10 Top Tips for Boxer Owners

Are you looking to become first-time dog parents? Or maybe you've had a dog before but this time are looking to get a Boxer? Research is important before buying any breed. In this article, you will see my top 10 tips for a new Boxer owner.

1. They can be excitable!

Any dog can be excited sometimes, but from experience, Boxers are more high maintenance to any other breed I have owned. They tend to need more attention as puppies, but this only slightly changes as they grow. Boxers usually need lots of play time with their owners. Which means toys, lots of walks/runs, and a few games of fetch. At first, this seems like the cutest thing in the world. Especially when they give you the puppy eyes. Do not be fooled! Unless you are able to take care of your Boxer or have a reliable person to help out, a Boxer probably isn't for you.

2. Like any dog, they will get used to routine.

This one goes for any owner really, depending on how you raise your dog. But from experience, I have learned that my boxer is now fully used to a routine. Let's take a walkthrough—getting up at 7.30 AM, Willow will wait in her bed until the school run is finished. And you can bet as soon as you walk through the door, she's up and waiting for you to put on her lead. With most people living with somewhat of a routine, your dog is highly likely to become used to this. I won't lie, sometimes when it's freezing out and all I want is to crawl in front of the TV, I'm faced with the lethal puppy eyes, making you feel guilty for neglecting to walk your dog. Of course, as said before, this depends on your own routine. So make sure to schedule your dog's walk in at the right time!

3. Boxers tend to be social.

Boxers are usually one of the most social breeds. This is important to take notice of when you are thinking of buying one! Trainers recommend that you let your Boxer socialize while he or she is still in their puppy stages. This is said to help them learn and improve with people and other dogs. Even with this social trait, it is always best to look into your Boxer's past if it is a rescue or to talk to their breeder to see how they are/will be around your children or other pets. Or even, the other way around! We'll get to that later on. Usually, it all depends on how you raise your pet. But bringing them up from puppies to be around animals and children, they are usually always brilliant to live with.

4. Be careful with other animals!

From experience, it's the cat that has a problem with our Boxer, instead of the other way around. We brought our cat in after we bought our previous Boxer (whom we sadly lost this year) so they got along with each other. However, some cats are not fully ready to let their owners spoil someone else. This is always a factor to note as you don't want any fights between pets. It's not always sibling rivalry though, as our youngest cat and Boxer get on as best friends would!

5. Stopping Habits

Imagine this: you get home one night to see the same disaster you see every day. Your Boxer is sitting in their bed with their head down with rubbish and chewed objects all around them. This was our usual scene most nights with our previous Boxer, Bella. And with any dog, they may develop habits that need to be cut out ASAP. She was one to tear open the bin bags and chew our fridge magnets. However, each dog will most likely gain their own habits as puppies. When you commit to any dog, blocking them off from restricted rooms with either locked doors (they may learn to jump and open them!) or baby gates. What I found worked for chewing was to show them the object and ask what she had done. Dogs are able to know that they've done wrong; you can tell by how they bow their heads and avoid eye contact. We never hit her, we simply told her she was a bad dog and sent her to bed. She stopped chewing things months later, which is the best outcome we could have hoped for. After that, she only chewed her own toys.

6. Commitment

Any breed can take a while to train. Some people are able to do this themselves and bond further with their dog. Some only want their pet as more of a show pet than an actual animal to love. This is something to remember: Boxers are high maintenance and need lots of love and attention. They cannot just be sent to bed and abandoned. Dogs are never just for Christmas, which is something many people lack. They fall for the big eyes and droopy mouth but neglect to remember what comes with looking after this type of breed. If a small lap dog is more your style, I'd avoid getting a bigger dog. Boxers are unable to handle being left alone for long periods of time and may even experience anxiety from being away from their owners for too long. Boxers are not the sort of dog that's able to stay in an outside dog house, especially in freezing or hot weather.

7. Boxers are prone to medical problems.

Before committing to a Boxer dog, you need to be prepared for any medical issues that may arise. They are prone to skin problems and even allergies. These are best to look into or even talking to a vet about what to expect if something does happen. However, if you are looking to only breed the Boxer for puppies, note that they are somewhat likely to have some sort of mutation such as being deaf. You will need to be prepared to care for the puppies until they are homed or to take responsibility for those who aren't. If you feel you are unable to care for puppies and your dog, breeding is not the best idea for you. Your pets' safety comes before quick money!

8. Indigestion and Bloating

Boxers are known for eating their food way too fast, which can easily lead to bloating or even obesity if you feed your pet every time their bowl is empty. To avoid fast eating, I recommend this bowl that is designed to make your dog work harder for the food, which means they won't gulp down their food and end up with bloating! It is always best to change up their diet too with different textures and flavors with both treats and their regular food as dogs tend to become bored and may even stop eating. However, if you become worried about your dog, it is always best to be safe rather than sorry and see a vet ASAP!

9. Eye Gunk

Gunk around the eyes is normal for every Boxer. If anything does make you worried, again- make sure to check it out with a vet. But usually, it's pretty much the same as what we get sometimes. We check daily with our Boxer so that it doesn't build up. This is important to remember as you will need to gently wipe it away with a tissue. I do not recommend wipes. We use soft toilet tissue and it takes seconds! Excessive substance from the eyes should always be checked out by a professional!

10. Heat

Every year when summer rolls around, your dog will suffer heat on concrete. This is important to take notice of. If you cannot keep your hand on the ground for at least 8-10 seconds, it's too hot! It is recommended that you walk your dog early in the morning before the ground has a chance to get too hot or in the late evening when things are cooler. Heat can damage the pads of their paws and cause cracking, burning or itching. Cars are also something to take notice of. If you plan to go shopping straight after taking your dog out, do not! A quick ten minute trip for milk is fine, as long as you leave open a window. But long stays in a car are deadly for your pet. Even with windows open, they have no access to water. If you plan to leave a small bowl in the car, that could be knocked over too as there is limited space for them in the car. Always take them home after a walk if you plan on going somewhere afterward! Your pet's safety and health should come before anything else!