Boxers in cold climates

[DukeTheDog]

We've not been leaving him outside lately, and tried not crating him. That's not going so well. He's chewing and stealing things and having accidents in the house while we're gone. We've gone back to putting him in his crate while we're gone for his own safety and the cat's too. He really prefers being outside while the weather is mild like it is now. He dosen't want to go off the porch if it's raining and I can't wait until there's snow on the ground! He'll be bunny hopping all over the yard! He's an awesome dog, and a great playmate for the cat and our son. I love the idea of doggy daycare, I think there's one just outside of town! Thanks for that suggestion.

[JaspersFam]

hmm... whilst i agree with everyone about boxers intolerance for cold weather (it isn't too too cold yet here but anytime i take jasper out in inclimate weather to use the restroom he shakes like a leaf!!

think my dog is just a wuss since he is mostly inside but honestly i am a HUGE fan of crating. i know some people say their boxers freak out and tear up themselves and their cages but jasper has never been like that with his...if you work your way up to it by letting them go in and out with the door open and eventually getting to the point where they are happy with it i think it is definitely the way to go, especially with your cold weather and the fact that you can intermitently go home to play with him and give him love... just my opinion though

[argosrocks]

im in total agreement that boxers are inside friends,,,mine personally does much better in cold than hot though,,,provided he has his winter coat on and we dont stay out in the snow and cold for more than 30-45 minutes at a time.ive tried the booties/snow shoe route,,,that didnt go over so well,but ive found that vaseline or mushers wax prior to going out in the snow and ice works fairly well.

[DukeTheDog]

Duke only goes outside to make unless the temperature is above 10, then he loves lying in the sun on the deck. He is fine with his crate during the day, but at night has taken to getting into all kinds of trouble while we're trying to sleep.

I got him a sweater because we were at a family event last weekend outside, and he was great! No shivering, chewed on the sweater for a bit, but got used to it quickly. I'll post a picture of him in his new duds!

H

[BoxerMom999]

We never leave Maggie outside alone. Too much potential trouble - skunks, racoons, toxic plants, being stolen. And she is highly allergic to wasp stings - she was stung one morning. Luckily I was with her and was able to take her to the vet's within 10 or 15 minutes. She swelled horribly and had hives over her whole body. If this had happened while she was alone I am not sure that she would have survived.

Please consider crate training your pup initially and then later allowing freedom in the house.

[My Boxer]

I don't like the thought of leaving him alone outside unsupervised for long periods of time. Too much time for trouble. I like that you can take him to work with you. What about day care? Scooter loves daycare! When he is there, I don't worry about being gone so long.

[leilaandtuff]

i think to each his own. I really think it depends on the dog. I have never had an issue with leaving Leila or Tuff alone for extended parts of the day Either in their Kennel,Crate or backyard. Usually depends on how long and the weather. anything under 40 F its crate day anything under 4 hours is backyard and to be on the safe side anything longer is kennel. Better safe than sorry. My biggest advice is to do what works for you and your dog. Also before building a dog house find out if your dog will even be willing to go into one. I know our boxers don't like anything they can't see out of.

[Mesquite]

I hate crating my boxer all day too, but there really is no alternative for working people. He's too young to be left loose in house although I think he will eventually reach that point (my prior boxer was perfectly trustworthy at 2-3 years of age). Outside? I don't know. The weather here in Dallas is very mild right now but I worry about the trouble he might get into. I think I may try him outside for very short periods - maybe an hour or so while I run to the grocery store - and see how he does, but I think it will be a long, long time (and only during mild weather months) before he'd be left out for any lengthy period of time.

After he's neutered I want to try doggy day care for 1 or 2 days per week. I know these dogs are very social and that is one reason why I took so long to get another dog after the death of my first boxer. It doesn't seem fair to have to leave them alone all day while you work, but it's either that or not have a dog at all.

To all you people who are able to be with your dogs 24/7, I envy you. It's just not economically feasible for me.

[bdivell]

Originally Posted by Noobowner

I should probably explain a little better. My wife and I both work long days at times. I own a small hvac company and she works for the city. One of the bonuses to being self employed is I do come home during the day which gets Duke some attention. If I have no other duties other than supervising jobs I often take Duke with me in the truck. Lately I have been leaving him out in the morning then coming back around 10:30am to let him back in the house. For the last few days we have left him loose in the house with no incidents. We have a big back yard which had lots of shade until the neighbour cut down all her trees which is why I have been trying to come back and let him in before the afternoon sun hits. I have to say overall I am just blown away with how good this dog has been and from the sounds of it I should just stick to the current routine as is. We were worried that not crating him combined with boredom would leave him finding ways to cause problems in the house but I suspect that the reason that hasnt happened is he and the tom cat play together a lot....we really didnt expect that but they get along great.

hey man i am in hvac as well what area are you in ? I am in kitchener