Bosley'sMom

That's fine; I agree everyone has an opinion. However, I did not 'shout' at you or anything of the sort. If you feel that your 5 month old will benefit from being run for a mile everyday then have at her. Who am I to tell you not to....

In terms of that website, ideally you should be going to the source:
Boxer Page

It's just better inforamtion and follows years and years of changing standards etc. But....

To each his own Good luck.

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Valerie **Bosley's Mom** DOB 02-11-10

Breezygirl

OK wow... everyone here has the best intensions for this small puppy! I am so sorry and I mean this with only respect and kindness! If your pup is 5 months old... and the fact that he is a boxer.. he would not know his limits!... Most dogs.. will go beyond their limits. Much like a child!

I really hope you will take time to consider the advice from both Kari and Val, they are right on the money. I study Veterinary Medicine and I am also a trainer... Dogs are my life and the two ladies are giving you educated information. So although he is happy now, the effects may be seen when he is older and most probably will be seen.

I wish you only the best with your pup. I know its nice to see our dogs happy and well exercised, however we must consider their development and the capabilities of their immature bones and muscles.

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Mandi ... mom of fur kids.. Breeze, Bentley .. and new baby Winter

GeorgieGirl

I'm going back to the initial question at hand, about chewing! My 10-month old is a CHEWER and has gotten progressive worse! I don't let her have any stuffed animals unless I am watching her every move!! She gets a spot, works out the squeaker and then shreds it to pieces (if in supervised).

I purchased a jolly ball for Christmas and she LOVES it... She also loves antlers! And cow hooves... The cow hooves are a little stinky, but they last a while (and only cost $1.49 at petco)... The antlers are from Acadia Antlers and they are GREAT!! They are naturally shed moose antlers...

She will also run after any tennis ball (or any ball).

Also, I crate her almost always when I leave the house!!! And when I don't, she manages to get into something she shouldn't!!

Good luck with the chewing!! It's a work in progress...


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blueberrybug

Thank you for your kind response. I love getting advice, even if it means I am wrong, as long as the words come respectfully. I have since done some research and everyone seems to have the same opinion that boxers don't fully develop all their joints until about 18 months old. And I am not afraid to admit: I did not know that. Dozer is my first boxer and there will be many more new things to learn. That is why I joined this forum. I do not, however, appreciate feeling like I am being attacked or judged. I know that everyone in here loves their dog and loves the boxer breed - however some people should monitor their "tone". Enough of that.

I have several new toys coming from Amazon ($125 worth!) for Dozer (and my other dogs). That should help with some of his boredom - I got lots of "mind teaser" toys. We are also getting a large crate for when we are not home and at night. And I will switch to walking him around the neighborhood for about 20 minutes each day. When he gets older, I will teach him to be my jogging buddy.

I love my dogs with all my heart, and as I said, there is always something to learn.

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Mgibs

I would also recommend settling up a "settling down" time after ur puppy plays or runs hard. We go for 3 miles worth of walks a day and our 9 mo old will play ball/fetch for 2.5 consecutive hrs at night. If he lays down its literally amazing. It doesnt happen. Ever. We have to literally set a down time for him so he knows he can relax. Some just dont know they can relax- and I think crating him would help with this too. I'm glad you looked up research on exercise requirements. Welcome to the forum


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blueberrybug

About half of Dozer's toys have arrived. He has 3 "Busy Buddy" toys with the flavored rings that go on them, a Waggle Bone that holds treats, and 3 hard chew toys. And I am pleased to report that he LOVES them! He seems to enjoy each type of toy. Of course, he loves the toys that he can get treats from - I bought him the Tug-a-Jug and he really likes that because it challenges him (he still hasn't quite figured it out). And he really likes the chew toys - he will take one and hide somewhere and chew on it for awhile. I do have to say that I have noticed a decrease in the amount of mischief he is getting into. All my dogs now have a box that is full to the top with different kinds of toys and all the dogs spend the day taking out different toys. The last toys that are expected to arrive are 2 Jolly Balls, a Teaser ball, a Tug-a-Rope ball and a chew Squirrel. I think these toys have made a difference - Hooray!

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blueberrybug

LOL- no, Dozer is not a different dog of course, but he sure acts differently! We spent about $125 on dog toys that got the best customer reviews. And Dozer loves them! He loves the hard chew toys - he will sit in front of the fire and chew for 20 minutes! He also has learned that it is fun to chase his Jolly Ball's around the yard. He has learned how to kick it with his feet, which he thinks is great!

My husband installed a half-door that blocks the hallway, which leads to my kids' rooms. That is where Dozer would chew things up and bring them outside. Obviously, that helps a lot. However, when there is a toy or piece of trash on the floor, Dozer doesn't really pay any attention to it anymore. I think he is either too tired from all his toys or just prefers his toys now.

Hooray - I think we found the solution to Dozer's destrcutive chewing!

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