Boxer dogs are amazing, and really great companions for those who want to have a very present pet in their lives. They have energetic personalities, very goofy ways of acting, and generally speaking, they get along with kids and other dogs fairly well.
However, there are some challenges involved in the process of owning a Boxer that might be a little complicated to get used to for first-time dog owners, especially if they are not used to the idea of daily walks, as well as daily exercise routines for their pet. Boxers also have some common health problems that need special consideration, including things like:
- Flatulation problems
- Hip issues
- Hearing impairment
- Sensitive skins
- And heart issues
- Breathing complications
There’s also another particular problem with Boxer dogs that is a little bit of a hassle to handle, especially for first-time dog owners. This problem is especially prominent if the Boxer is adopted, and it is known as separation anxiety.
In this article, I will gather up some of the most common challenges behind owning a Boxer to let you know if the breed is a good fit for you, and what’s the best thing you can do to handle said problems in case you decide to adopt one.
Energetic Nature
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As mentioned earlier, Boxers are very energetic in nature, and they do require a certain level of daily exercise to be both mentally and physically healthy. Without it, they become more prominent to suffer from health complications, while also suffering from stress and anxiety, which might result in erratic and destructive behavior.
That is why, before adopting a Boxer, you need to make sure that you are up to the challenge, and that you will be responsible and consistent with their exercising routines and daily activities.
The best way to handle said exercises is by either taking them to the park to play with them or playing with them in the house if you have enough space. Because Boxers are generally very smart, they are very easy to train, thus, you can teach them how to fetch a ball or other similar practices, so playing with them becomes easier for you.
That being said, if you are not willing to take your time to train them and also ensure their daily walks and exercise, you should under any circumstance consider adopting a Boxer.
Grooming and Care
Thankfully, they are very low-maintenance dogs, since they don’t require as much grooming and also don’t need to be bathed on a regular basis. That being said, it is recommended to both brush them once a week and pay attention to their diet so they don’t suffer from being overweight.
You can always take your time and do some research regarding the best type of diet a Boxer should eat, and since the amount of food will depend on various factors such as its age and weight, it is heavily recommended to do so.
They Do Need Attention
Because of their social nature, it is recommended to own a Boxer only if you are 100% sure you will be around them regularly. If they find themselves alone for prolonged periods of time, they become much more likely of suffering from depression and anxiety, which can take a toll on their health in many ways.
Chaotic and destructive behavior is one of the hints showcasing an anxious and stressed dog, for example, and Boxers are very likely to become aggressive and destructive when left alone, especially if they don’t engage in regular physical activities.
A Simple Introduction to Separation Anxiety
There’s also a chance that they might suffer from separation anxiety, which as shown at https://pets.webmd.com/dogs-separation-anxiety#1, is a very common condition for adopted and social animals. Separation anxiety is usually a consequence of:
- Moving to a new place, or leaving a shelter because of being adopted
- A sudden change of owner
- A very noticeable change of schedule or routine
- The loss of another pet or family member
- Being left alone
Most of the most common hints showcasing a case of separation anxiety involve regular barking and howling, excessive chewing, digging and scratching, regular panting and drooling, obsessively following their owners, and trying to escape from their houses when the opportunity arrives.
There are many ways to treat separation anxiety, and the best approach depends on the severity of the situation. If the case is mild, it is recommended to train your dog to accept being alone, either by providing it with tools and toys to play while you are not there, or using CBD-based treats to calm them down until you get home.
On the other hand, things do get much more complicated if the case reaches an intermedium or severe level. In that case, you might want to either adopt another dog or start treating the situation with a lot more seriousness, trying to help your dog until it eventually becomes used to being alone.
More often than not, adopting another dog is usually the best solution, and as shown over here, it provides a wide range of benefits. It is also not as difficult to deal with as a lot of people believe and owning two dogs is not as expensive as most people think. Another dog can greatly aid your Boxer dealing with separation anxiety and can even help it spend some of its energy and social capabilities!
