Suggestions to Keep in Mind Before and After Adopting a Boxer Puppy or Dog

After years of not having a dog most of our married life, I finally talked my husband into taking the plunge just before your younger child left for college. Growing up on a farm in Texas, I couldn’t remember a time when I didn’t have a dog (as well horses, cows, pigs, chickens, etc.) On the other hand, Ed grew up in Brooklyn, New York. His dog owner experience was a brief couple of months when his father took in a mongrel. But because they didn’t have a backyard for the dog to romp and stretch his legs, his dad grew tired of the daily walks and care that a dog demanded. So when the dog got sick, much to the dismay of my husband and his brother, they gave him away.

Finally, he agreed. But only on one condition—-It had to be a boxer or forget it. Well, down when my original plan of a 2-pound Min Pin (miniature pinscher) or Chihuahua that I’d dreamed of sitting on my lap as I watched television.

On the other hand, my husband likes a dog he can snuggle up against on the carpet, after a long run in the woods. Growing up on his summer home on Yankee Lake, New York, he remembered his childhood friend’s dog, a boxer.

So, encouraged that I had at least talked him into the idea of a dog, I compromised and we went dog shopping. When our eyes landed on a six-week old brindle that looked like he had dog ADD (attention deficit disorder) we were hooked. After seeing three boxers who appeared sickly, this one was obviously in A+ health so we forked down our $500 and adopted Hercules.

That was almost a decade ago and Hercules, who turns ten (or 70 in dog years) in October, is still going on strong. He’s tamed down a tad since his puppy years. Hopefully, we may beat the odds with him and he’ll live past the average boxer’s 10-12 years. Yet, the thought makes us sad that someday we’ll have to say goodbye.

However, If we get another dog someday after Hercules crosses over “Rainbow Bridge” we’ll be sure to do go about it somewhat differently this time. And, as we’ll be older, maybe we’ll opt for a less energetic dog that doesn’t demand so much physical activity, and isn’t quite as stubborn.

What should potential boxer owners keep in mind before they adopt? Here are a few pointers before and after adopting your boxer…..

*Don’t wait until after six months old to start training your boxer. Start as early as a few months old, either training them yourself of hiring a trainer. It’s hard for anyone to believe that he’s had personal training when they visit us and meet Hercules, but we actually paid $400 for a trainer to come to our home for private lessons. Unfortunately, about all we learned was how to use a choke collar. Our advice? Interview several trainers before you hire one. Boxers are very stubborn breeds who need strict discipline.

*Realize your boxer needs lots of physical exercise. If you don’t have a fenced-in yard, then you probably shouldn’t select this breed. A smaller toy dog works better in an apartment or home that isn’t fenced. We also walk our dog every day as boxers actually get cranky and act out if they don’t get that needed daily “walkie.

*If you have to travel a long distance with your boxer, it’s best to give him a mild tranquilizer to calm him down. However, this is only recommended for younger dogs as tranquilizers can make an older dog’s blood pressure rise, putting him in danger.

*Train your boxer early in life not to jump on people. A good way is to totally turn your back from him if he tries to jump on you. This way, you’re ignoring him, not giving him the attention he tries to get by jumping. Another way is to take your dog with you to public place, such outside a supermarket, getting him used to people. Pull back on his collar every time he tries to jump when he see a shopper approach. The more your boxer is exposed to the public, the more he’ll relax when company knocks on your door.

Don’t let these challenges discourage you—especially if you’re young and physically fit to care for them. Boxers are great dogs and I’d recommend the breed to anyone who has the strength to keep up with them. In other words, they’re not for the proverbial little old lady.

But they are gentle, loving, and playful dogs who just need a lot of control and a firm hand.