Brand new boxer puppy added to my family. Could use some suggestions too.

[DeltaBeta479]

Hey guys this is officially my first post on the forum. I just got myself a 9 week old boxer puppy that I have decided to name Sergeant (Sarge for short). I have always wanted a boxer and I purchased him from a friend who had a litter awhile ago. He isn't a breeder so I don't have any papers on him but he looks absolutely beautiful. I eventually would like to get his ears cropped and would like input on this as well such as cost, upkeep, and if it would be ok for the pup and what age.

I would like to train him really well and I am going to do clicker training. I try to play with him as much as I can considering he will need the exercise anyway. I am 22 years old and about to graduate from college with my bachelors in May. I live in a two story condo and I like to run for exercise. Hopefully later on with sarge.

I want to know what the basics are for the puppy besides the obvious and what would be good to start him off in my life on a good foot. Ay input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance and I await ya'll replys.

[af_wx_wife]

Hi & Welcome from TX.

[Jen B]

WELCOME FROM LA!!!!!

Having a puppy is ALOT of work and I can tell you its ALL worth it. Just be careful with his joints going up and down the stairs. I wouldn't let him go up and down by himself, I would carry him.

I have 1 of my dogs ears cropped and the vet said they would only do it between certain ages. Its been about 4 years but if i remember correctly they had to be between the ages of 3-4 months. I think it looks amazing on Jaxon. It was ALOT of work on us and on him. I didn't do Belah. It would be a HARD decision if I had to do it again. Its WAY more work than you would think. Its not just clip and your done. It takes massaging, and meds, and wrapping, and re-wrapping. Its hard. But some think its worth it. Each dogs ears heal differently. I think it costs us about $350 by the time it was all done. Make sure you do your research on your local vets to decide on the best option. Remember cheaper is NOT always better.

As for the training, if you are training him yourself and not thru a puppy class all I can say is HAVE PATIENCE. Heck, even if your going thru a class they are a handfull. But again, so worth it!!!!

Hope to see pics of Sarge soon! We love pics!!!!!!!

[winnie]

Hi and welcome. I was introduced to the boxer breed when I was dating my husband. His family had boxers and they all had their ears done. It looked sharp. When we got our first baby....I just couldn't do it to him. I'm now hooked on floppy, so I can't offer advice on cropping. Agree about the steps and his joints. Carry the lil guy. Are you going to crate train him? Congrats on Sarge and post some photos!!!

[Future]

All vets are different but most will say between 8-12 weeks. Anything later and they won't do it.

[DeltaBeta479]

When you mean crate training are you referring to having him "do his business" in his crate? If so I was not planning on it. I'm already trying to get him in the habit of going potty before I put him in his cage (regardless of if I'm leaving the house or when we go to bed) and also going potty immediately after I remove him from his cage.

Another question I forgot to put previously is that I know they are going to chew a lot so I have a couple things for him to chew on. Since I will be mainly clicker train him (pos. reinforcement) is it bad to flick him on the nose if he chews on something other than what he is supposed to?

[Future]

They will chew up everything and anything. Lots of energy

[Michelle78]

Hi everyone


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[Breezygirl]

Originally Posted by DeltaBeta479

When you mean crate training are you referring to having him "do his business" in his crate? If so I was not planning on it. I'm already trying to get him in the habit of going potty before I put him in his cage (regardless of if I'm leaving the house or when we go to bed) and also going potty immediately after I remove him from his cage.

Another question I forgot to put previously is that I know they are going to chew a lot so I have a couple things for him to chew on. Since I will be mainly clicker train him (pos. reinforcement) is it bad to flick him on the nose if he chews on something other than what he is supposed to?

By crate training she means exactly what you are doing, Crate for bed and safety when you are unable to supervise him. I would never suggest flicking him on the nose!!!! You want him to trust and bond with you. Simple take away what he has and give him something he can have,.. once he takes the right toy in his mouth praise him!

Welcome and good luck with you new puppy! This is a great place for help and support! Cant wait to see pics

[Mom2Jax&Bay]

Hello and welcome from Texas.

Pics of the baby please...