters dog, so I think that is all helping.
Thanks again for all the advice.

 

[Brynn1508]

yay for Zoey...

I can understand sometimes the stress of a situation (and you have had a very very stressful couple months) can make a person lose sight of how simple it can be to bring things back into control. It sounds like you are doing great with Zoey. Spending that time with her and just staying consistant will make her a happy boxer which in turn will make you a happy owner.
I am so glad everything is working out!!
:D

 

[MissiM]

I am really glad you were able to come to this fourm and get information about how to make your pet happier - and in turn you have been able to have a more family friendly pet.

Yay for BW
Yay for Zoey
and
YAY FOR YOU!!!

 

[Hberry23]

Tear's

Hi Zoey's Mom welcome to BW. First let me say I'm sorry for your loss's I can't imagine what you've been through, I pray things work out for you and Zoey she needs you and I know you need her :p sounds like the others have given you some good tips and it's working about the yard my two girls get the back and the fronts ALL MOM"S...They love there knew deck