[Matt74]

Was just curious if any members on here have had male boxers left intact their entire lives.

Reason I ask, is because I saw research involving boxers where they recommended waiting till full skeletal maturity and less instances of common boxer issues. So I'm at the point of where I was going to get him neutered and I'm thinking what is the point.

Iv'e heard all the warnings of, aggression, dominance, mounting, etc. and I can say Zuke has none of those issues.

So is there really any reason to get it done? Because it sounds like the benefits of staying intact out way neutering.

 

[bte2]

I personally would not. But I'm sure you will get a bit of push back if you decide not to.
The way I look at it, if I have my dog under control and isn't left outside for hours on end... there shouldn't be any problem.

 

[Lindar51]

I have also researched as so has my vet who is now good with not neutering until 12-18 months, once the bone growth plates have set. There is also significant research on cancer and behavior. When I was your neutering/spaying was basically unheard of so were all the illnesses and behavior & joint problems in dogs. I have a male st poodle pup. I haven't decided what I will do. I'm leaning toward neuter @ 2. We shall see. And I am learning more about desexing rather than neuter but I haven't enough info on that yet. I think if as a family you are responsible that your dogs does not get the opportunity to run get loose you are safe not to neuter however many people just leave their dogs outside where they can jump fences, or gates left open they should be neutered. The whole neutering/spayng became popular because of over population of pets.

 

[Matt74]

Thanks Brian and Lindar.

My vet tried to get me to do it at 6 months, I told her don't even bother asking till he turns 2. Well 2 is here and i'm pretty sure I'm not going to do it.

The only time he is unsupervised is if he is in a locked house. So I will say there is no chance of an accidental breeding. I think he is more interested in playing anyway. My neighbors female GSD(fixed) kept turning and backing her butt into Zuke, and Zuke would just keep running around to her face, he wanted nothing to do with any of it. lol

 

[Matt74]

Also the 2 biggest pain in the ass dominant dogs in my neighborhood are both males that were neutered. I'm beginning to believe neutered or intact has nothing to do with dominance.

 

[bte2]

Also the 2 biggest pain in the ass dominant dogs in my neighborhood are both males that were neutered. I'm beginning to believe neutered or intact has nothing to do with dominance.

Ding, Ding, Ding... we have a winner! ..:cheers:

 

[chip18]

Time flies doesn't it??? You've done your job well ... so your option is what is best for my dog?? You got it right so "Job Well Done."

That said ... since I "unintentionally" Proofed the concept of "Neutering" will fix issues, I'll share my observations with that as a solution. LOL and most likely ... you know where this is heading?? And my answer, observation and experience is uh ... "NO," it won't!

Neutering to fix "Behavioural Issues" is usually the first resort of the desperate??? And typically it makes ... no difference??? We don't really see a lot of "Bad Dog" Boxers on here ?? Dogs with serious "I'm gonna hurt somebody or cause injury to my owner because I am such a tool dogs on here??? But on GermanshepardForum, we did!

Day after Day ... Week after Week, they rolled in all the time! It never ended and usually, getting them "Fixed" would be suggested ... LOL yeah ... "Good Luck" with that ... I would say.

AFAIK, the biggest PIA Dominate Male Dog, I was aware of in my neighborhood was uh mine??? He was a foster fail that I got at 7 months and he was already "Fixed" when I got him. And being "Fixed" did not mean "Crap to him???"

Most likely he was fixed at 6 months?? So myth one dispelled ... stunted growth??? At 116 lbs, 8 months later or so he was ... way oversize ... so that did not happen (stunted growth) ??? And then we had the Pack fights with my other Dominate Neutered males (and my trip to the ER breaking up one of those fights) and the out right hostility to uh "everyone" aside from me and my wife ... he was not a fan of people!

In theory ... since he was "fixed" he should have been "No big deal??" And a "Wobble Dog" on top of everything else ... so "he should have been safe enough??? Clearly such was not the case??? Oh well it worked out well in the long run! Most likely, I put to much faith "unknowingly" in the "neutering thing" so I was kinda slow to see issues developing??"

And ironically enough and although I did not do the other dog thing ... he got along great with unknown dogs??? Enough so that I understand why a lot of trainers use GSD's and Mal's in there rehab work with aggressive dogs! I've not seen anyone I follow use a Boxer in that work??? Personally I feel ... that if a Mal, can do that work then so can a Boxer??? Both are kinda pigged head and stubborn but I have never had a Mal ... so I don't know???

At any rate it's your call as to "fixed" or not??? I think I'd vote no myself? Now if you decide later on to add a girl ... Boxer or GSD, that might be a different issue???

 

[chip18]

I have also researched as so has my vet who is now good with not neutering until 12-18 months, once the bone growth plates have set. There is also significant research on cancer and behavior. When I was your neutering/spaying was basically unheard of so were all the illnesses and behavior & joint problems in dogs. I have a male st poodle pup. I haven't decided what I will do. I'm leaning toward neuter @ 2. We shall see. And I am learning more about desexing rather than neuter but I haven't enough info on that yet. I think if as a family you are responsible that your dogs does not get the opportunity to run get loose you are safe not to neuter however many people just leave their dogs outside where they can jump fences, or gates left open they should be neutered. The whole neutering/spayng became popular because of over population of pets.

Desexing is a thing, but it's kinda of expensive and not very common??

Most likely to have it done would be a "road trip??" And unless I missed it?? You have not yet posted a picture of the new puppy yet??? So what's the deal?? Are you hanging out on a "Poodle forum??'

You have friends here and we'd like to see your new dog! Heck one of my lifetime favorite dogs from childhood, is a "Basset Hound!" Don't know if I ever will get one?? But I think they are cool!

 

[Matt74]

Ding, Ding, Ding... we have a winner! ..:cheers:

lol!

 

[Matt74]

Time flies doesn't it??? You've done your job well ... so your option is what is best for my dog?? You got it right so "Job Well Done."

That said ... since I "unintentionally" Proofed the concept of "Neutering" will fix issues, I'll share my observations with that as a solution. LOL and most likely ... you know where this is heading?? And my answer, observation and experience is uh ... "NO," it won't!

Neutering to fix "Behavioural Issues" is usually the first resort of the desperate??? And typically it makes ... no difference??? We don't really see a lot of "Bad Dog" Boxers on here ?? Dogs with serious "I'm gonna hurt somebody or cause injury to my owner because I am such a tool dogs on here??? But on GermanshepardForum, we did!

Day after Day ... Week after Week, they rolled in all the time! It never ended and usually, getting them "Fixed" would be suggested ... LOL yeah ... "Good Luck" with that ... I would say.

AFAIK, the biggest PIA Dominate Male Dog, I was aware of in my neighborhood was uh mine??? He was a foster fail that I got at 7 months and he was already "Fixed" when I got him. And being "Fixed" did not mean "Crap to him???"

Most likely he was fixed at 6 months?? So myth one dispelled ... stunted growth??? At 116 lbs, 8 months later or so he was ... way oversize ... so that did not happen (stunted growth) ??? And then we had the Pack fights with my other Dominate Neutered males (and my trip to the ER breaking up one of those fights) and the out right hostility to uh "everyone" aside from me and my wife ... he was not a fan of people!

In theory ... since he was "fixed" he should have been "No big deal??" And a "Wobble Dog" on top of everything else ... so "he should have been safe enough??? Clearly such was not the case??? Oh well it worked out well in the long run! Most likely, I put to much faith "unknowingly" in the "neutering thing" so I was kinda slow to see issues developing??"

And ironically enough and although I did not do the other dog thing ... he got along great with unknown dogs??? Enough so that I understand why a lot of trainers use GSD's and Mal's in there rehab work with aggressive dogs! I've not seen anyone I follow use a Boxer in that work??? Personally I feel ... that if a Mal, can do that work then so can a Boxer??? Both are kinda pigged head and stubborn but I have never had a Mal ... so I don't know???

At any rate it's your call as to "fixed" or not??? I think I'd vote no myself? Now if you decide later on to add a girl ... Boxer or GSD, that might be a different issue???

It really does fly. It feels like just a few months ago I was getting him, and now I'm like "holy cow he is 2 already!".

I'm guessing like Lindar pointed out the original reason for neuter/spay was because of over population and strays. Thats a noble cause and I would say its probably not a bad idea for most people. It would be interesting to know when all the other things got added to it. Less aggressive, less dominance, better behavior, etc.... almost like they were trying to scare people into getting the dog fixed and there was no other option.

As for another pup Chip, I know I said I would like to get another Boxer or GSD when he was about 2 or 3, but after doing careful research and how much time this guy still takes up with my day, it will definitely be closer to when he is either 4-5. lol

It will be a male for sure. Nothing against female dogs but I get the males and the GF gets the females. lol

 

[chip18]

It really does fly. It feels like just a few months ago I was getting him, and now I'm like "holy cow he is 2 already!".

I'm guessing like Lindar pointed out the original reason for neuter/spay was because of over population and strays. Thats a noble cause and I would say its probably not a bad idea for most people. It would be interesting to know when all the other things got added to it. Less aggressive, less dominance, better behavior, etc.... almost like they were trying to scare people into getting the dog fixed and there was no other option.

As for another pup Chip, I know I said I would like to get another Boxer or GSD when he was about 2 or 3, but after doing careful research and how much time this guy still takes up with my day, it will definitely be closer to when he is either 4-5. lol

It will be a male for sure. Nothing against female dogs but I get the males and the GF gets the females. lol

Aww well never say never.

Lindar makes some good points and what she laid is why I got my first dog, my Band Dog fixed at one year. That's what your supposed to do?? I had no idea, they were gonna cut his freaking nut's off??? I was not happy!!! But whatever he was fine.

Now Struddell ... well my "Baby Girl!" She was 4 or 5 before I had her fixed. And it took that long because I was terrified of having her put under! The ACE and Boxer thing. I asked my vet about "ACE" and Boxers first and he said "No problem" we will use something else." That part worked out fine.

But I only did it (had her fixed) because I thought that is what responsible dogs owners do?? I had no idea that what responsible dog owners do is what I had been doing for uh ... years! They keep there intact female from getting pregnant???

Struddell came through the procedure just fine! If she was a tool before the procedure, she was still a tool afterwards ... nothing changed.

But I was a wreck, because I did not really want to have it done??? And I did not understand at the time, that I was already doing what a responsible dog owner with a intact dog was already doing ... keep there intact female from getting pregnant?? In my defense ... that was just a by product of my "being uh extremely anal" as regards unknown dogs???

If you have a "NO unknown" dog policy, then your intact female ... is not gonna get pregnant, anyway?? In any case with "Struddell" after being fixed ... nothing changed. She was still just as goofy and silly as always. But I felt guilty for having put her through that, even though she did not seem to care??

The only thing I would have to say that might be applicable ... is I guess I'm a "Male Chauvinist Pig???" I like big dogs and usually that means "males??" But "Boxers" LOL ... I luv the girls! They seem to be , pig Headed, Stubborn and seriously goofy!! They are not "eager to please!" Cause you know "whatever it is you want to do?? Is not as much fun as what I want to do??"

With Boxers ... the girls are uh ... "Different??" And keeping two intact dogs in the same household ... would be a different level of challenge???

I have never done that myself, but my next Boxer will be a female and she will not be fixed ... ever! Her buddy will be a male of whatever breed??? I don't know?? So I will have see how that works out???


Aww well rambling again I suppose?? But to the point, for you and your dog right now , I'd say NO, need to fix. Your already doing what a responsible dog owner should be doing.

 

[Lindar51]

Desexing is a thing, but it's kinda of expensive and not very common??

Most likely to have it done would be a "road trip??" And unless I missed it?? You have not yet posted a picture of the new puppy yet??? So what's the deal?? Are you hanging out on a "Poodle forum??'

You have friends here and we'd like to see your new dog! Heck one of my lifetime favorite dogs from childhood, is a "Basset Hound!" Don't know if I ever will get one?? But I think they are cool!

How did I not post a picture??? I have just been so busy with him I guess so here we go This is him at 16 weeks, he is now 17 weeks

He has been a handful but we are seeing light. You think boxer puppies are bouncy..well ya gotta meet this guy. Kai is a laid back boy compared to "Renn". However he is housebroken, sits, down...walks on loose lead, most times and waits. He will wait for food etc. but working at doorways.He is still mouthy but improving. He no longer is making me bleed, accidental of course his teeth are so sharp and he runs with mouth open. He has excellent recall, which I think is due to him being very bonded to me. He is good in his crate. I would like him to play with the boxer but the Kai was being abused by those shark teeth, he just stands there while puppy biting him but..Kai, the boxer loves this little guy and I see improvement. He always has his leash attached so I can quickly make corrections. We started puppy kindergarten, he already knows the stuff they are doing but he needs the social end. In the beginning I though what did I do, what did I get myself into but now I am pretty happy. We will have our moments I'm sure but as long as we keep at it we will in the end have a good companion. Oh and he weighs 30 lbs already.

 

[CynBoxerMom]

How did I not post a picture??? I have just been so busy with him I guess so here we go This is him at 16 weeks, he is now 17 weeks
View attachment 123945

He has been a handful but we are seeing light. You think boxer puppies are bouncy..well ya gotta meet this guy. Kai is a laid back boy compared to "Renn". However he is housebroken, sits, down...walks on loose lead, most times and waits. He will wait for food etc. but working at doorways.He is still mouthy but improving. He no longer is making me bleed, accidental of course his teeth are so sharp and he runs with mouth open. He has excellent recall, which I think is due to him being very bonded to me. He is good in his crate. I would like him to play with the boxer but the Kai was being abused by those shark teeth, he just stands there while puppy biting him but..Kai, the boxer loves this little guy and I see improvement. He always has his leash attached so I can quickly make corrections. We started puppy kindergarten, he already knows the stuff they are doing but he needs the social end. In the beginning I though what did I do, what did I get myself into but now I am pretty happy. We will have our moments I'm sure but as long as we keep at it we will in the end have a good companion. Oh and he weighs 30 lbs already.

He's adorable!

 

[CynBoxerMom]

Was just curious if any members on here have had male boxers left intact their entire lives.

Reason I ask, is because I saw research involving boxers where they recommended waiting till full skeletal maturity and less instances of common boxer issues. So I'm at the point of where I was going to get him neutered and I'm thinking what is the point.

Iv'e heard all the warnings of, aggression, dominance, mounting, etc. and I can say Zuke has none of those issues.

So is there really any reason to get it done? Because it sounds like the benefits of staying intact out way neutering.

I struggled with this when our older boys were about 6 months old. We were told the same thing about aggression if they don't get fixed.... Obviously I can't say they would have been different if we did not get them fixed, however, I strongly believe they have their own personalities regardless.

Jax, my brindle alpha has always been the dominant one, he barks, he used to like other dogs but now is very picky.

Tundra, his fawn brother, is super laid back, likes being indoors more, loves pillows and cuddling, he gets along with other dogs so long as they aren't aggressive and scare him.

Bandit, our 1 year-old had not descended (had cryptorchidism) We waited until he was about 8 months to neuter him. Hindsight is 20/20 and I wish we would have waited on his neuter. That's a longer story.... but based on what we researched, there are cancer and other risks to waiting to neuter in this condition. Some of the data also said they may become more aggressive due to the testicles being internal which could cause higher testosterone levels. True he is still a puppy, but we didn't see any decline in his hyperactivity, barking or encouraging his brothers to play with him.
He is becoming more of a cuddler, but I think that's him aging and continuing to find his place in the pack.

They all love people, have typical boxer traits overall, but they for sure each have their own personalities that I don't think neutering has changed.

Sounds like you are being a responsible owner and you have to do what is right for you and Zuke.

 

[chip18]

I struggled with this when our older boys were about 6 months old. We were told the same thing about aggression if they don't get fixed.... Obviously I can't say they would have been different if we did not get them fixed, however, I strongly believe they have their own personalities regardless.

Jax, my brindle alpha has always been the dominant one, he barks, he used to like other dogs but now is very picky.

Tundra, his fawn brother, is super laid back, likes being indoors more, loves pillows and cuddling, he gets along with other dogs so long as they aren't aggressive and scare him.

Bandit, our 1 year-old had not descended (had cryptorchidism) We waited until he was about 8 months to neuter him. Hindsight is 20/20 and I wish we would have waited on his neuter. That's a longer story.... but based on what we researched, there are cancer and other risks to waiting to neuter in this condition. Some of the data also said they may become more aggressive due to the testicles being internal which could cause higher testosterone levels. True he is still a puppy, but we didn't see any decline in his hyperactivity, barking or encouraging his brothers to play with him.
He is becoming more of a cuddler, but I think that's him aging and continuing to find his place in the pack.

They all love people, have typical boxer traits overall, but they for sure each have their own personalities that I don't think neutering has changed.

Sounds like you are being a responsible owner and you have to do what is right for you and Zuke.

WOW three Boxers??? That is an impressive amount of ... "Boxerish" for a non Breeder! But all Boy's ... LOL, your missing a "big part" of the Boxer experience.

The boy's are a piece of cake. IE ... eager to please, you! The girls ... not so much??? Way, way back in the day ... when I got Struddell ... I wanted a boy! Specifically, I wanted the boy standing on top of the pile of puppies barking his head off! Now that I felt ... was a dog! But all the males were take???

So I chose, the puppy that climbed out of the pile, came to me, sat in my lab and did not move?? And then mom came up and did likewise??? She planted herself next to me and did not move??? She climbed into my lap and promptly fell asleep???

I wanted a male dog but Struddell and mom ... chose me??? I remember thinking well this one is a "Ball Dynamite" ... "NOT!" But I wanted a "White Boxer! So screw it ... I'll take this one?? LOL ... that was "apparently" the only moment of calmness, in Struddell's life??

I do remember reading, the girls are different?? Rare among dogs ... in Boxers, the females are the more "Domaniate" of the two sexs?? Well whatever ... I wanted a White Boxer and whatever a girl it would be?? So I'll take this little White Boxer of Dynamite ... Not!

LOL ... I got "Schooled!" For all I know ... Struddell ... had actually been acting like an A Hole ... all day long??? And when I came over she was exhausted???

But after a day of rest .... I saw the real real puppy when I brought her home?? Pig headed and stubborn! Or as I am want to say, "well whatever it is you want me to do, is not as much as fun as what I want to do!" Mr Toads "Wild Ride" ... here come!!

Now with my first GSD ... I got sandbagged??? But my first Boxer ... I knew what what was up?? And I had read that the girls were uh ... different?? Pigged headed to the max! "Whatever it is you want me to do?? Is not as much fun as whatever it is I want to do!

I still remember .... whatever command, I was trying for, the upteenth time! And I could see the little wheels spinning in her head spin and "Boom" there it was! Instant compliance and from that day forward ... "Struddell" became a piece of a cake!

From that point on she was spectacular! But it was work to get there! In rescue work, with Boxers ... I always get males?? And whatever there issues are ... they are easy to train?? Pretty much spectacularly so far for ...me.

But I have not had the chance to work with a girl in rescue??? The boy's, want to do whatever makes you happy! The girls want to do whatever makes them happy.

It does seem to be a thing?? And the only Boxer I have met that you would not want your dog to meet in a Dog Park (which I don't go to) ... was a Girl!
She was a "Flashy" and safely contained behind, a fence on leash with owner present ... she stared at "Rocky" ... 116 lbs of Male Over Size Working Line GSD ... like he was "Raw Meat! I was stunned??? Long way of saying ... the girls are different???

But whatever ... and even though as a general rule I like big dogs. My next bigger is stil gonna be girl! i find them kinda cool!

 

[chip18]

It really does fly. It feels like just a few months ago I was getting him, and now I'm like "holy cow he is 2 already!".

I'm guessing like Lindar pointed out the original reason for neuter/spay was because of over population and strays. Thats a noble cause and I would say its probably not a bad idea for most people. It would be interesting to know when all the other things got added to it. Less aggressive, less dominance, better behavior, etc.... almost like they were trying to scare people into getting the dog fixed and there was no other option.

As for another pup Chip, I know I said I would like to get another Boxer or GSD when he was about 2 or 3, but after doing careful research and how much time this guy still takes up with my day, it will definitely be closer to when he is either 4-5. lol

It will be a male for sure. Nothing against female dogs but I get the males and the GF gets the females. lol

Hmm ... well sadly dogs don't live that long.

So forget the neturing thing. I think if your hesitant (Now) ... it's not really about your current dogs age?? It's more about screwing up what you have now??? It's a pretaint point right and right now your dynamics are idea! And if you add another dog ... is it gonna screw up what you have now???

I'm not in "lecture mode" as it were ... but I was where you are! And generally speaking ... when I had only my first dog ... my "formerly" DA ... American Band Dawg and added my first dog APBT/Boxer mix (sigh another male) I could not have been happier! That could not have worked out better!

Gunther luv'ed his new pal! Generally speaking "two dogs" are no big deal! Boy are girl ... I doubt you will have issues??? Two dogs are a "Pair" ... three dogs are a "Pack!!!" Three dogs and dog number three is ... where you could have "issues??!" Two Dog are a pair" three dogs are "pack!" Crap changes with three! And if dog number three is a "GSD???" Well one best have there crap together! Lesson learned... the hard way!

But you have one dog. So your concern I would think??? Is ... if I add another dog, is it going to screw up what I have now??? Well you know ... crap free ... possibly??? But ... Boy or girl, most likely not?? The first rule before adding a second dog ... is to have one well trained dog before adding a second dog! And near as I can tell ... you already have that???

So I would say ... you are good to go, if you want to add a second dog ... now??? Your current dog is not really a issue?? It sounds like you've done well with him and he will help you train your other dog!!

So much so, that you will have to be careful! Dog number two ... will cue off your first dog! You will have to train(the second dog) separately or you will think ... that he/she understands things that they do not! They will cue of the first dog! I saw that happen myself and I got lucky, car door think. When I took Struddell out without Gunther ... I got lucky, my bad!

So just saying ... two to three years from "now" is a long time in dog's year! Screwing up what you have now is a big deal! But generally speaking if one "already has one well trained dog" then adding a second dog ... is no big deal?? Now if you want to add a third dog and it's a GSD??? LOL well then one beat have there crap together, ... lesson learned on that one! Just my thoughts.

 

[chip18]

How did I not post a picture??? I have just been so busy with him I guess so here we go This is him at 16 weeks, he is now 17 weeks
View attachment 123945

He has been a handful but we are seeing light. You think boxer puppies are bouncy..well ya gotta meet this guy. Kai is a laid back boy compared to "Renn". However he is housebroken, sits, down...walks on loose lead, most times and waits. He will wait for food etc. but working at doorways.He is still mouthy but improving. He no longer is making me bleed, accidental of course his teeth are so sharp and he runs with mouth open. He has excellent recall, which I think is due to him being very bonded to me. He is good in his crate. I would like him to play with the boxer but the Kai was being abused by those shark teeth, he just stands there while puppy biting him but..Kai, the boxer loves this little guy and I see improvement. He always has his leash attached so I can quickly make corrections. We started puppy kindergarten, he already knows the stuff they are doing but he needs the social end. In the beginning I though what did I do, what did I get myself into but now I am pretty happy. We will have our moments I'm sure but as long as we keep at it we will in the end have a good companion. Oh and he weighs 30 lbs already.

LOL so ... he finally shows up.

Dog number one on the top of Dog IQ charts! Personally I think those top five dogs are "PIA's!" But Poodles are not really know for HA so your good there.

Soo ... it's a Poodle ... it's kinda different here??? Sooo ... I have to ask ... are you gonna "Rock this this look for your guy??

I'm not a Poodle guy ... but if I were?? This would be something I'd, do so ... I'm just asking. He's a handsome guy in any case! Thanks for posting.

 

[Lindar51]

Thank you all. I have no idea of which look he will have as he ages. More than likely whatever is less work for me..I'm getting old. LOL

 

[Matt74]

I struggled with this when our older boys were about 6 months old. We were told the same thing about aggression if they don't get fixed.... Obviously I can't say they would have been different if we did not get them fixed, however, I strongly believe they have their own personalities regardless.

Jax, my brindle alpha has always been the dominant one, he barks, he used to like other dogs but now is very picky.

Tundra, his fawn brother, is super laid back, likes being indoors more, loves pillows and cuddling, he gets along with other dogs so long as they aren't aggressive and scare him.

Bandit, our 1 year-old had not descended (had cryptorchidism) We waited until he was about 8 months to neuter him. Hindsight is 20/20 and I wish we would have waited on his neuter. That's a longer story.... but based on what we researched, there are cancer and other risks to waiting to neuter in this condition. Some of the data also said they may become more aggressive due to the testicles being internal which could cause higher testosterone levels. True he is still a puppy, but we didn't see any decline in his hyperactivity, barking or encouraging his brothers to play with him.
He is becoming more of a cuddler, but I think that's him aging and continuing to find his place in the pack.

They all love people, have typical boxer traits overall, but they for sure each have their own personalities that I don't think neutering has changed.

Sounds like you are being a responsible owner and you have to do what is right for you and Zuke.

3 boxers!lol, you must have the patience of a saint.

 

[Matt74]

Hmm ... well sadly dogs don't live that long.

So forget the neturing thing. I think if your hesitant (Now) ... it's not really about your current dogs age?? It's more about screwing up what you have now??? It's a pretaint point right and right now your dynamics are idea! And if you add another dog ... is it gonna screw up what you have now???

I'm not in "lecture mode" as it were ... but I was where you are! And generally speaking ... when I had only my first dog ... my "formerly" DA ... American Band Dawg and added my first dog APBT/Boxer mix (sigh another male) I could not have been happier! That could not have worked out better!

Gunther luv'ed his new pal! Generally speaking "two dogs" are no big deal! Boy are girl ... I doubt you will have issues??? Two dogs are a "Pair" ... three dogs are a "Pack!!!" Three dogs and dog number three is ... where you could have "issues??!" Two Dog are a pair" three dogs are "pack!" Crap changes with three! And if dog number three is a "GSD???" Well one best have there crap together! Lesson learned... the hard way!

But you have one dog. So your concern I would think??? Is ... if I add another dog, is it going to screw up what I have now??? Well you know ... crap free ... possibly??? But ... Boy or girl, most likely not?? The first rule before adding a second dog ... is to have one well trained dog before adding a second dog! And near as I can tell ... you already have that???

So I would say ... you are good to go, if you want to add a second dog ... now??? Your current dog is not really a issue?? It sounds like you've done well with him and he will help you train your other dog!!

So much so, that you will have to be careful! Dog number two ... will cue off your first dog! You will have to train(the second dog) separately or you will think ... that he/she understands things that they do not! They will cue of the first dog! I saw that happen myself and I got lucky, car door think. When I took Struddell out without Gunther ... I got lucky, my bad!

So just saying ... two to three years from "now" is a long time in dog's year! Screwing up what you have now is a big deal! But generally speaking if one "already has one well trained dog" then adding a second dog ... is no big deal?? Now if you want to add a third dog and it's a GSD??? LOL well then one beat have there crap together, ... lesson learned on that one! Just my thoughts.

It started as an age thing, where I didn't want to do it until he was fully mature. I guess you are right in a way though Chip, because there is a part of me that loves the way he is now after 2 years of training and I don't want any of that to change at all.

I pretty much made my decision I'm going to leave him intact. Should be a fun vet visit as his yearly is coming up and I know that will be the 1st thing she mentions. lol Although she did respect my opinion when I told her that I was firm on at least waiting till he was 2, and she never brought it up.

As for bringing in another pup, I figure waiting at least another year will be best for both of us. There are still things we are fine tuning, off leash work, concentrating on me when there are distractions, etc. I would like to have those areas of training a bit better before I add another ball of crazy.