Boxers are like Potato Chips........
Its almost impossible to stop with just one!
Introducing your new Boxer to the family....
The 2 - legged "family"...... Your puppy may be a bit shy at first. This is a whole new experience.....different people, different smells, sights and sounds. The first few days will be all about exploring the new environment. Approach your puppy in a calm, quiet manner. Allow for lots of nap time as well as play time. If you have children, be sure and supervise their interactions with the puppy. Small children can sometimes inadvertently injure a puppy.....help them understand the puppy is a "baby" and must be handled gently. Allow the puppy to sniff the back of your hand when you approach until he/she is accustomed to you. Gentle snuggling and scratching those special places....under the chin, behind the ears and along the back is always pleasurable for your Boxer and will reinforce their bond with you. Be careful to not offer too many treats, as this may cause diarrhea. It is not unusual for the puppy to experience "stress diarrhea" for the first few days. You may even notice a tiny amount of blood in the loose stool. If this continues for more that 2 or 3 days, or the puppy appears to be getting ill, consult your veterinarian.
The 4 - legged "family"...... If you already have pets in your home, especially another dog, they need to be gradually introduced to the new puppy. Once you have made the decision to purchase one of our puppies, I will wipe the puppy all over with a clean cloth, then place the cloth in a ziplock bag. Take this cloth home with you and allow your other pet(s) to sniff the cloth and become accustomed to the scent of the new puppy. Once you get your puppy home, crate the puppy and allow your other pet(s) to come over and "greet" the new family member. Once your other pet(s) seem comfortable with the new puppy, allow them to greet each other while you have the puppy in your lap/arms. Praise your pets for good behavior towards the new puppy. Until the puppy is fully accepted as a member of the "family" by your other pet(s), ALWAYS be present to supervise any interactions between animals.
The 4 - legged "family"...... If you already have pets in your home, especially another dog, they need to be gradually introduced to the new puppy. Once you have made the decision to purchase one of our puppies, I will wipe the puppy all over with a clean cloth, then place the cloth in a ziplock bag. Take this cloth home with you and allow your other pet(s) to sniff the cloth and become accustomed to the scent of the new puppy. Once you get your puppy home, crate the puppy and allow your other pet(s) to come over and "greet" the new family member. Once your other pet(s) seem comfortable with the new puppy, allow them to greet each other while you have the puppy in your lap/arms. Praise your pets for good behavior towards the new puppy. Until the puppy is fully accepted as a member of the "family" by your other pet(s), ALWAYS be present to supervise any interactions between animals.
Food and Treats
Your puppy will be fully weaned and on a diet of quality dry puppy food. Young puppies will usually eat 3 times/day. A diet of dry food will produce fewer and firmer stools....a definite plus until your puppy is fully housetrained! A dry kibble will also help to maintain cleaner breath and less "doggie breath". Be sure to provide plenty of fresh water for your puppy. Do not overfeed your puppy....a fat puppy is not necessarily a healthy puppy. Excess weight at any age puts additional stress on the joints, spine and heart. We start our puppies on Purina One puppy formula mixed with a small amount of low sodium beef or chicken broth....just enough to moisten the dry food. There are a number of quality dry puppy foods on the market. If you prefer to use a different brand of food, make the change to the new food a gradual one so as to prevent tummy upsets and diarrhea. Around 3 - 4 months of age, you may switch from puppy food to a quality adult or all-life-stages dog food. We prefer Purina Pro-Plan Selects. They do not contain corn, wheat or soy and are also free of artificial colors and preservatives.
Also, be cautious about treats. Many dog treats are loaded with, fats, sodium and chemical preservatives. Never, ever use the pig ears, rawhide or other hide-based treats. They are undigestible, loaded with chemicals and can cause choking and bowel obstructions. To satisfy the chewing urge in puppies, try Nylabones or other sturdy chew toys. We use dehydrated chicken breast fillets for our adult dogs, available at Wal-Mart and PetsMart. The only ingredient is dehydrated chicken, so it is a good high- protein treat. Be especially cautious about offering treats of table food. Many of the things humans eat, such as chocolate, grapes and raisins, can make your puppy/dog very sick. Too many treats can also cause excessive weight gain, vomiting and diarrhea. Humans need a healthy diet and so do our pets!
Also, be cautious about treats. Many dog treats are loaded with, fats, sodium and chemical preservatives. Never, ever use the pig ears, rawhide or other hide-based treats. They are undigestible, loaded with chemicals and can cause choking and bowel obstructions. To satisfy the chewing urge in puppies, try Nylabones or other sturdy chew toys. We use dehydrated chicken breast fillets for our adult dogs, available at Wal-Mart and PetsMart. The only ingredient is dehydrated chicken, so it is a good high- protein treat. Be especially cautious about offering treats of table food. Many of the things humans eat, such as chocolate, grapes and raisins, can make your puppy/dog very sick. Too many treats can also cause excessive weight gain, vomiting and diarrhea. Humans need a healthy diet and so do our pets!
When can I start training my puppy?
Right away! An 8 week old Boxer puppy is quite capable of beginning to learn basic commands such as "Sit" , "Down", "Come" and to fetch. Remember to keep training sessions short as puppies have very fleeting attention spans. Use only positive reward-based training methods! Never shout at your puppy or strike your puppy if he fails to follow a command. Simply keep trying until the puppy "gets it". Consistency is the key. Training should be fun for you and your puppy! Always reward an appropriate behavior with lots and lots of praise. Your puppy wants to please you.....they just have to learn what it is you expect of them. By 10 - 16 weeks, your puppy will be ready to attend their first "puppy kindergarten" class for obedience and every attempt should be made to do so. It can be an excellent socialization and learning opportunity for your puppy.
Boxers at 10 to 13 Months Old.
Boxers go through the teenager, hard-headed phase about this time. It is important for you to take control and reinforce training the boxer was perfectly willing to accept just a few days prior. If you've had children, you know there is that age where you tell them not to do something and that's exactly what they're going to do with the defiant look on their face.... bingo!
Usually at some point you will have to get your dog on their back, hold them down and stay there until they have completely given up to you. Talk nicely and gently to them during this. This is a way of talking dog and saying that you are boss. Never let the dog up on their terms. Afterwards, at least for a while, the dog will hang on your every word and gesture. Oskar took 3 minutes, Daisi about 5, and Heidi took 30 minutes before she gave in. If the dog seems agitated at all, stay away from the working end until after they give in.
Usually at some point you will have to get your dog on their back, hold them down and stay there until they have completely given up to you. Talk nicely and gently to them during this. This is a way of talking dog and saying that you are boss. Never let the dog up on their terms. Afterwards, at least for a while, the dog will hang on your every word and gesture. Oskar took 3 minutes, Daisi about 5, and Heidi took 30 minutes before she gave in. If the dog seems agitated at all, stay away from the working end until after they give in.
Your Boxer will be in most of your pictures.
My father made the observation many years ago that most all our pictures had at least one boxer in them. Boxers have to be around people. You just can't shut them up in an outside pen. They need and want to be with their family!
Boxers Love Children!
Boxers are drawn to children. Very small children should be ALWAYS be supervised around your boxer or any other pet. When Oskar was barely a year old, he would "herd" our 4 year-old niece back towards home if she strayed towards the road.
Boxers Hate Snakes!
As a young kid in the '60s, I was going to play near the ditch when our boxer placed herself between me and the ditch and started pushing me away. The adults ran over and found a diamondback rattlesnake just a few feet from where I had been. The boxer that pushed me away had been bitten by a rattlesnake and survived when I was too young to remember. She knew I was in danger and placed herself in danger to protect me!
Until they learn their "house manners", don't leave your Boxer unsupervised in your home!
Boxers will vent their displeasure at being left alone by chewing up anything! As a young dog, Oskar chewed my workout bench seat, desk drawer and my personalized Bible I received when I graduated High School in '78. To his credit, once he saw how upset I was about the Bible, he never chewed up anything else in the house (over 5 years now). He is also a role model for the two females as they haven't chewed up anything even when left with the run of the house.
If they can get an item from inside and take it outside in the pen.... well that's a whole different story and a lot of chewed-up stuff!
If they can get an item from inside and take it outside in the pen.... well that's a whole different story and a lot of chewed-up stuff!
Boxers love and care for Puppies!
Just after our puppies turned three weeks old, Heidi started letting Oskar near the puppies. I awoke one morning to find Oskar standing on the back porch just outside the puppy pen, and he was acting very odd. He was kidney-beaning(wagging so hard his body is bowed around like a kidney bean....common Boxer behavior when happy or excited) and raising his front feet one at a time very quickly. It looked very odd. I asked Oskar "What's the matter Oskar?" Oskar stopped turned and looked at the puppies then started his dance all over again. He was so happy and excited to visit with the puppies!
When Daisi was a pup, my father was leaving after a visit to our home and forgot to check where the puppy was before he let the heavy glass storm door fall back on it's own. Oskar was standing at the threshold and young Daisi was beside him. Daisi started to walk out just as the door was closing. My heart skipped a beat, but in a split second Oskar took his foot and rolled Daisi back into the house before the door got her. This happened twice!
When Daisi was a pup, my father was leaving after a visit to our home and forgot to check where the puppy was before he let the heavy glass storm door fall back on it's own. Oskar was standing at the threshold and young Daisi was beside him. Daisi started to walk out just as the door was closing. My heart skipped a beat, but in a split second Oskar took his foot and rolled Daisi back into the house before the door got her. This happened twice!
Oskar and Daisi guarding their Grandpups in the backyard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4df3F6mTqmw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4df3F6mTqmw
Unless you want to wake up with a 90lb dog beside you.......
After Heidi was born, Daisi had a pretty bad infection, so we were taking care of her and helping out by keeping Heidi on the bed between my wife and I. Heidi loves sleeping in the bed so much that she has learned to sneak onto the bed without us knowing until morning. Try waking up with three boxers, two cats and a wife in a bed at the same time! Fortunately, its a king-size bed!
Boxers look to their Master(s) for approval when approached by a Stranger.
Every well socialized Boxer I've known has looked to their master when approached by a stranger. If the Master seems OK with the new person, the Boxer is cool with them also. If the boxer senses nervousness or distrust from their master, the boxer will become more observant of the stranger and at least less friendly.
Give your Boxer a Job!
Boxers are working dogs. They live to work. If you don't give your boxer a job, they will assume one, and it's usually guard duty. While young adult dogs, boxers will start to try and protect you from strangers and other animals. It is important to let your dog know you are in charge and are making the decisions. Eventually your boxer will learn from you and become the protector you want them to be.
Boxers and Cats.
My father has said many times that Boxers don't like Cats, but they tolerate them. Our Boxers have always been around cats and do just fine with them....they will even play together at times. Occasionally, our Boxers will have a "family disagreement" with lots of growling and such. Zoe, our "tuxedo cat" will get into the thick of it with tail puffed out, eyes dilated, and begin swatting the Boxers on their noses until they behave. Our Boxers have never made any effort to harm our 2 cats, but every dog is different. Usually, if introduced to cats while they are puppies, dogs and cats can learn to get along.
Even Today, a few still think Boxers are Evil or Dangerous! Not True!!
Maybe it came from the days of ear trimming when the boxer looked kind of devilish.?? Boxers are wonderful, happy companions and I have never known a boxer to attack anyone. I would say that I believe 100% that if someone in my family or neighbors were being assaulted, any of my dogs would rush to their aid, and if you every saw Oskar running at you full speed.... you would be scared!
Do keep in mind that boxers are still animals and they can have an aggressive side. Usually fights for pecking order consist of a little boxing accompanied by shows of teeth, growling, and biting moves where no contact is ever made, but it looks and sounds frightening. After having her puppies, Heidi jumped on Oskar several times. It looked like they were going to tear each other up, but Oskar just knocked her on her butt and the fight was over. Oskar knew to stay away from the puppies, but when Heidi moved and Oskar was between her and her puppies, she went into momma mode.
These are reasons to limit the number of dogs you allow together. One male and one female boxer makes a wonderful couple with few issues. Three or more Boxers together will eventually lead to competition for the "Alpha" position within the group. Once the male and/or female establish themselves as "Alpha", things will settle down. When feeding or offering treats, always offer the food or treat to the "Alpha" dog first. Having said that, remember, YOU are the "pack leader"....the #1 Alpha!
Do keep in mind that boxers are still animals and they can have an aggressive side. Usually fights for pecking order consist of a little boxing accompanied by shows of teeth, growling, and biting moves where no contact is ever made, but it looks and sounds frightening. After having her puppies, Heidi jumped on Oskar several times. It looked like they were going to tear each other up, but Oskar just knocked her on her butt and the fight was over. Oskar knew to stay away from the puppies, but when Heidi moved and Oskar was between her and her puppies, she went into momma mode.
These are reasons to limit the number of dogs you allow together. One male and one female boxer makes a wonderful couple with few issues. Three or more Boxers together will eventually lead to competition for the "Alpha" position within the group. Once the male and/or female establish themselves as "Alpha", things will settle down. When feeding or offering treats, always offer the food or treat to the "Alpha" dog first. Having said that, remember, YOU are the "pack leader"....the #1 Alpha!