Boxer Information
Responsible Ownership
Getting a dog is a big responsibility and many people do not realise that owning a dog is a huge commitment. This is one of the many reasons dogs are rehomed as people cannot commit fully to owning a dog. Being a responsible owner doesn’t just mean providing foot and water and taking the dog to the vet when they are sick or injured, it also involved pet insurance, microchipping, neutering and continued vaccinations.
Giving a home to a rescue dog is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. However, it is important to know that you are ready to take on the commitment of another life, a life that will be totally dependent on you.
Providing a Daily Routine
Dogs require regular exercise this not only provides an outlet for all that boxer energy but also keeps their minds active which can help stop unwanted destructive behaviour due to boredom. Regular walks also provide your dog with a chance to meet other dogs.
Both tinned and dried pet food provide a balanced, nutritious diet but remember to provide extra water with dried food. Water must always be clean and fresh. Human food is not recommended. Human chocolate is poisonous to dogs and can be fatal in large quantities.
Your dog’s bed should be in a quiet, draught-free place out of direct sunlight.
Socialisation
Proper socialisation with other dogs and animals is important for both you and your dog. It creates a happy and relaxed environment. Unfortunately, a lot of the boxers we have in our care come to us with no socialisation skills and due to this find it more difficult to find new forever homes. Dog training classes are a great way to learn to socialise and also help the owner with handling and training techniques.
Pet Insurance
Being a responsible owner means providing the proper vet care for your dog from annual vaccinations to flea and worming treatments. Vet care can be expensive so pet insurance is a very important aspect of owning a dog. We advise that all pet owners insure their pets. Pet insurance guards against unexpected vet treatments and will allow you to provide your dog with the best healthcare possible.
Children
Many boxers live happily with children if they have lived with them from an early age. It is important that children are taught to respect animals and are not allowed to treat them as toys. Pets need their own space so children should not disturb your pet when he / she is sleeping or eating. Never leave a dog alone with children. Always supervise interactions to ensure children do not tease or overexcite your pet.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety describes the situation where your dog panics even before you leave the house and remains in this state until you return. During this stressful time, it is common for your dog to soil the house, chew around areas where you usually come and go, howl in misery or pant, shake and drool.
To put it into perspective, it is similar to the panic attacks experienced by humans; it is a significant emotional problem but one which, with the right type of training, can be curable.
There is no simple answer as to what triggers a dog to develop separation anxiety as each case is entirely unique. However, it is generally thought that over-attachment and frustration intolerance are two of the most significant factors. Separation anxiety is more common in dogs that have experienced previous trauma related to being alone. This might explain why rescue dogs can be more susceptible. Being in kennels or left in an unfamiliar place surrounded by unfamiliar barking dogs who are often scared themselves can be a factor in why a dog becomes scared of being left alone.
The key to treating separation anxiety involves desensitising the dog to the ‘triggers’ it associates with you leaving the house and helping it to develop a tolerance of you being away. This can be a long process but one you will both be able to manage with the right support and advice. There is plenty of specific advice on the various techniques you can try in training books or on the internet. Please feel free to get in touch if you want to discuss this or for further advice.
