Thoughts after our first few days and a question

Status
Not open for further replies.

Silly Goose

Boxer Pal
Hey BW!

We picked up Goose at 12 weeks old this past Sunday (4/18). Overall, our experience so far has been great. He is getting the hang of potty training, although can be a bit stubborn. He has already learned the "wait" command, which we use when going outside or coming in (he can't go until we do), and also when we feed him (waits in crate for food to be put down). He has cried some each night in his crate, but it hasn't been more than 10 minutes at a time before he passes out :)

All in all, we have been amazed at his sweet and mellow temperament. All he seems to want to do is follow us around (everywhere!) and snuggle. Even after a long nap, he'll want to play for a very brief period, but is not bouncing off the walls like we had assumed that he would be. When we go outside, the same thing happens. He really is indifferent to most things and is still very shy around anything new. He also seems to have a minor ear infection, which has made his ears very itchy. He does sort of a reflex twitch with his legs A LOT, and tilts his head while he does it. He had some wax buildup when we got him, which we had the vet clean and we have since gotten some ear wash and drops for him. Hopefully it will be better in a few days, but the leg twitch thing really seems to frustrate him when he is trying to run/play or even relax. Also, the vet said there was a small trace of a type of parasite in his stool that can come from eating rabbit poop (?), but not to worry about it and that she will run another test on new stool when we bring him back in two weeks.

While his indifference to most things was great at first, we're now getting slightly concerned, because he just doesn't seem to be doing puppy-like things (i.e. bubbling with energy, chewing/sniffing everything, boxer burning etc.) To us he seems almost a bit sad. Some of this we are attributing to his ears and his itchy frustration...

So after all that, my question is, is this behavior normal just because he is in a new place and is still getting used to everything? Or should we be more concerned?
 

jbbtlr

Super Boxer
I wouldn't be to concerned about it. If he has an ear infection it is probably bothering him and I am sure it hurts which that can take a lot out of him. He is just 4 months old, he is still very little. On top of that, he has been taken away from mom and his litter mates, which can be a HUGE adjustment for them. He is following you guys around like mad because now you are mom and dad. So not only is he trying to get use to all you guys, being away from his mom and litter mates, he has an ear infection on top of it. Poor guy!

Once he gets use to you guys and he starts feeling better, that little ball of energy you are expecting will come out of his shell. You will eventually learn what boxer burns are, jack hammering, and all the other fabulous traits that come with having a Boxer, including ENERGY!!!! ;)

Hope he starts feel better soon!

Good luck!
Jeanette
 

Althea

Completely Boxer Crazy
I got my girl at 11 weeks, and she behaved similarly. Afraid of everything, followed us around, and slept all the time! She was SO laid back...then week two arrived, and she discovered that she had found a home. It was all over! :D No more first date behavior for her! She's a lunatic! And she's definitely my lunatic! :) I wouldn't be worried right now. Make sure you vet checks him out and if everything is healthy...just be patient. He'll make a turn around in no time...and enjoy this time!
 

Althea

Completely Boxer Crazy
BadAxe -- LOL! You are so right. And we've all been there. Wouldn't trade my girl for any other dog!
 

Silly Goose

Boxer Pal
I love reading the posts where the new owners have had their boxers for a week or 2. I say the following in humor, not making fun of anyone.

It cracks me up (And I was the SAME way) when the posts read "He is SO good, just follows us around, almost potty trained already, likes to sleep a lot."

Yep, you get a week, maybe 2 out of that little angel you think just might be diferent than all the other boxers you read about. Nope, incorrect. That puppy is going to come out of his or her shell as soon as they get comfortable and accept their new home. The 'devil' in them will come out. You will come back here probably saying "I really don't know what I was talking about back then". Wait till the boxer burns start. LOL. Wait till the defiance starts. You will wonder how you ever made this post. :) :) :)

All of that is said in the best way possible. I enjoy every second of my boxer, even when he is bad, I just can't help but to just love him to death. But that peaceful cuddly little puppy is going to change rather quickly. So good luck. And enjoy every second of it. Boxers help keep us young. :)

This describes us perfectly! Hahaha. I knew it was too good to be true! I was hoping to get responses like this. I assumed we were a bit paranoid. Good to hear (sort of?) that he'll be tearing up our apt in no time :)
 

September

Boxer Buddy
BadAxe has it perfect lol. u think there to quite and good but then the true boxer comes out :) and you will luv ever minute of it.
 

kathysboxer

Boxer Insane
I also have to agree with BadAxe. Tyson was the same way, and we got him at 10 weeks. He was soo great until we hit teenage years LOL.
He and Bailey are both pretty laid back though.
Just be patient. Your little bundle will start all these traits that we have come to love. Just wait until you're eating something, and you happen to look at him, and he has these HUGE bubbles coming out of his mouth, or a big long string of drool just hanging out of the sides of his mouth LOL.
Take advantage of his following you around. Use it for training the "here, or come" command.
Can't wait to hear of all the fun things he decides to get into as he grows. You will wonder what happened to that laid back little bundle LOL.
 

Silly Goose

Boxer Pal
Whelp, the Goose is finally settling in. Yesterday was his coming out party. He was much more energetic than he had been all week. Playing quite a bit more than his usual while inside. I came back from the gym and DGF told me he was doing crazy laps around our kitchen table while I was gone. His first burn and I missed it! Lucky for me he did a mini burn outside in our backyard later in the afternoon. It was so nice to see him coming out of his shell. He also was a bit more stubborn yesterday, especially in terms of going outside to use the bathroom (the rain didn't help). And so...the challenge begins!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top