Those of you who are owned by Boxers

[Ashley]

OK, first and for most, How are they to house break and crate train?

Second how much excersize do they need? I live in a town house(not very big) but my other pup does play alot, and is tied out, or in a pen when at my familys. THe boxer I would plan to take for jogs/walks down the trail in town.

Anythign else I should know about them?

 

[AppyLover2]

IMO a Boxer in a town house is not a good idea. They're big, energetic dogs and need more room to exercise than that. While your intention of walking him is admirable; it's something you would need to do, without fail, every day. My suggestion would be to go with a smaller breed.

 

[Sterling]

I have had two Boxers in my lifetime. My current little girl is 4 years old (78 lbs.) . They are a very high energy dog that love to run and play and goof around...but IMO they also burn out quickly...known as what they call "Boxer Burn".....they can play till they're exhausted for bursts of about 10 minutes, and then sleep for a good few hours and are back at it again. I've sometimes thought of her as the Quarter horse of the dog world.

We've taken her on hikes with us, trail walking, pic-nics etc....but always are careful because they cannot tolerate heat nor cold very well. In the summer time when we have extreme weather, alot of times she inside in the AC while we're out with the horses.

As far as housebreaking and training....they have both been little gems!!! But you know this again IMO, I think it depends on the person training the dog, how much time, effort and patience is put into it. I used the same technique with my Lakota in house training and she is a completely diferent breed (Cane Corso) and have had the same wonderful results, and she was just as easy as my Boxers to train.....only thing her bladder did'nt hold on as long as my Boxer's did. Where my Boxers can go 20 minutes when they were pups before going pee-pee....I found and timed with Lakota it was every 8 to 10 minutes!!!

But we did it....granted I was dedicated and we were joined at the hip for the first couple of months...but it worked wonderfully for us.

They're wonderful dogs....but can get kinda rammy if they don't get to run their energy off.

 

[Feather1414]

I have a question for you guys....

I know someone who owns a boxer puppy. She is 6 months old now, I think... but she frequently has potty problems. Her owners instead of letting her outside all day ((she gets out MAYBE once per day for like 10 min or so, and sometimes she spends all day outside )) but they have decided to try and control her potty problem, that they will cut back on her water intake.

Its really quite sad. This poor dog will go over to the water bowl and she is "water logged" and wants more water, but she gets yelled at and spanked if she tries to drink.

I personally don't think this is ok, but what do you think? She also only eats twice a day or so, and its not too much.

 

[Ashley]

They shouldnt own any dog. My pup is 8 months old now. She goes out to potty the bare miniumum of 4 times a day. It all depends on when she has to go. She hasnt had any potty accidents for a while now. She gets free choice food right now as she is a picky eatter and is actually a bit thin. She also get water when ever she wants. THe only time she dont have water or food is when I am gone for work, were she is still a puppy. I will let her have water up til I leave then take it away until I get home.

 

[_minihorses4ever_]

Oh, how wonderful the breed is! I don't know if I will ever have anything else now that I have expirienced them...

Trixie pretty much got potty training in a snap. She is very smart!

Me, I think a boxer would do fine in your condition. As long as you gave him/her daily walks. Trixie is a couch potato. She sleeps all day, and just lounges around the house. But, she LOVES to go outside for potty brakes in the backyard. She runs,jumps, and plays!

One thing else is they are the most loving dogs. She has never growled, bitten, or attempted to bite ANYONE. She adored kids! The little ones can pull on her ears, poke her, pinch her, anything to her. She loves to be cuddled on too! She only barks at strangers, and if you tell her to stop, she will.

Here are a couple pictures of my pride and joy, Trixie.