Need Info!!!!

boxerloversk · 07-18-2010, 02:40 PM

I'm new here and hope that I'm posting in the right area?!

Let me start off by saying that I have wanted a boxer since I was young. I don't own one as of yet. I recently had the appurtunity to purchase one from a very good breeder and am sad to say that I turned it down due to the fact that I couldn't garuntee that I would have time for all the things he would need. That just wouldn't be fair!

Anyways I am on a mission to find out everthing I should/need to know about this breed. I need some advice on where to go or what to read. I have found some very good info here but I need more. Please help

Ron · 07-18-2010, 02:51 PM

Well you've come to the right place. Just ask TONS of questions

Welcome

boxerloversk · 07-18-2010, 03:04 PM

thanx!!!!!!

Here goes and I hope that noone what to slap me for what I am about to ask and please correct me if I'm wrong!!!!!!

So from what I am gathering is that boxers and pits aren't that different in some behaviours it's just how you correct them that is different? I own a pit mix and most of the problems that I have had with him are pretty well the same as what other ppl are having with their boxers. But from how I understand it is that boxers can get very mad at you if not corrected properly?!

Ron · 07-18-2010, 05:01 PM

what issues are you referring to?

boxerloversk · 07-18-2010, 10:01 PM

The stubborness, the attitude. In general having the I'm pack leader and not the humans attitude. I am just wondering cause I think that is a big part of why I did't get one! Cause I don't really understand their behaviour but then reading the threads on here its almost like they aren't any different than a pit?!
Pits have the same tendency to nip, jump on ppl etc.

I was talking to a lady from the canadian boxer rescue and she said that she has to correct the pit mix way different than should would a boxer? You can be more gentle with a boxer than you can a pit. I would really like to know how you correct a boxer that is doing unwanted behaviours?
I would also like to know why boxer owners always do crate training? This is really all new to me so please be patient with me

Doreen · 07-18-2010, 10:17 PM

I believe a crate should be used for all breeds, not only boxers. It makes them feel as if they are in a safe place and good for potty training because they don't like to potty where they sleep.

I would think it depends on the behavior that you are trying to correct as to how to handle it, but I know for sure it is never by hitting them or being rough with them.

Spyglass Sally · 07-19-2010, 06:38 AM

Boxers and pits are both "bully dogs" - pits more far over on that continuum than boxers. So they both will exhibit more of the type of behavior you talk about than, say, a Golden Retriever. They do require a lot of perseverance and more work to train and discipline. They're not a good breed for everyone.

Welcome to the forum, btw. It's a good place to find answers.

Marylou Mader · 07-19-2010, 06:46 AM

You have gotten outstanding advice already :0) (this is a great group here) Let me add, if you buy a dog (any breed) from a reputable breeder, you will have a sound in mind and body to start with. Puppies are all different, just like brothers and sisters. That is why, breeders should place the pups accordingly. Our litters are Puppy Aptitude tested at 7 weeks and placed at 8 weeks. more over, the litter is graded from day 1 on character. This is the most important part of placing puppies into the right home, because just as dogs are different in character, so are people, therefore, a family that has never owed a dog or Boxer should NOT have the more high driven of the litter.
Many people think they need to pick out a puppy from a litter, this is not a good idea, as the breeder knows best. If you put your trust into a breeder, go for it, if the breeder is not sending a good feeling to you, look elsewhere.

Also, ALL good breeders will require crate training... (more on that later)

Training should be done with a trainer of EXPERIENCE in working dogs, and mostly one that LIKES them...

Oh and BTW WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bruinsBoxers · 07-19-2010, 07:18 AM

You have gotten some great advice already . I will add a bit - as far as training . Boxers are aways said to be stubborn , I do not believe that . They are very smart and can get bored easily of repetetive training . Doing the same thing 30 times will make a boxer lose interest and be "stubborn" . Training should be fun and exciting for a boxer, once they have done something right you stop ( for that session) . A high voice and tons of praise and play will make training a boxer much easier .Heavy handed or harsh corrections do not work well on boxers .

I trained and competed with my first boxer in obedience . he did really well despite what people had told me about competetive obed with a boxer .
The key is to find out what motivates you individual dog .

boxerloversk · 07-19-2010, 09:24 AM

Thanx guys

Now on to the next question!

From doing research on the breed I have come across that they have very sensitive stomachs?! Is there any truth to this and if so what does everyone out there feed their boxers?

I have trained pits but never a boxer. One of our friends went out of town for a week and his pit had no manners

By the time he left he was a different dog! Now Im not sure if it was the training I gave him or just the time I spent with him? He was a jumper and after he left he wasn't! I seen him on the weekend and he reverted back to his old ways

I guess it all comes down to the fact that I might be a little scared! I have wanted a boxer since I was young and I don't want to screw it up!