My husband wants to get a Boxer. She is house trained and spayed. My concern is we have a 5 month old daughter and a 15 month old daughter. Is this type of dog okay for them? I have done a bit of research online but I thought I'd ask and see if anyone can give me advice who actually has experience with this. Will it be hard to get them used to each other? Will it be safe to have my children around the dog in the meantime?
Thanks.
2007-01-03 16:03:56 · 25 answers · asked by mrsbratt 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Everyone is saying no right off the bat, but do you have any experience supporting your answer? That is what I am wanting to know. Everything I've read says that these dogs are safe. They aren't like the Pitt Bulls that will attack you out of nowhere, come on people. Give me some facts.
2007-01-03 16:07:57 · update #1
It is a personality thing. I have raised my kids with pets... There are 2 things that are very important.. no matter what the size of the pet or the kid
1) Dont' leave your kid alone with the pet ever ever ever.. until you trust the pet. Test her out, see if you can take a bone from her. Pick up the kid and ignore the dog and see if it gets mad at the kid... Watch them closely.... it depends on the dog
2) Don't leave your kid alone with the pet ever ever ever... until your kids are trained to be nice to animals... Even nice animals that love kids will bite that 25'th time the kid pulled their ear... Teach your kid not to pull, kick, or hang onto the hair while it is trying to get away. Not to feed it when you are not there. And not to restrain the pet or try to (a boxer is a bit big for that). It depends on the kid.
I always keep in mind that they fight like kids.. kids will try and dress the dog in pony tails and shirts and having fun.. when the dog is tired of it and tries to leave and the kid jumps on him and the dog snaps (my dog will snap, but NEVER bite.. it is his way of saying enough! and my kid knows that is how he talks... but he never bites). My kid will come running in, 'the dog bite me'. She has no marks and I saw what happened. She didn't get her own way with the dog... I don't always take her side. It is a sibling thing....
I think it will be fine. Boxers are cool and good with kids that I have seen... Just be careful with any pet. I am at first until that trust is there. I have not had a bad experience with my dogs or cats with my kids....:)
2007-01-03 16:12:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
IF TRAINED properly any dog is good with children, some dogs being better suited with children than others.
However NO DOG irregardless of training or breed, should ever be left with a child for any reason. As dogs can be very unpredictable (as is children), and should always be supervised around children.
I know of a family who had a beautifully trained boxer cross. The dog mauled and killed the 8 month old infant, they had stepped out of the lounge room into the hall to grab the phone, turned around to find the dog attacking the infant.
The poor parents were devastated and felt that they were to blame, but were found not to be negligent by investigating police.
Sorry about the links but they will help you decide what is best breed dog, and how to prevent an accident.
Children need to learn how to look after pets, and it a good experience, but I personally would wait until the children are old enough to know how to look after a pet, around 4-5 years of age.
1. Because they are able to push the dog away
2. They are able to move away from the dog if needed
3. Are able to call for help
2007-01-03 16:58:54 · answer #2 · answered by reka_poti 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have the dog temperament tested before bringing it home to your children. It isn't so much about the breed as it is the size and you would want to be assured that the dog is well adjusted and safe around children. Does she guard her food if someone comes near the bowl? A child crawling near by could be mauled or badly bitten if she does. This is just an example. I had a German Shepherd dog that was extremely safe around children. The toddler could crawl up to the bowl and stick it's hand in her mouth while she was eating and be safe. Not that I ever encouraged that for hygiene! lol
But the point is, this is a full grown dog and you don't know the temperament. It may be real sweet when you are around for a visit but you don't know how it might act if stressed. Boxers can be great around children but the temperament test is something you really should get done.
2007-01-03 16:39:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had dogs around me my whole life and from my personal experience I would have to say that it really depends. Boxers can get to a pretty big size. The fact that the dog is a year old you have to evaluate how the dog was raised before you aquire the dog. The way any animal is raised depends the outcome of the dogs temperments and reactions to others. My advice would to be to get a boxer as a puppie so you can train the dog at a younger age to adapt to your life style. Even though you may know the people that raised the animal you can never be for sure on how they raise the animal when people are not around. I hope this helps.
2007-01-03 16:09:00 · answer #4 · answered by Mr.Archie G 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'm glad you asked. I have 7 boxers, They are the BEST BREED FOR KIDS. I really don't like the males too much for children, but the females are great. I started breeding boxers, then other family members and friends feel in love with the breed and got pups too.We have children, my sister has a boxer and has a 1 year old. all the people i sold to have children and are in love with the breed too. your get the best of both worlds with this breed. they will never snap at your children, even when the kids pull their ears and ect... Very friendly and outgoing outside of the home, but when in their house, very protective of the family.Mainly the children, Even will get between you and the kids if you are yelling at them or spanking them, but will never bite you, just in the way so to speak. Just make sure the one you get is use to children, 99 % of boxers love children, 100% of boxers love children if they are use to them.they are very head strong and you have to teach the who's boss, if thats all done it will be not a dog, but a family member. I had dogs until i got a boxer.Boxers are family members
2007-01-03 16:27:57 · answer #5 · answered by Vikki M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rats are good because they can be quite amusing and cute and funny sometimes, I suggest something that you are also very keen on because at that age they dont know how to be very responsible yet so as long as you can fully take care of it and make sure its loved and all. Mice are also quite good but maybe too small for the wee ones. No life should be easily replaceable though, My wee ferret just died a week ago and I'm still devastated now cause I loved him so much as a pet, they're wonderful and beautiful creatures but I do not recommend them for young children cause they can nip as kits, and they are extremely playful energetic creatures who need loooads of attention every single day and are extremely fragile so for kids that may not be good The description of the pet you want is kinda a bit too limited so I cant suggest many things else besides rodents.
2016-05-23 01:29:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
BEST ANSWER!!!!
I've rescued & re-homed a few boxers. Straight facts are: they are no more prone to attack than any other breed, but because of their size they can do serious harm if they do. Actually, from my experience would probably be very protective of your home & family.
My real concern is the age of your kids-boxers are very energetic & can be rowdy when playful, easily knocking down toddlers.
I loved my boxers, but would not let small kids (<75 lbs) pet or play with them.
If you keep the dog & kids separated until kids grow should be no prob. By separated I mean let them get to know each other but supervised with you holding kids, not just turned loose in living room or yard.
2007-01-03 20:24:11 · answer #7 · answered by realh2h 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
These people must hear the word boxer and think pit bull.... I have a boxer, a chihuahua, 3 kitties, a 18 month old, and a 4 year old. I see no reason why you cant live together with out conflict. The kids always and i mean ALWAYS are climbing on the boxer poking at him pulling on his hair. etc.. we have never had an issue. Our boxer gets along with everone in the house including the other animal babies.. Not to mention that boxers are one of the few dogs that can pick up if someone is going to have a seizer... They may look mean but they are just big babies at heart mine loves to play with the kids roll around with them etc. we have had no problems at all...
2007-01-03 16:12:20 · answer #8 · answered by gddssdragonfly1 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋
It depends on the dog. Some dogs have great temperments, I had a boxer mastiff mix that would lick babies and never cause harm. There is only one way to know and that is to have them interact. It would be helpful to know if the puppy was raised around children. Puppies like to play as do kiddies and neither of them really understand the consequence of specific actions. Never leave an animal alone with your children especially when either are young. Always put safety first but really there is no greater harm in a boxer than any other breed, they are beautiful loving dogs and very protective.
2007-01-03 16:07:24 · answer #9 · answered by surfer_grl_ca 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
The Boxer falls under the "working breed" category and is a guard dog. He is very playful and friendly, loyal and affectionate. However, if he feels threatened, he is fearless and courageous. He is also known for his playfulness. If disciplined, he makes a highly desirable companion. Since the pup is already one-year old you might want to provide him professional training. And no its not to late to train a one year old puppy.
It's true, there is no bad dog, its the owner who make the dog bad.
The boxer has nothing in common with a pit bull, because those are totally different breeds.
As with any dog, you should never leave your babies alone with a dog for the kids and dogs safety.
Congratulation, on a beautiful dog.
2007-01-03 16:15:32 · answer #10 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋