Boxer Briefs

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Red alert… We have just posted boxer dog pictures pages on our site. We know that boxer dog lovers enjoy sharing photos of their darling boxers, so we’ve provided a place where you can do that. We’ve even posted our own pages of photos of our dear Lucy…

Come see our darling Lucy, the angel boxer dog photos, as well as boxer dog pics from other web sources and visitors to our website, Boxer-Dogs-Secrets.com

You can even add your own boxer dog pictures. Please check back often for new contributions.

Visiting an animal shelter can be an emotional experience for a boxer dog lover.

When considering the birth rates among animals, it’s not hard to understand why animal shelters are always filled with animals waiting to be adopted. But it IS difficult to see all the animals in their pens and not want to take them all home. Such feelings are understandable and commendable; however, just be sure that prior to adoption you consider all of the ramifications.

Shockingly, it has been calculated that over a seven year period, one female cat and her offspring will produce approximately 420,000 kittens. Likewise, one female dog and her offspring will produce 67,000 puppies during a six year period. Since there are more animals looking for homes than there are people who want to adopt them, some 6.5 million animals are euthanized each year.

Given the statistics cited above, adopting an animal can be a kind and loving thing to do, as long as you weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Many of the boxer dogs you’ll find awaiting adoption in shelters have had very rough beginnings. Some were abused, some abandoned and some were “turned in” because the owners didn’t have time for them. Read the rest of this entry »

Thinking about choosing a veterinarian for your new boxer dog? Where do you start? Usually, when picking a veterinarian, we thumb through the phone book until we find one close to home. But just like a doctor, you might not be happy with his “bedside” manner. I’ve heard people complain that their animal’s veterinarian doesn’t handle their animal well or they just didn’t like his manner. Below are some helpful hints in choosing the best veterinarian for your animal.

If you have friends, family or neighbors with animals, ask them for a recommendation. If they do, ask questions about their experiences with the vet. How does the veterinarian handle their animal? Is he gentle? Does he thoroughly explain to the pet owner the health of the animal after being looked over? It’s good to choose a veterinarian that is informative about the animal he is checking. A veterinarian not only has to be good with animals, but he has to be people friendly as well. Don’t forget your instincts. After meeting the vet, if you don’t feel good about him, don’t go back. Even if he has a good reputation, don’t feel pressured to go back. What is good for one person, may not be good for you.

Look up the Veterinary Medical Board and see if he has been any complaints again him. This way, you can eliminate without having to go any further. You can also check with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). These are vet hospitals that have achieved high animal care standards. These vet hospitals fill out a detailed explanation of its equipment and services they offer. Afterwards, a consultant inspects the facility to ensure it meets AAHA’s standards. The following areas are checked: medical records, dentistry, anesthesia, dentistry and surgery. Knowing this, may give some dog owners peace of mind before taking their animal for and of the above reasons. There are only around 17 percent of vet hospitals around the US and Canada that are affiliated with the AAHA. You can find them by going through the Healthypet’s Hospital Locator. Read the rest of this entry »

Getting a new boxer dog is one of the greatest joys in the world. Make this great time even better by knowing exactly what kind of dog will complement your family’s lifestyle.

Before you get a boxer dog, you will want to make sure to discuss with your family who will have the primary responsibility of taking care of and training the dog. You will want to find a good veterinarian close by, and you will want to consider the cost of keeping a boxer dog. (They’re not small dogs, and they eat a lot, for example!) You will also want to make sure to have supplies such as bowls, a bed, a crate, leash , collar, and toys prior to your new dog coming home.

Also before you get your new boxer dog, you may want to consider whether other breeds might be more compatible to your lifestyle. Large dogs are generally not for apartment dwellers or the elderly. Small dogs may not always be for people who want to be active with their dogs, although I think that really depends on the dog.

If you like boxer dogs’ looks, but you don’t want such a big dog, you might consider Boston terriers. They look a lot like a boxer, but they’re much smaller (around 15 to 25 pounds, on average, as opposed to 50 to 65 pounds). I currently own a Boston terrier, and they’re a great breed too. Read about my experiences here: www.boston-terrier-chronicles.com/blog

Temperament is another important thing to consider. You will also want to decide if you want a puppy or an older dog. Certain breeds have inherent health problems like eye problems or hip dysplasia, so you will want to take all of that into consideration before choosing a breed. Boxers are prone to cancer, sorry to say, so you’ll want to think about that, and expect a shorter life span.

If you decide to get a purebred boxer puppy, there are resources to help you find a reputable boxer dog breeder. Your local kennel club has access to area breeders that specialize in boxer dogs. If you are looking for an older boxer, this can also be a good resource as many breeders may have adult dogs available as well. Your veterinarian can be a great resource as well, as oftentimes they have assisted area breeders.

You may be interested in considering a mixed breed boxer. These dogs can be wonderful family companions, as much so as purebred dogs. The rescue organizations seem to have a lot of boxer mixes available.

Due to the large population of dogs, many people are interested in adopting a dog. Talk to your local humane society or boxer dog rescue organization for assistance with adoption.

The most important thing to do when choosing a boxer dog is to take your time and get to know different dogs. Talk to pet store personnel, groomers, breeders, and your veterinary staff for assistance. Make sure to consider all aspects of boxer dog care and you can ensure a happy time for your new dog and family.

Here are the answers to just a few of the questions most commonly posed by new boxer dog owners.

1. What supplies do I need to have on hand before I bring my new boxer puppy home?

The first thing you’ll need is a travel crate for your dog’s trip home. You’ll also need to buy some high quality puppy food and bowls for food and water. Your vet, breeder or shelter personnel can tell you which brands of food are the best. Other items you’ll need to get in advance of the new puppy’s arrival are: an adjustable collar, a leash, toys and bedding. Don’t forget to make an appointment with your veterinarian for your puppy’s first check-up!

2. What is crate training and how do I do it?

Crate training is a method by which your boxer dog is taught to stay in a crate within your house for prolonged periods of time. This is an especially useful technique for dogs that would otherwise tear up the house when left alone.

The best time to start crate training is when your dog is still a puppy. Leave him in the open crate for brief periods of time at first and then begin closing the door behind him. Make sure that your puppy’s crate experience is always positive by giving him treats and rewards whenever he enters the crate.

Once he is comfortable, you can leave him in the crate for increasing periods of time – give him his meals there as well. Never use the crate as punishment. You want your dog to feel that his crate is a safe refuge, not a prison. Furthermore, the crate is a place where your dog can go to feel safe and secure while you and your family are away from home for a few hours.

When you’re home, your dog should be out of his crate and socializing with his human family.

3. How do microchips work?

A microchip is a very tiny device that is injected underneath the dog’s skin, usually at the neck. If your boxer dog is lost, then any veterinarian or shelter can use a scanner to read the information on the microchip and then return the dog to you.

Do you need to microchip your dog? If you are always with your dog, then a microchip might not be necessary. However, given that the implantation procedure is such a safe and simple one, you really should consider it. Even the most closely guarded dogs can get away from their owners.

4. How can I tell if my boxer dog has worms?

Some of the most common worms that a dog can potentially have are: heartworms, hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms and whipworms. All can cause internal irritation and damage to your dog, but heartworms can be fatal. So, it is very important that your veterinarian routinely test your dog for these. Your vet will take a stool sample from your dog and look for worms under a microscope. Of course, if you see what you think are worms or worm pieces in your dog’s stool, get him to a veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible.

5. Why should I get my boxer dog fixed?

Unless you plan to professionally breed your dog, you should get him or her neutered or spayed (fixed). Pet overpopulation is an extremely serious problem in the United States. There are just not enough homes for all of the puppies and kittens born each year; and, as a result, over 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized annually. Don’t let your dog contribute to the overpopulation problem – have it fixed! Spaying and neutering procedures are routine and pose very few health risks for your dog. If there are no complications, your dog can usually come home on the same day.

In addition to its being an effective pet population control measure, spaying and neutering can also benefit your dog’s health. If you have your dog neutered or spayed before it reaches 6 months of age, then its risk of developing certain types of cancers and infections will be cut in half.

6. Why should I take my dog to obedience school?

Every dog should go through some form of obedience training. Obedience training not only allows you to get your pet to do what he’s commanded to do, it teaches you to communicate effectively with your pet and get the best out of him all the time. Obedience training also helps socialize your pet, as he is taught to remain calm in a room full of unfamiliar people and dogs.

For more information on caring for boxer dogs, you might want to check out the main site here: Boxer-Dogs-Secrets.com.