Hi Val,
Can you share what you think are appropriate chew toys? In some ways I could very much relate to Aneli. I hope she doesn't mind, but I was laughing reading her post. We had boxers when I was growing up, but they were all adults when we got them. My dream of having a boxer came true a little over 4 ½ years ago when I got a senior at the shelter and she has just been a dream, has never done a single thing wrong, ever. We fostered a couple of 11 week old puppies last March and ended up adopting one of them. OMG, I will never do another puppy as long as I live.
We did take her to puppy school and she's quite smart, but man was she destructive. My prescription eye glasses AND my prescription sunglasses were two of the more expensive she's destroyed. I do have a harness for her and have been working with her on her leash manners. She's getting much better. House training was not a problem. My Maggie taught her and it only took a few days. We rarely leave her alone and when we do she goes in her crate for her safety and for the sake of the house. Keeping her from jumping on us or guests is difficult, but as long as we stay on her for several minutes with her calm command and hand motion, she's somewhat controlled. The one thing that I cannot seem to break her of though is eating my underwear. I try really hard to keep the closet door with the hamper closed, but if it's not, she is destroying my panties and she KNOWS that this is bad, but can't seem to control herself.
She really likes the antlers and I have given her the marrow bones, but I'm afraid of her breaking a tooth on the latter. Those yak cheese things are not cost effective at all. Can you share what other appropriate chew toys are helpful and any tips on how I get her to not eat my underwear? I can't wait until she turns two years old because I've convinced myself from all that I've heard that she will finally be a REALLY good dog then J
Boxer hugs and kisses,
Heather, mom to
Maggie/boxer/65 lbs/11 +yrs/ CKD, chronic pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, arthritis, arrhythmia controlled by sotalol, adult onset epilepsy, likely IBD and now a heart condition suspected to be ARVC or DCM
&
Gabby/boxer/70 lbs/15 mos/Major dietary indiscretions crazy puppy syndrome :)
Orange County, CA
Boxers are inherently working dogs and they "need" a job. Structured training is a must. Plenty of appropriate chew toys are also necessary. Both mental and physical "exercise" is very necessary with young Boxers. I have 2. My female is 2 years old and my younger boy is 5 months old. My older dog went through 3 - 6 week training classes, has since taken a "trick" class and is now a certified therapy dog. For 2 years old, she is excellent with not getting into trouble anymore. Before training, she was like your boy (except the housetraining - she had that solid by 4 months old). There are special harnesses you can purchase which will prevent him from being able to pull you in a walk. Being short-snouted dogs, the "gentle leader" is not the best choice. Can't remember the name of the ones I use, but the leash hooks on the harness at mid-chest. When the dog tries to pull, if forces them to turn and puts pressure on their chest making
it uncomfortable. It only took Heidi wearing that harness a couple times to learn. Rewards and praise to high heaven a good behavior. Ignore the dog entirely for a negative behavior. Also neuter - if not already done. That is very important, in my opinion.
Hope I helped.
Val, Heidi & Gunther
" Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile."
Franklin P. Jones
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