Dog owners!

[xScarlettex]

I work in a boarding kennel and the majority of staffys and boxers we get in are very active dogs, the staffys seem to be a bit quieter specially as they get older but the boxers will chew anything and go nuts and run around in circles and will try and eat anything they can get their paws on, i try and take them out for walks or into the exercise yard for some ball catching a couple of times a day to use up some of their energy to chill them out. Boxers and staffys like any other dog should be socialized from a young age specially if the dogs on its own, that way when it does encounter another dog its a bit less likely to lash out, boxers were originally bred to be aggressive and although breeders are breeding the aggressiveness out of them it can show through occasionally, if you get a pup its always a good idea to take them to puppy school coz the pup gets the chance to hang out with the other puppies and the people running the school teach you about basic dog care like vaccinations, dental care etc, it also provides some basic obedience training for the pup. Also if you get a pup check out the breeder before you buy, its best to buy from a registered breeder, that way you know the pup has been bred properly and it will generally have a better temprement and a lesser risk of health probs when it gets older =)

 

[daniel1234]

Boxers are lovely dogs, my Dad has one and so does his other half. Any dog is going to need lots of walks and entertainment for when your not at home. I've got two working dogs on the old quarter acre block. They're both about 7yo and starting to slow down a bit

Dad is very disiplined with his boxer but she still loves to try and dig to China. He has 10 acres. I'd love a boxer when ours go, but we will proberbly go smaller (it changes all the time). We are very much the "the animal chooses you" type people, so famous for bringing home something completely different than what we were (or sometimes were not) lookng for.

xScarlettex is right, socialising is good, glad we did it. I remember when I was walking Shadow (kelpie x) as a pup and four huge full sized staffies (I think but they were huge!) came out of some ones yard and surrounded my boy and I was very nervous, but it was all just friendly butt sniffing

 

[Tatelina]

I haven't read the whole thread but unless you have the time to put into socialisation and training I would NOT recommened a puppy.
A slightly older dog who is past the intense chewing and needy stage would fit much better into a home where you are not home all day.

 

[jakethesnake]

Thanks Tatelina, i'd feel better about getting an older pooch anyway, give one another chance as shooshoo said...

 

[channi]

I got an older (3yrsold) dog from the RSPCA and he is so cool. I love him to bitsand he fits right in. When I am not home he is cool with it and lays around or sits at the front gate greeting the nighbours and when I am home he sits around with his head in my lap . The only problems I have had is a little digging and last night when I got a call at 23.45 telling me my dog had got out and someone had him up the road waiting for me. He only got out because we accidently left the gate open, not because he is a master at escape. He is a Malamute x but apparently he is unique as other mals can be quite troublesome.

 

[malika]

I think 2 dogs are the way to go. I only have one at the moment but will be getting my girls a friend when we get a bigger place as she needs the company.

I let my girl come and go from the house/yard as she is generally quiet good. (Well that is until she buried her bones in the indoor pot plants... that wasn't pretty coming home to dirt all over the living/dining room...). I change her toys out all the time to stop her getting board with the same toy, I also giver her a walk b4 I got to work and exhaust her for an hour. Whist I am gone Claytons has a kong filled with smooth peanut butter (trust me don't use crunchy as all the nuts get stuck at the bottom and goes stale after a few days) and her treat ball filled with her share of dry food for the day to keep her busy as to digging and burying bones.

My girl was advertised as a boarder collie X staffy, however I think it is more boarder collie X gray hound with the way she runs. She is now about 5 years old and she is still worse to have in the house than a 2 year old child with ADD as she will not stop annoying you and getting up to mischief no matter how much you exercise her. I got her when she was about 6 months, she was free to a good home and can understand why as she was impossible to train and yes she is one of those dogs who thinks that anything that runs is fair game to chase, especially cars. So I think training dogs when they are young is a must. Claytons went to a dog trainer and came back still just as bad. It has only been over the last year that I have been able to walk her off a lead and she is now obeys me most of the time. I have put alot of time and effort training her and getting her good with other people (was abused I think b4 I got her) and now she can not get enough attention from anyone. I love her and will never get rid of her, she is my darling and try and take her with me where ever I go as she really is my best mate.

Good luck with what you decide to do. And enjoy the friendship and never ending love from your pup.

 

[jakethesnake]

You guys are awesome, thanks so much for all your help. I'll let you know how I go!

 

[Lovemydragons]

Although I think you've made up your mind, I thought I'd post anyway. I have two Shar-pei's, the rolly dogs on the toilet paper add. Well we had one, and he was a joy, slept all day, happy to see us when we got home. Didn't mind going for walks but would be also love just sitting with us watching TV, but he would sleep. Well we got a second one cos we think he was bored and lonely. He has a sister now and we lucked out. She tried to eat everything, still eats some of the trees and any chuky wood she can get her mouth around. They are both lazy, but active dogs but total oposites.

So I spose it doesn't matter what breed of dog you get because every dog has a different brain. And if one is going to be a pain in the bum you aren't going to know till after you bring it home. It's a risk you take, so whether it's one or two, they will be who they were meant to be and you'll love them anyway. IT'S ALL LUCK

Monique

 

[jakethesnake]

Haha, you're right Monique...I guess they're like people, everybody is different! But no, i haven't made up my mind, not by a long shot! It's all food for thought though, but I do love boxers in particular....I'll just read all I can about them before I take the plunge...

 

[tooninoz]

Jake, as Tatelina said, it is gonna be hard work. There certainly are benefits in two dogs, but two puppies....well :shock::shock: You'll have your work cut out for you!
I was single when I got my staffy x and lived in a house. Got him into puppy classes and he did really well. Til the time I came home, and he'd managed to get into the house and near destroyed everything. I honestly thought Id been burgled at first.
It's generally not boredom either - it's just curiosity, pushing boundaries, and with some breeds, it can be trying to assert dominance.
It's not just hard time-wise either...everytime he jumps up on you when you get home (and you think 'Awww...how sweet!), everytime he takes off with a sock etc etc (and you allow it)...you are helping shape his behaviour. You have to be lovingly tough!
When my boy was about a year old I met my partner and we got a similarly aged staffy x, and it's just brilliant. They get on well and it definitely helps.
Here's a link to where I took my boy (this is an FAQ section which deals with usual problems etc);

http://www.cleardogtraining.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=8&Itemid=15

Hope that helps!

 

[waruikazi]

For a first dog do your self a favor and don't get a shelter dog. Spend some money and get a puppy from a registered reputable breeder that doesn't pump them out just to make money. Shelter dogs do need a second chance but they do usually come with baggage and i don't think they are suitable for first time owners.

Remember you will have this buddy for atleast 10 years, get one that you really like.

 

[waruikazi]

Lotsa dog bones is the way to keep them amused.

 

[8438478395783468]

when im older i am definately 100% getting 2 female mini foxie x jack russel very cute dogs and dnt eat to much, small but not to small, great for kids, very adorable, and if trained at very young age rnt that bad i have met many ppl who have had them and my grandparents use to have 1 which was very nice and they say they are great


cheers Scott

 

[falconboy]

Seperation anxiety is a terrible thing for an animal to have. If you are worried, and you should be, do some research on it to ensure yours doesn't get that way. A lot of dogs can get over it, but its a LOT of work. And I mean A LOT. Easy to get, difficult to fix.

The most important thing is what most people do the opposite of when they have a new dog (especially puppy) and thats making a fuss of them when you get home. This encourages them to know you will give them love and attention when you get home, so what do they do? They play up because they get anxious as soon as you leave because they want you to come home! Not all do, but its very easy to happen. Its a good idea to ignore the dog (no eye contact even) for 5 minutes before you leave and 10 min after you get back ESPECIALLY if the dog is making a fuss when you get back. Do your 'leaving procedure', things like picking up the keys and wallet, shutting doors etc in advance to leaving etc etc. Basically the thing is to try and minimise the triggers to your departure and return. When you leave, just walk out, no 'bye dog' or anything. Sounds heartless, but its moreso you that gets enjoyment from the greetings with a dog than the dog itself!

 

[waruikazi]

And give them a bone as ur leaving. it keeps them distracted for a bit.

 

[MoreliaMatt]

Get a boxer, good friend (matt fromt his site) has one, and she is adorable !!

The best dog ever, 100% trustworthy with kids.

Best dog ever is an understatement!

I love my Jenna to bits! and would do anything for her, as she would so anything for me too!

If you do go with a boxer you WILL NOT regret it!!!

But as others have said and you will no doubt know, they are EXTREMELY energetic!

Jenna is fantastic home alone all day, she doesnt make a sound.... Except for her squeaky toys that she loves! hehe

Infact, she only barks when someone comes to the door or another dog walks down the street!

But look out when you do get home, she goes crazy!!!

I will also add that she never destroys anything.... unless shes with another dog! She regularly goes to stay with my brother and his 2 staffys, or the staffys come stay with us.... and with the 3 of them egging each other on, they love to get into trouble!

Heres a few pics for you of my adorable little girl!

Cheers,

Matt

 

[jakethesnake]

Thanks everybody, i'm really excited...but mainly nervous! There's so many things to think about and I don't want to do anything wrong by the poor little thing when I get it...Just got to be prepared...I'm loving everybodies experiences, I really appreciate it...

 

[BlindSnake]

My partner and I have had 6 boxers between us. They are awesome, fun loving dogs, who are forever pupys. We wont have anything else. Im even training my own service dog, because boxers are not available as service dogs in oz.

The only thing I would say, is that they really are ppl orientated, thats what they were bred for.
They are prone to seperation anxiety, so you would have to really pay attention to using methods to prevent this, from when it is a pup.
My other bit of advice is to get a male.Fem boxers are more prone to destructive behaviors when left alone. They are too smart for their own good, and their drive to be with ppl fuels these behavioral probs.

There are always exceptions to any rule, but this is something that lifetime boxer enthusiasts have noticed.

 

[BlindSnake]

The other consideration with boxers is American or English.

American are a bit smaller and more refined. They generally have better confomation, and are sometimes called 'dry mouth' as they dont slobber everywhere like the English tend to. IMO, they are a bit prettier, and have a really nice looking face.

English are A bit bigger, boofier, and tend to slobber a bit. (or ALOT!!!)

We have had both, and they are both great in their own way.

We have noticed tho, that the Elglish tend to age a bit quicker. Thats the only thing with boxers, they arnt terribly long lived, and often, tumors are the cause of death.


There are also bob tails to consider, which come from an english line, with a touch of corgi a few generations back.
They were mixed with a line of corgi which carried a short tail gene.
They were then bred to retain the boxer looks, but keep the short tail.
They are becoming popular among boxer owners who have become accustomed to the docked look.

The problem with these are the price tag. Boxberry, the kennel that imported them, charge $1500 for a desexed pup. (entire animals are not available thru them)

 

[BlindSnake]

I forgot to mention that the American boxers also tend to be a bit more athletic.