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Transitioning from Outside to Inside

5K views 61 replies 19 participants last post by  Momma of Brandy & Max 
#1 · (Edited)
Don't be discouraged because it's long!!! I need advice. My male boxer, Bobo, is two years old. I'm 16, and plan on getting an apartment or something of my own between the ages of 18 and 21. So by this time he'd be at least 4 years old. Almost all of his life he has been an outside dog, but his first year he was an inside dog. My mom remarried this year and my stepdad says we're not allowed to have pets in the house because of fleas and dirt. When I move out, though, I hope to take him with me, and keep him as an inside dog. Would this transition be hard on him? We have other dogs, two female labs,(who would no be coming with us) and they are part his pack as of this past summer, but I think he sees me as a dominant part of that pack, because I'm out there so much after school with them and he is quite submissive to me when he understands what I'm demanding. Would the separation from the other dogs be difficult, or would I be enough for him for it to be easy? I don't want to put unnecessary stress on him, especially if it will cause unwanted behavior. What about the space? He's used to going out of his shed-sized pen and running around as much as he wants, jumping and playing all over the place. Would he feel crowded in an apartment? I would walk him every day whenever he needed to expend some energy. I love this dog like he's my best friend in the whole world and I want what's best for him. Would it be better to let him stay with my parents, even though boxers are meant to be inside dogs? I'm not saying he's not happy as an outside dog, I just know boxers are meant to stay inside year-round. He is always so excited every time he sees me. I know this dog loves me just as much as I love him, if not more. I think he would love to be around me more, but I wonder what's best for him. I know it sounds like I don't even deserve to be a dog owner, what with all of these questions, but I'm asking them so that I can become a capable dog owner...
I know he needs to be inside. I know he is meant to be an inside dog, but I can't exactly demand that my stepdad let him inside all of the time. That is not my place as a child. If I could, I would let him inside when he was at work (even though that's wrong...) but he is trained with an underground electric fence and shock collar to stay inside a perimeter, which does not involve any entry to the house... None of this was my idea... I swear. I hate the fence. I hate that he's outside. I hate that I have to take off his collar and drag him over the line just to walk him every day. Although he's getting used to the idea that he can cross the fence as long as his leash is on, he still fights me about the fence... I do not want this for him, which is why I want to take him with me. It is cold in Illinois in the winter and hot in the summer and boxers are not made for that kind of weather... Idk what I should do. If it were up to me he would have never become an outside dog in the first place... but I had no say. So... please give me advice on what would be best for him, because I think someone with more experience than me should assess the situation.
 
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#3 ·
Does he have a dog house out there? I feel your frustration and empathy for your dog. I think when you can take him he will be grateful to be an inside dog. Take him with you by all means. I'm sorry your going through this.
 
#4 ·
All these worries are a bid responsibility for you. So is the thought of having to support an apartment and dog at 18. What about college? Can you discuss this with your mom? I am very sorry your going through such changes and frustrations. Is ther someone you can talk too. I am worried about you.
 
#5 ·
:( my heart goes out to both you and your dog. Where are you from?

I agree with the above posts. For one.. I worry about somebody your age taking that on so young. I will tell you that I had my first puppy in my teens... at 18 I was accepted into college and moved hours away with my now husband. In the end, I found Dakota a beautiful family with kids who loved him so much. It tore my heart out that day. I loved him more then anything. But college life was no life for him. He has now passed. But they kept me in the loop for the remaining 7 years of his life. Im not saying you should do the same, but maybe consider it.

It sounds like you are not approving of his lifestyle now... and I cant blame you!!!! Do you think maybe rehoming him were he can be an indoor dog may be something that should be considered? or discussed with your parents? I know thats not what anybody wants. But as I said.... sometimes the hardest thing is to put the needs of the one you love above your own. Its just a thought.. please don't think I am being mean.. Its just I've been there :(

Good luck... keep us posted.
 
#6 ·
Breezy girl has valid points. I can feel the love u have for Bobo and the determination to do what is right for him. You are so young and have to also do what is right for you and your future. This is a lot for someone your age. You have your whole life in front of you. Maybe you should consider rehoming him. Not because you don't love him but because you do. You seem like a responsible young person. I just hope there is someone you can talk to about this. You are going through a lot yourself with your mother's marriage.
 
#8 ·
My heart goes out to both your pup & you. I agree with the the above posts. It is a lot of work taking care of a dog & not to mention the newness of moving out on your own. I remember how hard it was adjusting to living in a new place (I got married at 19 & by the time I was 20, I was living in England with my husband). With all that said, I've never been a believer in an outside dog as most of the outside dogs I saw were put out & the only time they had interaction was when someone would bring them out food & water. That always saddens me. My girls are strictly indoors (spoiled rotten) but with plenty of time outside for potty & play time. I wish you the best of luck.
 
#9 ·
Wow, I must say that you are very well spoken for a 16 year old and I admire your willingness to take on such responsibility.

Some valid points have already been made. You say you live in Illinois? Is the dog pen heated? I imagine it could get quite cold for a boxer there especially at night. At least he has the labs to keep him warm. Let's not even discuss the heat in the summer! ugh!

I agree with the others on it being a big responsibility moving out and taking care of a pet. And you will probably have to potty train him all over again too. Perhaps rehoming is the best option, or even foster care until you get settled into your new life.

Either way you will find a lot of helpful people here and very good advice so feel free to ask any questions you need answers to!

Good luck to you.
 
#10 ·
I agree with what the others have said here. Rehoming may be the best option, but it depends on how you adjust to college life and growing up. I say that because - I have always grown up around animals- my parents are both Veterinarians and I grew up on the farm. We had many many pet and lots of livestock. When I went to college I had a horrible time adjusting and meeting people, making friends. It was a lot diff than the small town I was used to. I was very lonely and was flunking out of college. By the spring of my freshman year I went and bought a Mini Schnauzer puppy and moved out of the dorms. I had $$ in savings but I knew I was going to have to start working in order for me to support this new puppy - my new baby. She sparked my life- because of her I was happier, healthier, got my grades up in school, exercised, and got a job- and at that job was where I met my hubby and a lot of the friends I would call family for so many yrs. because of this amazing dog I was able to finally be myself. College is a whole new world to take on, and who knows how things will happen. Rehoming may or may not be the best option but I'm glad you agree that outside is not the best option here. I would make a plan- knowing you may or may not have to rehome your dog. Your focus should be about yourself and your growth. You want to experience college to the fullest- once you get there and are fully emerged in college life, you will know what the right decision is. I hope your baby can come with you, but I don't know if that's the best option- only you will know - when it happens. We are here for you


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#11 ·
im sorry you have to go through this, but i think a serious talk with your mother and step father is needed, show them respectable research proving boxers dont belong outside. you could suggest that he is in your room only, anything is better than outside. I feel bad that this is the situation you are put in at such a young age but i would be standing up for what you believe in. You dont need to be harsh about it but simply explain with well researched information that your boxer should be brough inside. Illinois is way too cold to be outside in winter months and def. not a place to be in the sumemr for him. he needs to be cooled and warm when needed.

I wish you the best luck on this situation and glad you came to the forum asking for help, there are really well educated dog and boxer lovers here you will learn alot about the breed and how to be a good mom to your baby. Keep us posted on what is going on. also would love pics of your baby
 
#12 ·
Thank you all so much for the support and help. I feel a little less lost now. I wrote out a persuasive essay, asking my mom if he can come inside with me as long as I
take full responsibility for him, and emailed it to her. I did this because if I tried to talk to her I'd stop talking at the first disapproving look, and I need her to know how I feel. So, seeing as how my request will likely be denied, does anyone know where I could find someone who would be happy to add a two year old male, neutered boxer to their family? I'll post pictures here in the next few days if I'm not grounded. I want him to be happy, and while we share a bond, he does not belong outside, and I am willing to give him up for the sake of his health and happiness, so, if any of you could point me in a good direction to someone near the southern Illinois area who would give him a good home, please let me know.
 
#14 ·
Oh I admire your respect for your mom.. in terms of sending your words in an email. Much more productive, then arguing with her. I hope that she hears your valid points. We are all here to support you in anyway you can. You are a strong person, That will benefit you large in life! Good luck and keep us posted. :)
 
#15 ·
I am wishing you luck and I am very proud of the way you are handling this. You have a good head on your shoulders and a good heart. I hope you don't need to part with bobo and your mom will let him inside. Let's see how it goes. She may surprise you.
 
#16 ·
Great way to get your points across and so u can be heard fully. I am glad you chose to write it out and hope your mom can see your valid points and please keep us posted. If you're mom needs more validation show her around this forum it might inform her on some things. As others said you're a strong individual


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#18 ·
Hi, he does not have fleas at this time, but that just might be because it's winter. I can buy him a monthly flea treatment as long as it is not too expensive if I need to. There are no Boxer rescues in my area. The only thing around here is an "Animal Control Center" a.k.a... a pound, which my boy will never see, lol.
 
#19 ·
Her reply was that he cuddles up to the two labs when he gets cold, he doesn't get lonely because he's got them, and she won't let him in the house because he's not potty trained. I offered to let him go somewhere else and she said that no one will take him because he's not potty trained. I told her I would potty train him. Her response was to say he can't be potty trained and walk out... What do I do now?
 
#20 ·
Wow. I agree with everyone that you are way too young to have to be taking on this responsibility. I admire your respect and love for Bobo and think it's admirable that you respectfully stood up to your mother. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this, but I hope you are able to find a more suitable situation for Bobo. Someone would certainly be willing to potty train him. He is still pretty young - it wouldn't be like training a 7 year old dog who's stuck in his ways. I wish you good luck!!! I would take him if I lived near you. :)


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#21 ·
Firstly I love how well spoken you are and respectful! :) I am sorry that your stepdad is that way, but anyway I would absolutely take him with me, he may miss his buddies but he will get over it, I would do anything to get him out of the backyard. Just remember walks often, he will love that. And I forgot what else I was going to say if it comes back to me ill reply


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#23 ·
I wish I were closer. I'd take him. I just lost my senior rescue. I don't mean to pry, but is your dad around. Maybe he can help. Other family. I agree the animal control is put. Anybody on here from the area and know of a boxer rescue?
 
#35 ·
My dad lives in Utah. He's currently training his new Husky puppy and they already have a senior Boston Terrier. They have a small backyard and the weather conditions there are even more harsh than here. No, they wouldn't be able to handle potty training an adult dog. :/ If I gave him to my grandpa, Bobo'd also be an outside dog there too, and on a chain in a small radius at that. Even worse than the shock collar for a Boxer in my opinion. I could ask around to my friends, but the only friend I know of who has a big enough yard and might consider taking him has cats. Bobo chases cats. I have never seen him attack, though. Every time he gets close he just stares at it, but there's a time for everything.
 
#24 ·
I have uploaded some pictures of Bobo. They're in an album on my profile. I have yet to figure out how to post pictures in threads. I have also found a website for Boxer rescue in Illinois. You have no idea how hard it was for me to press the "post" button... I'll be happy when he's happy though.
 
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