Boxer Dog, I need some help ?

Question

Have a twelve month old Boxer.
Got him from animal rescue, he was in bad shape, very nervous, very thin, fouls a lot.

Question (s )
Best things to feed him and any other tips please.
He is behind me now tearing up my house.

Answer 1

Awww! Boxers are lovely dogs...At 12 months old, dogs can do a lot a damage to your house. You need a lot of stuff in place to try to avoid this.

Have you got a Kong? You stuff these with treats and it gives them something to do. I find that if you squash some wet food right down into the bottom first, they have to really work hard to get it out.

Get chews for him to help tire himself out too. Save a couple of toys that you only give to him when you go out...he will see these as novel then and be more interested in them than your furniture!

Dry food is definitely the best for him. Go for a good quality brand. Leave plenty of water down at all times.

I'm not sure how long you've had him, but fouling is common because when they're in the kennel they used to fouling in there...but it's easy to break this habit. Just collect a sample of what he's done and put it out where you Want him to go...then show him it. Also let him out very often in these early days. He'll soon pick it up.

When he acts nervous...the best thing to do is carry on as normal...try not to comfort him otherwise he'll think there must be something to worry about. If he tries to hide behind your legs when something scares him, casually walk away as he needs to get used to being independent.

If he's going crazy and there is no good reason for it, give him a short squirt from a water pistol on the nose. Keep the pistol with you at all times so you can react straight away.

Another thing is, take care not to raise your voice in frustration, a dog sees this as you barking and getting excitable and will often join in. So calmness is the order of the day.


Take him for good long walks to tire him out, but then let him learn that at certain times, he needs to lie down.

Try to keep to a routine so he can learn this more quickly.
I know how crazy these early days can be...I've had many rescue dogs, some settle straight away, with others it takes longer.

Our latest rescue came to us four months ago and she was the craziest rescue we ever got! She barked all day and wouldn't go in her bed at night...she'd just walk around the bed barking at us to get up....nightmare! Anyway, the old squirty gun sorted that out, very quickly. She only has to see us go for the gun now and she stops!

This dog has taken around 6 weeks to get to where we want her, but she is 2 years old.

Take your dog to training classes...they're brilliant at training us as well in how to handle things.

What you've done for this dog by taking her in is so kind and you will reap the rewards when he becomes more settled.

I hope this helps. Good luck! (P.S. Please don't crate or muzzle him)

Answer 2

Boxers are really great dogs. It's ashame he went through so much at an early but it's awesome that he's now found you.

For food I highly recommend Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy food.

check out www.nutroproducts.com for ALL thier benefits. They guarantee thier product and will give you your money back if they don't follow through. I've used it with both my girls.

I would definitely enroll the dog in a LARGE training class. Make sure there's a good variety of dogs in the class so the dog is properly socialized. Introduce it to cats and other animals as well. He'll be more confident and less nervous.

The training and enforcement of rules will help to establish and maintain you as Alpha. Dogs need a very strong leader. If they don't have one they will fill the void with over protectiveness, aggression and destruction. He won't listen to you and can have tendencies to run off, etc.

After the puppy class I'd recommend hiring a trainer to come to your home and work with you and your dog one on one and address YOUR specific needs in your own environment.

I hired an at home trainer for my own personal concerns. I wanted to be able to have all the doors in my house open w/o my dogs leaving the house. I have hunting dogs and wanted them to come immediately regardless of how far they are (so we trained them onto a whistle). I can now walk and jog with both of my large dogs at the same time w/o a leash while they are still in heel.

Purchase Boxers for Dummies. They have WONDERFUL information pertaining to that specific breed, tendencies, what illnesses they are prone to, possible behavioral issues etc.

Good Luck

Answer 3

I have a two year old Boxer that I got as a puppy. My vet recommended that we use a good quality dog food. Purina or something similar would probably be good. The more meat that is in the food, the better it is for them. Look in the first few ingredients, and see if there is any meat listed. And get used to the dog tearing up the house. Apparently Boxers don't get out of the "puppy" behavior unil they are about 6 years old. Give him lots of exercise and play time and he will probably tire himself out and be a little calmer. Just give him some time to get used to being in a loving home, and he'll be a great dog.

Answer 4

hi, don't really think the breed really comes into it? Ive got a x-lab and a pedigree springer out of local rescue? the lab is fantastic, however were the spaniels 3rd home and last,cos shes going nowere? but what a pain ,when ever any one comes to the house she goes ballistic, cowers down and pees all over?we've been out 4 a few hours and come back to ...well use your imagination? i call her..she ignores me..so Ive started whistling her..wow straight back to my feet ,sits and gives me a paw? get a baby gate keep him in the kitchen when he comes in etc.. its a hard learning process especially with any animal out of rescue..trial and error iam afraid, every dog from rescue is a different case all together perseverance, love , and i don't mean let it rule the house, you re the gaffer, let him know that, but be tact full?? mine has come on leaps and bounds,still learning but made good progress?patience is the key but b-warned you ll need plenty?good luck?? food wise, if hes sloppy in-motions, try feeding him a small handfull of complete dry dog food,like bakers complete or something similar 3 x a day no tinned food? give him a few days on this and see if it firms him up,,hopefully u should c a difference?

Answer 5

coming from animal rescue, i'm assuming he's had a health chek and is well?
always provide adequate fresh water.
dry food alone is sufficient, particularly as you mention his fouling. choose a brand with a high crude protein content.
(i'v found lucky dog - puppy and mini's- about the best you'll get at a supermarket price).
it's essential you give him some belongings of his own to tear up (NOT your old shoes, as this may serve to give a mixed message).
some basic control commands such as sit, drop, come, stay. don't just reprimand him for disobedient behaviour -
it's as important to reward his good behaviour - initially use a nibbly treat to reward for pleasing you, eventually you can fade out the reward ....you will soon notice he gets his jollys by pleasing you.
exercise your pooch to tire him out - he'll be less destructive.
The best thing I have ever done for my american bulldog (mistaken for a boxer on 492 occasons)
is to have socialised her regularly with other dogs, from a very early age. I take her to the local dog park where she sees all her doggy friends and generally runs herself ragged.
when we get home? she sleeps.

how TRUE it is that "you reap what you sow".
give as much time as pos' to him to effectively teach the dif between right and wrong.
if you don't have the time for this?
the battle is lost and you should never have taken the dog on in the first place
.....Good Luck!!

Answer 6

Crate training is very good. Something that is good is NILIF (Nothing In Life Is Free) training, it helps with destructive behavior and teaches the dog who's boss.
I would recommend a food such as Innova, Chicken Soup For The Dog Lovers Soul, Canidea, Solid Gold, TimberWolf, Merrick, Fromm, Flint River Ranch, Blue Buffalo, By Nature, Natures Variety, Natures Logic, California Natural, Evolve, Holistic Blend, Newman's Own Organics, Organix and VeRUS are good foods.
Stay far away for food with corn and soy, both have been linked to causing seizures and allergies. 95% of vets have not been trained in nutrition and are payed to recommend IAMS and science diet

Answer 7

Try Nothing In Life Free method training(Google it or NILF). It's a wonderful POSITIVE training methodology. If you are feeding kibble look for a well balanced all stages kibble. Canidae is a good one that's easy to find and won't be too hard on the wallet. Solid Gold,Timberwolf Organics and Evo also have good kibble varieties. You may want to look at the species appropriate RAW/BARF diet too. If you haven't already,please let your vet take a look at the dog just to see what recommendations they may offer. Kudos for your rescue!

Answer 8

I once took in a boxer, he was quite hyperactive until I realised he desperately wanted to play, play, play! Get him out as much as possible for a 'throw & retrieve the ball' game. These doggies are so loving, you'll never regret adopting him once he's settled down. Be patient (but firm) and give him lots of cuddles whenever he behaves well.
As for food, ordinary dog food, no sweet treats, and beware of the 'begging' or he'll have your meal before you know it!
Those chewing bones you get from pet shops are excellent for both teeth and relaxation; you get some peace while he's busy munching his bone...

Answer 9

not really sure on food, but what i would reccomend is that you make sure he has a quiet space where he can go to. something like a basket under a table where he can feel secure...let him come to you and dont push him too much....

Make sure that u take him out every couple of hrs for the toilet and give him lots of praise when he goes outside. Remember, never punish a dog when you find it has gone to the toilet inside unless you saw him do it......a firm NO, BAD DOG is all he will need! Good luck, im sure he will take a lot of time and hard work but he will be worth it end the end!

Answer 10

i cant tell you the best thing to feed him as every dog has it's own taste, but bakers is a good brand my dogs have always liked it. As for him tearing up your house try putting a empty plastic bottle or something along those lines on the floor for him to chew on. but make sure you always tell him off when he chews something up. eventually he will learn i had a dog you like him who also came from a rescue centre. hopes that helps.