New member and interested in getting a boxer... eventually.

Re: New member and interested in getting a boxer... eventual

Best way to find a good breeder is to contact a local boxer club or organization and ask them if you know of reputable breeders that may have litters in the near future.  Do your research.  Ask around.  Even go to dog shows if necessary.  When you find the right breeder, you will know.

I understand your concerns about "knowing what you're getting into," that was the same reason I got a puppy because this is my first boxer.  Now that I understand the breed a bit more, I do think my next one will be through a shelter.  Although boxers are a strong breed, I really believe they all have a wonderful temperament somewhere inside, and even if they have some behavioral problems, they can be trained out of them by a strong owner.  

So I don't think you should feel guilty if you don't go through a shelter.  It's more important that you don't bite off more than you can chew.  And as you said yourself, boxers are prone to many medical problems, and it's helpful to know their bloodlines.  

I would suggest trying to find some adult boxers to spend time with, whether it's visiting breeders, or going to dog shows, or find boxer playdates online and just going there.  If you've owned rotties and pittbulls, I don't think they are going to be to much to handle, but it's nice to see what you're in for.  Once concern I would have is whether you should be bringing a puppy into the home with a troubled pittbull.  That could be a dangerous situation.

Re: New member and interested in getting a boxer... eventual

Thank you all for the warm welcome.

I am very much interested in the breed and have family friends who own 2 from rescues.  This is an absolute wonderful breed.  

The situation I am in now is that my pit bull has turned DA as I have stated before. Right now I am not able to deal with the DA, not because I don't want to, but because my sister's dog has been seriously hurt by my dog Sadie.  This was an overnight awakening of Sadie, one wendesday they were sharing bones, laying on pillows together, swapping spit... then thursday she woke up and got a hold of Mookie (golden)'s ear/side of head, and wouldn't let go until I pryed her mouth open.  Normally, crate and rotate is what is required in this situation.. however my sister is mentally challenged and is now fearful of Sadie.  I can not compromise my sisters wellbeing and her dog because of mine. I am more like a parent to my sister than a sister... so thats where my dilemia comes in.

I have an appointment for a Behavioralist to look at Sadie to see if she might turn human aggressive and to see what steps would be neccessary to fix her, if thats even possible.  If fixing her DA is not possible, there is someone who is more confident with the breed and can handle a DA dog because she would be the only dog in the household.  But first, to the behavioralist because I won't let her because tomorrows news. I am protecting her. Also, I have told him if he cannot keep her in the future that I get her back and I will have him sign a contract.

I am tossing the idea that if she is rehomed, that is the only way I will get a boxer - at least until DA is worked on completely. I won't bring in another dog until this problem is fixed.

I'm tryign to be as mature and responsible as possible about this.. how am I doing? lol.

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And yay for having someone from Scranton here also! Have you ever brought her into the Petsmart in Wilkes-Barre.. I work there and get to play with lots of Boxer puppies that come through.  :-D I heart me some boxer puppies. hehe.

Re: New member and interested in getting a boxer... eventual

Just a thought.. has she been to the vet since the incident? Perhaps she is in pain, or has another medical condition that caused her to hurt the golden.  Some conditions such as Cushings disease cause sudden aggression in dogs.  

How badly was the golden hurt? Are both dogs close to the same age, or one of them just coming into adulthood?  That would explain a fight for dominance, if thats what it was. Dog aggression is something very different from human aggression, so I would not think that would be a problem.  Pit bulls especially have been bred to be people-friendly. Hopefully the behaviorist can find the cause or trigger of the aggression and help you to work through it if it is not medical.

My girl, Delilah will snap over food or bones, but doesn't hurt Felix- she is just telling him to back off.  At any rate I don't allow them to have bones close to each other.

I am also 23 I think you are doing very well in taking care of your current dog first.  I couldn't imagine having to give up my dogs (Delilah is also dog aggressive, but gets along with Felix) but then again, your situation is vastly different from mine- so no judgment here if you did have to rehome her as an only dog.

I hope you are able to keep Sadie, and if you do- perhaps your sister's fears can be overcome with the help of a counselor.

Re: New member and interested in getting a boxer... eventual

She hasn't been to the vet since the incident, I was also wondering if it could possibly be a medical issue, but she was to the vet 2 months ago for a check-up and shots and they didn't see anything.  This all started with her in about August.. but it was more aimed towards my mom's rottie.  It's only been lately that she has been picking on the golden. They are about 6 months apart, Mookie (golden) turned 2 in November and Sadie will be 2 in May.  She is coming into adulthood and I know DA shows its ugly head around this time in pit bulls.  I belong to a Pit bull forum also and all they ever tell me is "Welcome to the world of Dog Aggression" and "Crate and rotate".. but they don't seem to have any other advice besides that.  So any advice on dealing with a DA dog in a multi-dog household? I'll take any type of advice and run with it - promise. lol.

Mookie's ear was pierced in a few places but nothing too tragic - she was on antibotics and the vet didn't want to stitch or anything because of the odd location.  Basically, the scuffle happened on my sisters bed, no true signs of triggers that I could see, but there still had to be one of course.  Sadie grabbed Mookie's ear and clamped down, jumped off the bed and froze once Mookie started screaming.  I can stick my hands in her mouth when she's at this stage and she never redirects as I try to pry her mouth open. I'm investing in a breakstick.  The only thing that actually got Sadie off of Mookie was my sister throwing iced tea in her face.  They have never fought over food or bones, they would wait on the floor next to each other for an okay before eating and everything.  

And ick - Behavioralists are expensive!! The guy who is the only one that'll work on pits and recommended by my vet costs $100 a session! Ugh!!! Oh well - she's work it.