Second quessing my decision...please help me out

[tasillo]

Hi,
I am not an owner of a boxer yet.We are on a waiting list to get one in the early spring.
I have three children aged 7...5 ...and 3 and aftermuch research i think a boxer is the ideal dog for us.
We own our home have a mudium fenced yard and i will be home so he will rarely be alone.
My youngest has special needs....she was born deaf...and now hers with a cochlear implant and i want to teach this dog to be her ears in times when she must be without her device....iewater or sleep.
I have been doing so much reading that i am beginning to second quess myself....will we ba able to handle such an active dog?will30 min walks and playing in the yard be enough for him.
So many people these days get a dog on a whim cause they are cute and then these poor things are in shelters....I strongly am against that.
A dog in our family WILL be like one of the kids.
So i started looking into another breed a lab....but my heart is still with a boxer.
I guess the second quessing is not really if i am making te right decision in getting a dog...but am i making the right choice with the breed.
I figure some of you might give me the good and the bad about the breed so i can make an educated choice.

 

[Mama_Zookeeper]

I think it is so great that you are doing your research before you jump into the deep end so to speak!

Where is your dog coming from? Does the breeder/rescue know what your needs are? If you were to come clean with them they could search out a more calm dog/pup for you. Boxers have a tremendous amount of energy! I walk mine in the morning and my husband walks him in the evening. This has made things a lot easier for us (we also have 3 children 11, 6, almost 2).

Training has been the key for us to control having such an energetic dog in our house. Start early and be patient. Good luck.

Dora

 

[tasillo]

breeder

Thank you for your reply...YES the breeder knows very well about my situation and is an amazing person.He has answered all my questions and has offered references....the list goes on...i just cannot say enough good things about him
We are going to meet the "ladies" at the end of november.
From everything i have read a boxer will basically be like having another child...I figure i have been raising 3...well ...4 counting the hubbie..LOL
so whats another one..
I guess i am trying to educate myself as much as possible

 

[Bar B]

I think either breed you choose will be a good choice. Both have an energy level but with all of the Boxers that I have they are perfectly content to do whatever. That means they are happy loungeing on the couch or going for a walk. I think the key for you will be training. My Boxers were not rough housed with when they were puppies and it has made them to develop into some rather calm obedient Boxers (even though they do have their play sessions). I`ve also been doing some research on the Lab for my bf for when his senior Boxer comes to pass. From all I have gathered they are just as rambunctious as the Boxer can. Only reason we are considering a Lab is because Boxers don`t make good duck dogs! He needs a hunting companion that can also help him with his disabilities (if need be).

Just to add from Labs versus Boxers. Labs need to be worked (if they are to hunt) and Boxers need to be exercised just like a Lab would need to be. If for no other reason than to give them time to burn off a little energy. With you having a fenced yard, you are already set up for that. Just toss a ball a couple of times for fetch and then back indoors you go.

For what it is worth we will always have a Boxer(s) but it is going to be nice to try a Lab for when the time comes. Both breeds (even mixed breeds) are trainable to help with the hearing impaired.

Good Luck with your choice!

 

[BeckyNC]

It's great you have done so much reading. I did a lot as well, but somehow missed the part about how energetic a Boxer is. I understood they were entergetic, but not quite exactly how energetic! That said, I adopted my girl at 13 mos. I have always taken her for a 15 min walk in the morning and a 25 minute walk in the evening. This has worked just fine for us. She calmed down a bit at 19 mos, which made me wonder if she was sick! LOL.

The amount of exercise will depend on the pup, but 30 min walks and play time in the yard sound wonderful to me. Also, having children to play with the pup will make a difference. In my home, it's just me!

I think the suggestion to get a laid back pup is a good one, if the breeder can help you with that. Additionally, provided you are prepared to have another "child" in the house, you'll be fine. There will be some overwhelming moments, but you do have three children and are probably more prepared for those than others (myself included!). Boxerworld will be a good resource for you as you welcome the pup and train him, etc

 

[RavenGirl]

I saw a "Pet Story" show on Animal Planet a while back about a blind woman who had a seeing eye Boxer. Said something about she had the first registered seeing eye boxer or something like that, and at the time she was with her second one. Im sure they could also be trained for those who are deaf. I've read and heard a few stories about boxers being trained for people with disabilities. I belive if you get one from a rep. breeder and good trainer that you will do just fine. I belive there are programs that will assist in helping train your pup for your daughter. If you contact a few seeing eye dog programs and other programs along that line, tell them the situation and ask them Im sure they could lead you in the right direction.
On another note... My 9 month old female was never all that hyper. A good run around in the yard and a nice nightly walk and she is good, she knows to be calm in the house and to play outside. Good luck

 

[ISUBoxer]

Obviously I am a little biased but I think a boxer would fit your situation perfectly. I have nothing against labs, but in my experience I have found boxers to be the smartest and most caring dogs out there...not to mention their hilarious personalities...not a day goes by that Brinks doesnt make me laugh! I have found that Brinks likes his play time in the yard and his daily walk...but he loves to lounge around on the couch just as much. I would certainly not consider him a very "hyper" dog in normal situations. I hope you find what you are looking for in whatever dog you choose-

 

[sinbad'smom]

boxers

about a year before i got my boxer baby sinbad i got the book boxers for dummies. i found alot of info in that about the breed that helped me make my final choice on a boxer....best choice i've ever made getting a boxer.....

 

[tasillo]

Thanks

Thank you all for your replies. I guess i was just looking for some reassurence that i am choosing the right breed....since you all own one and i have not.
Once we get him I am going to be searching places that would help me train him to be a hearing guide dog.At what age would you guys reccomend trainning...6 months?or earlier.
Now the other question i have is I get to pick a male out of the litter....since you know my circumstences what should i be looking for?a calm dog...a shy one?My kids want to pick it....should i let them...or should I make that choice
Thanks a bunch

 

[twrlrgrl]

something that may help you

I have a deaf friend and I am very interested in the deaf community, I own a boxer and I thought it would be very neat to teach her hand commands. Vegas sits , stays and drops things she shouldnt have all on hand commands. Since boxers are so quick to learn this may be of help to you and your child. My boxer is also very in tune to noises. This may be of help too. Best of luck to you and your family