Quick Question

[Toy Dragon]

I'm going to get a boxer pup sometime in the future (not really sure when yet) and I'm curious as to if you can train them to stay on the property without a fenced yard? The neighborhood I currently live in is real easy-going about unfenced dogs, and fences generally look pretty ugly where I live because it's so open.
How would one go about training a boxer to stay within specified limits? I refuse to use one of those shock collars.
I'd also like anyone's input on which gender, male or female, tends to be more aggressive toward strange dogs. I know this differs with each dog, but I'd just like some general input as to which would be more likely to fight with a neighborhood dog.
I'll be moving in about 3 years, so the fence issue isn't really vital and I can always put up a fence, but I'm not sure if where I'll be moving will have free-roaming dogs.

 

[SammynDqtz]

That could be possible... but I would never do it. I could never trust that he'll stay in my yard and not be tempted to play in the street, chase a chipmunk or the neighbors cat and end up in a whole lot of trouble. Not a good idea to me! As far as what gender gets along better with other dogs, my answer is either. But you've got to introduce your pup to other animals at a young age to get him/her use to them. Also spay/neutering might help keep some aggression down. Good luck.

 

[Draymia]

I would never trust any of my guys in an unfenced yard. Even my best behaved could get into trouble. Whether it would be to chase a cat or skunk or join one of the neighborhood loose dogs in a run, they would end up either dead on the street, stolen or in some kind of trouble.

And, if by chance you got lucky and got a dog that would stick around, you would also have to worry about a stray coming into your property and fighting with your dog or at the very least giving your dog parasites.

You can put up a nice looking fence for not that much, and I think you would enjoy your new pup much more by confining him/her in your own safe enviornment.

 

[Slugger6969]

As long as you have a SOLID recall down then you should be able to have your dog out in the yard but ONLY when supervised.

It takes time and patience to train them to this but eventually you'll have it. Do some searches here for recall and for clicker training.

Maddux is free in our yard when we're outside and I make sure to keep his pea-brain occupied and having fun. I'll have him "help" me pull weeds, rake, carry sticks, and we play ball. I know his body language so if he looks like he's ready to charge then I call to him and distract him from whatever bug flew by.

 

[myrocky]

It wouldn't be my dog that I would worry about so much even though I would *never* let him free like that. It would be the neighborhood dogs that would worry me. I can not stand loose running dogs because you can never be sure what they want. If the owners are not around how would one know the dog is harmless? Maybe the folks in your area are really nice but if they are just letting their dogs run around willy nilly that not only is breaking leash laws but they are being very irresponsible pet owners.

To answer your other question it really does depend on the dog and the individual temperment of the dog.

Andie

 

[Toy Dragon]

Thank you very much, you all have been very helpful.
Guess I'll just have to find a good lookin' fence. Or maybe a kennel for when I'm not around.
Where I live has no leash laws as far as I know, because we're not in the city limit, we're kinda out in the boonies. :p

-Toy Dragon

 

[Nicole510]

I don't think it matters so much if it's a Boxer...letting any dog free roam isn't such a hot idea. I don't know that there's such a think as 100% recall (maybe 99.9%) and to think of your new guy getting hurt...yikes!!

A properly socialized puppy should be good with dogs no matter what sex. I can tell you that my female is more protective of me than my male is.

 

[Faughtey]

I live out in the country where their are not any leash laws. I have a 6 foot wire (squares) fence with t-posts. You can hardly see it. Boru only plays out there when I'm with him, because I have to put the horses in the barn to keep everyone safe. Also, I would worry someone might try to steal him if he was out there alone. Anyway, a wire fence might work for you.

 

[newark]

Just a heads up for all dog owners: our neighbours have a german shephard that has been allowed outside (they have no fence) and generally sticks close to their house. This was all fine and good I suppose til we moved in next door. I am a little ticked at the dog poop that isn't from my dog, but the shephard, that I stepped in on my front lawn, with bare feet. Now I wear shoes on all areas of my property, and clean up the neighbour's dogs messes weekly. The folks that own the shephard are nice enough, even though I"m ticked about the poop, so we've never said anything. Three nights ago though, almost ended that poor dogs life. She wanders our property as if it's her own, and as we were pulling into our driveway, she darted out in front of the car. With all the snow and ice I have no idea how she didn't get hit. We WILL speak with the neighbours now, because I couldn't live with the fact that we accidentally killed a poor dog because the owners let her run loose, even if it is only at their neighbours house.

Please, for the safety of your dog, no matter the age or what that dog is used to for the last 9 years, keep them in your OWN yard, where you can ensure their safety.

End of rant, thanks.