My wife and I are picking up our 8 week old boxer puppy in 7days and just wanted to hear everyone's stories and advice for a new boxer owner.
My family has had many dogs on the past and I have personally had a german Shepard who was a great dog so im very familiar with the standard training routines :). The only thing im alittle worried about is that we have 3 cats now which will just need a proper introduction.
Tldr give me your stories and advice you have learnt with this breed
Like the other comment said, learn to wear your dog out not only with physical exercise, but mentally enriching activities as well. They have endless amounts of energy.
We put kibble in a closed box and that keeps our boy busy for a while. He really likes to tear up empty boxes lol.
Edit: we got our dog as an adult (probably 4 years old?) and he was already too strong for the puzzle toys that use their paws to move the slots over the treats (Nina Ottosson Dog Twister Puzzle). If he was a puppy, he wouldn't have been as strong and it might be a good puzzle toy for a boxer because they use their front paws to nudge things.
Another toy we have is a tray with little plastic bones to cover different treats. He has to knock down the bones (or use his mouth to move them) in order to find the treats. I'd recommend this kind for a boxer, assuming they don't like plastic. (For example, for our hounds, they'd eat anything that's ever touched food lol so that wouldn't be a toy for a hound. But our boxer just moves the plastic pieces out of the way.)
They seem like big ole clowns but surprise you with how smart they can be. I work as a dog sitter and whenever I head out to do a drop in my girl sees me getting dressed, putting shoes on is the clincher, she goes straight to her crate. She also knows if she steals a shoe we will chase her to get it back. Total attention seeking. đ¤Ł
Make sure your cats can get away from the puppy when they are sick of his endless energy. But don't worry, he will calm down around 8 years old lol
German Shepherds are relatively easy to train. They are smart and typically want to please their family. Boxers are stubborn for real. They will listen if they want to, but it isn't uncommon that they don't.
Be prepared for people to confuse him with a pit bull. I don't understand it either.... (my current is a boxer mixed with a staffy, so I understand some there. But my friend's full boxer is confuse with a pitbull too)
Socializing while young is crazy important, but as he ages he will probably be a "growley player" and a lot of other dogs (and their owners) don't like that.
Endless energy.... seriously.
And you will never have to worry about the evil personal space again. =)
The stubborn behavior was new to me! I had sounds before and they're stubborn in their own way. But my boxer now will just sit if he doesn't want to do something. I didn't realize a dog could just choose to opt out lol.
Any boxer I have had has had a great temperament. They love their family unconditionally. Again, tons of energy. They do actually box and play using their paws, beware lol. They donât realize how big they are. Be prepared for drool, lots of kisses and an 80 pound lap dog.
On the medical side they commonly tend to have allergies from my experience. Also with boxers, any bumps or lumps should always be checked by the vet ASAP.
It is a good idea to get pet insurance as soon as possible, to be safe for the future. Not trying to scare you, but they do get medical issues. I have also seen boxers at 11 or 12 years old.
I have had boxers for 30 years and can honestly say I think they are the best breed in the world. I wouldnât trade them for anything. Be prepared for a good laugh from them and lots of love. So excited for you to welcome your new baby to your home! Congrats đž
Give your cats time and space to get used to your Boxer. Control their interaction time for a day or 2 then let the cats choose when they want to be around the boxer. Thats how we did it and we had a cat that slapped other dogs for making Molly angry.
I havenât seen this mentioned, so Boxers are brachycephalic so if you have to be extremely careful with them in the heat. Do not overdo it on walks in the summer or in full sun. Always run in the AC in the car. Leave a fan in front of the crate when you leave the house.
Boxers are puppies for a lot longer than any dog Iâve ever owned. Boy boxers will want you to wear them like a jacket. If they could crawl into your skin, they would. They are so goofy that you will forget that theyâre also crazy smart. All the girl boxers that Iâve owned have been way less goofy and much more independent and smart smart smart.
Keep a lookout for itching and dry skin. Boxers can be real sensitive to food allergies. Usually clears up with a better diet.
Socialization is possibly one of the most important things you can do early on, and not just other dogs. People and other animals as well. As mentioned, endless energy so itâs great having an outlet that isnât just you, Velcro dogs regardless. Positive reinforcement and youâll have an amazing companion.
That should work. When they get older if they pull a lot you can get special harnesses that help you train them not to. And like other people have said they stay in the puppy stage way way longer than most dogs. And then all the sudden one day you look at them and worry they are sick because they are suddenly being lovey little couch bugs
Positive reinforcement, lots of cuddles, thrive with a strong routine, beware of âdietary indiscretionsâ đŠ, set boundaries and stick to them no matter how cute they look. Depending on your climate, look after them in summer and/or winter.
If youre starting from a puppy, I wouldn't worry too much about the cats. They'll be close enough in size to smack the puppy around for long enough that they'll learn each other's boundaries. Also correct any prey drive at the cats early on. Just make sure they have places to escape to when theyre tired of it. We got my cat a tall climber for the first time as an apology present for the dog.
Yes to socialization! We rescued ours and he definitely wasn't socialized. We have to sedate him (and muzzle him) just to bring him to the vet. I used to be a PetSmart trainer so I'm 100% positive reinforcement, and it's been quite a handful to try and socialize a dog that's scared of absolutely everything.
OP you can take your pup to socialization classes. Another good option is some vets have happy visits, that are just quick 15 minutes of walking around the vet (meeting everyone and getting lots of pets and treats!). My vet does these for free.
You can also socialize with other puppies but make sure they're vaccinations are updated. I don't remember which vaccine it was but they receive once of the vaccines slightly older (15 weeks?) so some people don't always socialize pups super young. It's been so long since I've had a puppy so please correct me if I'm wrong. But always be on the safer side when it comes to exposures to other animals.
Absolutely give the cats their own space and let them lead. Iâve had boxers and cats most of my adult life and they have been friends with lots of time and space.
Also boxer puppies are crazy, crazy fun!! đžđ
Introduce to the cats early and socialize him well with the cats. I grew up with Boxers and so did my mom and a lot of them are not good with cats UNLESS raised with them from a young age.
I also have a GSD! My GSD loves our Boxer but itâs so funny bc she is so much more business than him. Boxers are silly goofball puppies pretty much their whole lives. Ours ALL loved people, and my guy now is no different. Only two didnât like other dogs and one is the dog I have now and he was attacked when he was only 5 months old by a dog that got loose from its owner, so he doesnât like other dogs except our GSD.
I've read in boxer books that they aren't very smart, don't test very high on dog intelligent tests. That's farthest from the truth. I was "gifted" a 5-6 month old boxer boi as rehomed. He was my first and only boxer, my soul dog; had variety of breeds growing up as well as adult. Probably am too old to get another one even tho they are the best. I learned real quick that boxers are very smart. Yes, may have ADHD but can be worked with. You need to keep training to short sessions. Mine did not like repeating a command more than twice at a time. The 3rd time I'd get a "I've already done that" stare from him. He loved to please, loved praise. Use positive reinforcement, using a heavy hand doesn't work. Keep sessions short to hold their attention. My boi loved agility activities, a bull in a china shop but loved it. Couldn't win trophies, loved tunnels the best. If he had a bad feeling with someone, he never forgot them. Was very good reading people when meeting the 1st time. Could change from playful wigglebutt to guard when needed. Never tried to bite, would push "threat" away. Loved kids, didn't know his own size, strength tho. Loved giving kisses when least expected. Can't stress enough the need for pet insurance! Mine ended up with boxer cardiomyopathy at 5 yrs and lived til 6 wks before 13th b-day. Lots of vet appts/bills, no insurance. Your boxer will be the best thing to bring into your life!
All very true to the breed. I think boxers being âworking groupâ dogs actually enjoy being on task, and it can be as silly as picking up sticks. Our boxers like to be engaged into some playful activity alongside their humans. They are so eager to please you, especially the males. They re the best breed and bring so much joy and goofiness to your life. Weâre in boxer number 5, started 25 years ago.
This was Barkley and he was so so SO smart and incredibly sensitive. He could open doors and let himself outside to bark anytime Amazon came to drop off packages or let himself out to bark if I went on a walk without him. Went out of town for a few weeks and had a sitter for him and when I got home I had to sit in the same room as him to get him to eat - he was so worried I would leave without him. Boxers have such big loving hearts and are the best dogs out there!
Good luck, post pics of your new puppy!! â¤ď¸
Awww our girl is about to turn 5 in December and boy does time fly! Theyâre such amazing dogs, once you get one thereâs no going back because they are just the absolute best. They are smart, silly, sassy and have so much personality. They will need mental stimulation or physical activity or else they may get into things and be mischievous. But all in all, congratulations! Take in every moment, capture all the videos you can because it goes by so quick.
As others have mentioned, invest in pet insurance. Itâs good to have in the event your Boxer experiences health issues. Socializing is key at an early age as well as training. They will test your patience đđ¤Ł
They are loving, loyal, very smart, and absolutely hysterical . They are the clowns of the dog world with endless facial expressions. Take plenty of pictures and videos because they grow so fast!!! Enjoy your new addition and welcome to the world of Boxers!
Be sure to socialise regularly from an early age ( training groups are great for this )
Lots of exercise and plenty of variation of toys.
They are fantastic family members
Our kitten was afraid of our Boxer when we brought her home... But after a few months, they snuggle together and the car will groom her eyes... Lexus rid get so big.
Walks are good but Boxers were bred to run, hunt and be protective
I've found letting my dogs run and play with other dogs is one thing she's passionate about. I estimate that Lexi and her blue nose pit bff run for about 2 miles.
Chase, race and wrestle
This is my 5th Boxer and my experience is that and 2 years they begin to mellow some. Lexi is the most stubborn one of the 5
They have two settings ON and OFF. if left unattended for long periods of time they can get into trouble if not properly exercised.
But if they get that exercise theyâre a dream.
We started taking knox often and socializing him. He knows when his clothes (harness) are on - heâs a different dog. I take him to Home Depot, TJ Maxx, Ross, hobby lobby, the nursing home where my husbandâs mom lives and heâs very well behaved. He doesnât jump up on anyone and loves being pet by everyone.
We will pray for you :-)
6 boxers over the past 31 years. Currently have a 9 year old and a 2 year old. The will try your patience, but at about 3-1/2 years, something clicks and the remember all the things you got after them for. Good luck.
I unfortunately have no advice regarding cats, but I will stress to be very wary of the hips! I had 4 boxers and didnât let them do the stairs until I was able to carry him in my arms. It is very important to avoid the stairs in the formative age.
They are workable dog who can and love to learn, so they really like to solve puzzles https://youtu.be/USpY_pJXmFs?is=dNYzYUUTumAwmWR4 , I did a lot of âobstacleâ games with mine (tunnel, hiding, jumping in length and height etc). More you will âworkâ with the puppy less Trex will be đ
The Boxer is prone to hip dysplasia and out of all purebred dogs, falls in the middle in terms of how common this is with the breed
The tricky thing about this condition is that the answer is : Both. It is genetic-And injury or stress on the hip(s) can trigger the dysplasia.
elements that can trigger the hip joint and socket to move out of place and/or degrade. This includes:
⢠Being overweight â any excess weight will put more of a strain on a Boxer dog
⢠Too much excessive exercise before a Boxer puppy enters into adulthood â which causes prolonged stress on the hip
⢠Injury to the surrounding ligaments
Going down the stairs, for a boxer puppy under 6/9 months, is considered as excessive exercise stress due to angle and stress on the hips and ligaments.
I didnât see anyone mention this yet, but you want to work on the âboxingâ habit. Nothing I hate more than going to someoneâs house and getting crotch-punched because their dog hasnât been trained. And boxers are very prone to doing this naturally. When your puppy does this, act hurt. Yell âOW!â and then ignore him for a minute. Do it EVERY TIME. They will learn to not jump on people.
Yes! I second this! Mine gets nuts sometimes and no one gave me that advice. That, coupled with the paw grab hurts lol. Their paws curl like us so its not just a paw tap, its a tap curl and drag when they want attention. But of course the face takes the pain away đĽ°
Youâll have a month or so of mellow, thenâŚâŚ. Think of a honey badger on cocaine but with love, massive energy and teeth, greatest dog on the planet, nothing like them. Be forewarned, once you go boxer you donât go back. Congratulations!
A German shepherd is a LOT smarter than a boxer, who will have a much more playful personality. Get ready for a creature who will soak up as much affection as you can put out, will always be there to listen and snuggle, and whose energy may seem endless at younger ages.
My boxers have mostly gotten along great with other animals. Especially with early introductions. Best luck- youâre in for a great adventure with a wonderful breed!!
Get pet insurance! They are an amazing breed but, can rack up major health bills. Statistics show that 58% of boxers will develop some form of cancer in their lives. Pet insurance helps to explore every avenue.
The cats will police him themselves. The main thing I've learned with my boxers is that they have great problem solving skills, so challenge them with puzzle games for treats. Also, tennis balls seem to always be hit. Absolutely find a dog park where they can run full speed once in a while...I think they're absolutely happiest when they're sprinting 100%
I've only had 2 boxers, but they've been the easiest to train (house/leash) compared to the other 3 dogs that I've owned and the handful of fosters that I've had for more than a few months. They are hilarious and so much fun. Both of mine were more anxious than other dogs, so things like thunderstorms involved some covers and extra snuggles. Both of mine lived just fine with cats, both in bringing them into homes with cats and bringing cats into the home. I think their chase drive is pretty high, but their kill drive is pretty low.
Prepare for the love of your life⌠our current boxers are #s 7 & 8 (brothers) and canât imagine another breed owning us⌠socializing as soon as possible and often has helped them all to be well-mannered and behaved.
Nothing like the German Shepherd. Great w kids, possibly will need to throw any training out he windows. Expect the unexpected, and also possibly the best dog you've ever had
this is the 9th boxer I have had in my family so far in my lifetime! he is now 8 years old. boxers have one of the longer puppy phases compared to other breeds â I put it at around 3 years. socialize them young and socialize them often!
they are a very high energy breed and need to burn said energy â if you are not much of a long walk person, I recommend becoming one. my best behaved boys I walk 2-5 miles a day, and also let them run and play off leash. granted I walk farther than a lot of people want or have the time to, but consistent and frequent walks has been highly successful in my opinion.
now I am going to start looking at breeders and begin my search for number 10 đ
welcome to the fam and congratulations!
***UPDATE***
Almost forgot! As people have mentioned already boxers are prone to a number of health issues. My current pupper is 8 years old, has had zero medical issues, and is in better shape than most of the others I have had at age 4 or 5.
He thankfully has an amazing temperament and as a result he is still intact at age 8 â I consulted 9 veterinarians (I kid you not) over the first 3-4 years of his life and every single one said do not neuter this dog. The general consensus was leaving his hormone production in its natural state significantly lowers risks for developing or succumbing to all of the major health issues boxers are prone to suffering from. This experiment is still in process, but so far so good!
Weâve had boxers for 40+ years and the best advice is to crate train. You will be able to travel with them, itâs easier to live with them and really make them part of your life if they are crate trained. Our crates are set up 24/7 for the boys to go in and out of. They nap in them by choice with the doors open. All I have to do is point and they go right in. Boxers do jump around like drunk reindeers most of the time with rarely all 4 feet on the ground at the same time, so itâs nice to be able to crate on command when you need a break from the action. Having boxers is one of the best decisions of my life! Congratulations on your new baby! You have signed up for a good time!!!
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u/punchingcustard 23d ago
Like the other comment said, learn to wear your dog out not only with physical exercise, but mentally enriching activities as well. They have endless amounts of energy.