One thing you haven't mentioned johnson99 is have you had any experience owning a boxer (or any dog for that matter) while you have been working before?
I ask because dogs require an unbelievable amount of TLC and attention. Regardless of how sick/tired/grouchy/sad/hungry/busy you are they still need to be fed, exercised (and with boxers we are not talking about a leisurely stroll around the block), cuddled and played with.
From personal experience, dogs that are isolated for long periods of time and are forced to urinate/deficate in their crates can develop serious emotional and psychological problems. I have adopted a dog who was neglected in his first few months as a puppy. He was crated too long and as a result he took 1 year to house train, and still has terrible separation anxiety. This is not a state of existence I would wish on any puppy. And many rescue dogs have lived in this state for far too long and have similar issues. They often require just as much attention and time as little pups.
Perhaps the breeders and rescue groups are getting the impression that you are a hard working family that doesn't have enough dog experience and you are unwilling to change your lifestyle to suit a puppy in your life. This probably doesn't sound encouraging to most reputable breeders.
In order to have my boys I have had to seriously reorganize my life, give up a lot of social events, put up with a hairy, muddy house, have less time to myself, and a lot less $ as well. If you are really set on getting a dog you may need to re-evaluate what is important to you in your life, and what you can change to accomodate a little pup. It is highly unlikely that you are going to get a pup that is simply going to slide perfectly into your family's routine and settle in quietly in the role of the loyal family dog. Dogs take a lot of time, energy, patience and work. This is something you have to budget for and rearrange your life around.
These dogs are not simply hobbies, or animals to ANYONE on these boards - regardless of whether they show, breed or enjoy boxers as pets. They are family, first and foremost.
Reputable breeders really are the keepers of this breed. Without them we would see the quality of health, vitality and longevity in our boxers that we do today. These people are not snobby or condescending by any stretch of the imagination. They are doing what they can to preserve these animals and give them the best possible FOREVER homes they can possibly find.
The breeders are not the enemies. You will never find a rescue or breeder willing to work in a constructive partnership by saying, "Well I might as well go to a BYB because doing it right and being honest is too hard, too frustrating and takes too long".
Please be patient and take some time to see things from the other side of the fence. These people have dedicated years of their lives to caring, loving, and improving this breed.
Good luck in your search.
Be patient, open minded and big hearted and good things will come to you.
Tamara
I ask because dogs require an unbelievable amount of TLC and attention. Regardless of how sick/tired/grouchy/sad/hungry/busy you are they still need to be fed, exercised (and with boxers we are not talking about a leisurely stroll around the block), cuddled and played with.
From personal experience, dogs that are isolated for long periods of time and are forced to urinate/deficate in their crates can develop serious emotional and psychological problems. I have adopted a dog who was neglected in his first few months as a puppy. He was crated too long and as a result he took 1 year to house train, and still has terrible separation anxiety. This is not a state of existence I would wish on any puppy. And many rescue dogs have lived in this state for far too long and have similar issues. They often require just as much attention and time as little pups.
Perhaps the breeders and rescue groups are getting the impression that you are a hard working family that doesn't have enough dog experience and you are unwilling to change your lifestyle to suit a puppy in your life. This probably doesn't sound encouraging to most reputable breeders.
In order to have my boys I have had to seriously reorganize my life, give up a lot of social events, put up with a hairy, muddy house, have less time to myself, and a lot less $ as well. If you are really set on getting a dog you may need to re-evaluate what is important to you in your life, and what you can change to accomodate a little pup. It is highly unlikely that you are going to get a pup that is simply going to slide perfectly into your family's routine and settle in quietly in the role of the loyal family dog. Dogs take a lot of time, energy, patience and work. This is something you have to budget for and rearrange your life around.
These dogs are not simply hobbies, or animals to ANYONE on these boards - regardless of whether they show, breed or enjoy boxers as pets. They are family, first and foremost.
Reputable breeders really are the keepers of this breed. Without them we would see the quality of health, vitality and longevity in our boxers that we do today. These people are not snobby or condescending by any stretch of the imagination. They are doing what they can to preserve these animals and give them the best possible FOREVER homes they can possibly find.
The breeders are not the enemies. You will never find a rescue or breeder willing to work in a constructive partnership by saying, "Well I might as well go to a BYB because doing it right and being honest is too hard, too frustrating and takes too long".
Please be patient and take some time to see things from the other side of the fence. These people have dedicated years of their lives to caring, loving, and improving this breed.
Good luck in your search.
Be patient, open minded and big hearted and good things will come to you.
Tamara
and I was not prepared for her wanting as much play/outside time."
