Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com www.ebook777.com Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com All About Boxer Puppies Author: Lorraine Jones ©2006 www.ebook777.com Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com 1 BOXER DECISIONS THE RIGHT AND WRONG REASONS FOR PURCHASING A BOXER The Right Reasons The Wrong Reasons BOXERS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY WHERE TO PURCHASE YOUR BOXER Private Sellers Breeders Shelters and Rescues Puppy Farms Pet Shops General Equipment You Will Need CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOXER Boxers as Guard Dogs Family and Child Friendly Boxers Herding Boxers A Breed Guideline Barking and Boxers Children and the Boxer Boxers on their own Active Lifestyles and the Boxer Mixed or Pure Breed Boxers? Conclusion 3 ALL ABOUT PUPPIES CHOOSING THE RIGHT Boxer PUPPY What to Look For In an Owner or Breeder When Is the Boxer Puppy Old Enough To Leave the Mother How to Choose the Right Boxer Puppy What to Watch For Paperwork Questions to Ask Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com BRINGING THE Boxer PUPPY HOME Preparation At Home Arrival Introducing the Family KEEPING A HEALTHY PUPPY Good Nutrition Vaccinations and Vet Visits Common Boxer Puppy Health Problems Diarrhea Bloat Allergies Fleas and Ticks Vomiting Exercise For Boxers Conclusion www.ebook777.com Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com BOXER DECISIONS Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com THE RIGHT AND WRONG REASONS FOR PURCHASING A BOXER Planning to purchase a Boxer is a big decision and one that should not be entered into lightly Owning a Boxer is a huge responsibility, regardless of the age of the Boxer that you are planning to purchase Often potential owners see a tiny puppy and forget that this small, little bundle of energy will one day be a full grown animal that needs constant exercise, attention and love; as well as training, food, and healthcare Owning a Boxer is a wonderful, rewarding experience but people need to realize that there are right and wrong reasons for owning such a breed There are right and wrong reasons for having a Boxer depending on your living situation, as well www.ebook777.com Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com THE RIGHT REASONS There are many right reasons for purchasing a Boxer, depending on your living space, lifestyle, and financial status; both now and in the future A Boxer requires love, attention, space, and exercise, as well as veterinary care and good quality food If you are able to provide these factors for the animal, then purchasing a Boxer is probably a good decision Remember, however, that a Boxer will usually live at least 12 years, and many breeds can live to be 15 or more years old Know that this purchase is a lifetime commitment and ensure that you are financially and emotionally able to take on this commitment Some of the right reasons for purchasing a Boxer include: You want to participate in daily exercise with a pet that will always be ready to go for a walk, romp or run, no matter what the weather You want to be responsible for caring for another living thing that will provide you with years of unconditional love and attention You can make the time commitment to train and work with your Boxer both now and in the future You have the ability to provide food and healthcare as required to the Boxer The average cost of raising a Boxer is approximately $250.00/£125 per year in vet fees plus an additional $100.00/£50 per month in food Flea and tick medications and heartworm medicine usually costs $30.00/£15 to $50.00/£25 per month These costs are per dog, so families with more than one Boxer will pay significantly more per year to keep their dog healthy You want to have a companion to spend time with that will just be happy to be with you You have spent time researching breeds and have determined a Boxer will best suit your lifestyle, both now and in the future You have researched breeds, rescues, or private owners and have determined the best purchase to make You have the space, both inside and outside, and have the room to exercise and house the Boxer in a quality home environment Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com You have completely thought through the purchase, consulted with other family members, and are in agreement that getting a Boxer is a good decision Ensuring that other family members agree with your decision is an important part of the right reasons to get a Boxer www.ebook777.com Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com THE WRONG REASONS Sometimes people end up owning pets for the wrong reason Unfortunately, these wrong reasons often lead to loving pets being left at rescues or shelters or simply being given away to another owner Try to avoid purchasing or taking a Boxer from someone else for one of the wrong reasons listed below: Purchasing a mature Boxer or puppy based on emotion rather than planning and thought All puppies are cute and adorable, but they do grow Rescues for large breeds are full of young Boxers that simply grew much bigger than the owner had anticipated A little research on the breed would have avoided this problem Purchasing a Boxer as a trend Different movies, videos, or even various celebrities posing with a Boxer can influence individuals in purchasing a particular breed Buying a Boxer without knowing what the breed is like in personality or training demands is not a good idea Avoid purchasing the breed that is currently in fashion Purchasing a Boxer to send a message about yourself Many breeds have become popular due to their reputation as aggressive or protective However, this does not necessarily mean that the owner and the dog will be a good match Feeling guilty about a mature Boxer or puppy and taking it home Sometimes people are pressured into buying or accepting a grown Boxer or puppy even when they know they cannot properly care for it Taking home a Boxer when your financial situation or lifestyle will not accommodate for the responsibility of caring for the pet Purchasing a Boxer for a small child or family member They likely will not be able to care for it on their own if you are not able to provide assistance and support for the pet’s training and care Research and an honest evaluation of why you want a Boxer will help avoid these potential pitfalls Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com Many houseplants are highly toxic, but all are messy when knocked out of their pots Remove houseplants to another room or keep them high on tables A good idea is to get down on the floor and look around the room What is there that might look like fun for a Boxer puppy to chew? Be sure to have the crate or puppy pen area established before you go to get the puppy Some chew toys, soft bedding and a dish of clean water should be in the puppy area for a good arrival The type and brand of food currently used by the owner or breeder should also be at the house for feeding time www.ebook777.com ARRIVAL Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com Bringing the Boxer puppy home is an exciting event Try to avoid too much excitement, as this will upset the puppy Have a crate, or plastic kennel, lined with a soft liner or blanket A few chew toys and even an old tshirt that has your scent will make the crate more like a den Place the puppy into the crate and close the door Fasten the crate into the seatbelt to keep the crate from sliding about in the car Getting a Boxer puppy used to traveling in a crate is a great idea for providing some security for the puppy as well as keeping him or her safe Talk to the owner before hand and be sure the puppy has toileted and has not just eaten to avoid any problems with the puppy having to eliminate while you are in the car Be prepared, the Boxer puppy may cry and whine, especially if you have a longer drive Some breeders, especially if they know that the drive is long, may sedate the puppy for the trip Only use medications if you are completely comfortable with this and monitor the puppy constantly While the whole family may want to go and get the puppy it is generally a good idea if only one or two people go Too many people may stress the puppy, plus there will simply be more confusion Calm and quiet is the key to making this a positive event for the Boxer puppy When you arrive at the house, allow the Boxer puppy some time outside on a long leash or closely monitored in a fenced yard Immediately praise the puppy if he or she toilets outside Remember, this is all new for the puppy and he or she will want to learn what they need to do to please you Praise and reward is a great way to start bonding with your Boxer puppy Hopefully, the breeder was able to give you information regarding feeding routines Try to stay with the feeding routine the breeder used and gradually change the times to suit your schedule rather than rapidly change the feeding schedule Keep the food consistent with what the Boxer puppy is used to; this too can be changed gradually at a later time The transition to your home should be very relaxed and calm Try to avoid any stress or over-excitement The Boxer puppy may be very nervous and will naturally miss familiar surrounds Place the puppy in his or her area and allow them to investigate Try to make the puppy area somewhere that they can see what is going on in the house They should not be completely isolated and should be able to see and smell you While it may be tempting to pick them up when they cry, this can cause a negative behavior Try, instead, to place a used piece of clothing, a well-wrapped hot water bottle, or a softly playing radio close to the Boxer puppy Interact and pet the puppy when they are quiet and try to ignore whining and crying behavior The puppy will soon learn that quiet gets more attention than noise Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com INTRODUCING THE FAMILY Family members, especially children, should be slowly introduced to the Boxer puppy Limit the amount of time that puppies are played with and handled in the first few days, to allow them to adjust to their new home environment Children will have difficulty understanding why they cannot pick up and play with the Boxer puppy all the time, so it is important to explain this to them Be sure to teach the children how to hold the puppy safely and monitor the kids when they have the puppy out of the puppy area, or when they are playing It is important for parents to understand that younger children may be somewhat afraid of the new Boxer puppy They may not know what to do if the puppy becomes frightened or tries to get away when being held Spending time teaching children how to correctly handle the puppy, and how to correct the puppy if it does something wrong, is very important If you have other animals in the house, keep them away from the Boxer puppy for the first few days Allow the other dogs and pets to smell the puppy by letting them sniff the bedding the Boxer puppy sleeps on You can also do the same for the puppy Always carefully monitor the interaction between the puppy and the other pets, regardless of the size of the pet Keep dogs on leashes, and cats restrained, until they are comfortable with the puppy Make the introductions very gradually and then extend the length of time of contact Nonneutered male dogs with male puppies, and non-spayed female dogs with female puppies, should be extremely closely monitored, especially if the breed of the adult dog is known to be aggressive towards the same gender or other animals or dogs Keeping first introductions positive and short will help the Boxer puppy adjust to his or her new home without trauma or stress www.ebook777.com KEEPING A HEALTHY PUPPY Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com Once your Boxer puppy is safely home and settled in, the next step is to ensure that he or she stays healthy and happy Keeping a Boxer puppy healthy requires attention and understanding of basic canine health and nutrition Thankfully, most puppies, when provided with good quality food, regular veterinarian visits, vaccinations, good grooming, and proper exercise will have few health problems Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com GOOD NUTRITION Boxer puppies require more frequent feeding up to about six to eight months of age It is recommended that puppies younger than four months of age be fed four smaller meals a day, and puppies from four to eight months of age be fed three times per day After eight months of age, it is important to still monitor food intake and to reduce meals to twice a day The food should be provided to a puppy for 10 to 20 minutes and then removed from the area This not only encourages a puppy to eat when food is provided, but it also assists in housetraining Puppies should generally not be allowed free access to food, as they will often overeat, which can lead to difficulties in potty training and also obesity Puppy food should always be high quality, premium, and dry puppy food Be sure to buy a puppy dry food, as it has additional nutrients and protein that growing puppies need Be sure to read the label and look for the first items listed to be meat, fishmeal or whole grains Avoid foods that have high levels of corn meal or meat by products as the first ingredients While these foods will be less costly, they are largely “filler foods” which will lead to lower levels of nutrition and more waste output during the day Wet foods may not have the correct nutritional balance and may also cause digestive problems in Boxer puppies It is also difficult to measure wet foods based on protein and caloric content and can lead to puppies either not getting enough food or getting too much food Carefully control the amount of food that the Boxer puppy eats, measuring the food and feeding only recommended portions, based on the weight and activity of the puppy Do not allow a Boxer puppy to eat until they are full, rather feed dry food to specifications If you are unsure of how to measure the food, or what the correct portion is, check with your vet or ask the breeder Boxer puppies should not eat human food Buying a commercially prepared dog cookie, or making some of your own, is a better idea to provide a little treat for the puppy Remember that a Boxer should never receive more than 5% of their total food intake, per day, as treats Feeding too many treats per day will lead to an overweight puppy that doesn’t eat a balanced diet and would rather fill up on treats Many human foods can actually be a potential hazard to your Boxer puppy, even resulting in death Human foods that must be kept from puppies include: Chocolate Raisins Alcohol Human vitamins, especially those with iron Mushrooms Onions and garlic Some nuts including walnuts and macadamia nuts Raw fish Raw pork Raw chicken Boxer puppies should be monitored carefully if they are chewing on a bone Only feed knuckle or joint bones and remove the bone if it starts to splinter or becomes small enough to be swallowed or the puppy may attempt to swallow the bone www.ebook777.com VACCINATIONS AND VET VISITS Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com It is always a good idea to take your new Boxer puppy to the vet as soon as possible, ideally before you even bring the puppy home the first day Bring the vaccination records from the breeder or owner and if possible the name of the vet that originally vaccinated and treated the litter Generally puppies will be vaccinated at six to seven weeks of age with a single combination vaccine that includes distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and coronavirus This vaccination will be repeated at 9, 12, and 16 weeks of age In some areas, a Lyme vaccine may be started at 16 weeks that requires a booster shot in two weeks At about 12 to 16 weeks of age, a rabies shot will be given with a booster shot to follow as indicated by the veterinarian At the first visit the vet will take your puppy’s temperature, as well as ask for a stool sample Before the first visit, collect a fresh stool sample in a plastic bag and bring to the vets The vet will check the fecal material for worms and will then treat the puppy as needed Over-the-counter worm medicines are not effective, whereas the worming treatment the vet uses will be highly effective The vet may either provide you with a follow up dose to be given in 10 days or may request that you bring the puppy back The follow up dosage is provided to kill any parasitic eggs that may be in the puppy’s system Small white rice like granules around the anus or on the hairs around the bottom are usually the only signs of large roundworms you may see Small roundworms, hookworms, or pinworms cannot be seen without microscopic examination Tapeworms can be life threatening to the puppy and require vet treatment to eliminate the parasite from the puppy The vet will also check the puppy’s heart and lung function with a stethoscope Weighing and measuring the puppy will also be completed Ask the vet any questions you may have about feeding or caring for a Boxer puppy Be sure to get the puppy to the vet for all follow up booster vaccinations or treatments Vaccinations not only keep the puppy healthy but also prevent the spread of any contagious diseases within the dog population Since rabies and other diseases may be transmitted between species, it is important to ensure that all puppies are vaccinated as required Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com COMMON BOXER PUPPY HEALTH PROBLEMS Most Boxer puppy health problems should be treated by a veterinarian unless you are sure of what the condition is, or are acting on the instruction of the vet Generally, if a puppy becomes lethargic, inattentive, or stops eating or drinking water they should immediately be taken to the vet www.ebook777.com DIARRHEA Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com A Boxer puppy’s digestive system can be extremely sensitive to changes in diet Often a puppy will have diarrhea after getting into garbage, eating too much human food, or eating something they shouldn’t have Usually, the condition will clear up within 24 hours when the problem food passes through the system During this time, feed small amounts of dry food and eliminate any treats Allow access to fresh, clean water but note if the puppy seems to be drinking excessively If the condition does not resolve itself within 24 hours, seek veterinary assistance immediately as this can be the sign of more serious conditions Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com BLOAT Bloat is a very serious condition that can be fatal to a Boxer puppy Bloat is caused when the Boxer eats too quickly and swallows large amounts of air with the food When the stomach fills up with air, it does not release the collected air and the swollen stomach can turn over, cutting off blood flow, and leading to shock and death The symptoms of bloat include puffy, distended abdomen, dry vomiting, and coughing after eating Bloating can be controlled by feeding several small meals a day, feeding the Boxer in a quiet, distraction free area, as well as preventing the Boxer from exercising for at least an hour after eating www.ebook777.com ALLERGIES Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com Boxer puppies, just like children, can develop allergies to food and chemicals and compounds in the environment These can be perfumes, room deodorizers, cleaning solutions, and even laundry soap or fabric softeners Allergens can also be in food items or even a plant that the Boxer puppy has eaten or rubbed against Allergies often result in licking, chewing and scratching behaviors Different from flea scratching, the puppy will constantly lick and chew at the hair in the same area, resulting in patchy hair loss and skin rashes Most allergy symptoms can be resolved by removing the problem compound Watch for anything new that has been added to the house or environment Revert back to the previous food if a new brand or type of food has been introduced to the Boxer puppy’s diet In some cases of severe allergic reaction the vet can prescribe either pill forms of antihistamines or can give the Boxer puppy a shot to control allergic reactions Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com FLEAS AND TICKS Except on the recommendation of your vet, Boxer puppies under the age of 12 weeks should not be treated with commercially available flea products If you have other mature pets in the house, keeping them on a regular flea and tick control regime should assist in eliminating any fleas the puppy may get In addition, using a flea comb and grooming the puppy daily will help control any infestations Washing bedding in hot, soapy water will also help eliminate any fleas or ticks in the crate or sleeping area Watch for small, dark black granules or “flea dirt” which is actually dried blood from the adult fleas feeding off the puppy Ticks are small, blood sucking parasites that attach to the skin and carry a variety of diseases Like flea medication, tick medication can only be given to Boxer puppies past the age of 12 weeks Ticks can be removed by grasping them as close to the skin either with special tick tweezers or with the fingers Pull slowly straight up and off the skin Avoid twisting or squeezing the ticks and do not try to burn them out or cut them off the puppy Good grooming habits are important to start with the Boxer puppy Avoid bathing the puppy unless needed until the adult coat is fully developed Dry powder cleaners can be used if the coat becomes heavily soiled or dirty Always groom the coat in the direction of hair growth, never against the growth pattern Avoid grooming the face area of the Boxer puppy to avoid accidentally hurting the eyes or sensitive area around the noise and mouth A soft cloth can be used to gently clean the hair of the face area www.ebook777.com VOMITING Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com Like diarrhea, vomiting is often a sign of a change in diet or eating something that didn’t agree with the puppy If the puppy tries to vomit but nothing is expelled this can indicate several serious conditions and should be checked as soon as possible by a vet Be sure to monitor the puppy and keep them confined where you can control access to any food, plants, or items they may have been chewing If the vomit has traces of blood immediately take the puppy to the vet Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com EXERCISE FOR BOXERS It is very important to provide adequate amounts of appropriate exercise for the Boxer puppy Boxer puppies should be walked at least twice a day, as well as provided with opportunities to run and play during the day Remember that Boxer puppies are growing rapidly and will need the appropriate levels of exercise for their age and developmental level Over exercising will result in stress and strain on developing joints, muscles, and bones and can lead to problems as the puppy ages Proper levels of exercise will encourage strong muscle growth and health in puppies and full-grown Boxers Boxer puppies should never be encouraged to jump up or down when they exercise This includes jumping on and off of furniture and even going up and down stairs for the small and toy breeds Try to find games and activities that include running and walking rather than jumping Always walk or exercise the Boxer puppy in the cooler periods of the day and avoid strenuous exercise in the hot periods of the day Puppies can be more prone to heatstroke and other heat related health conditions in hot summer months If puppies do become over heated, remove them to a cool area, provide water, and keep them calm until they have completely recovered www.ebook777.com CONCLUSION Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com A Boxer puppy is a wonderful addition to a home Understanding basic health conditions and planning a nutritious and regular feeding routine is very important to maintaining your Boxer puppy’s good health Caring for a Boxer puppy starts right at the breeder Ensuring that vaccinations and health checks have been completed, and following up with a vet check of your own, is a good idea to get information on the puppy from an animal healthcare professional Be sure to ask any questions you may have regarding feeding or caring for a Boxer puppy Follow instructions and keep your puppy on a regular diet with a high quality premium puppy food Avoid table scraps or treats, as this is likely to cause digestive conditions Start the Boxer puppy on a regular exercise and grooming program to promote good health Make exercising fun for you both, but avoid strenuous exercises and jumping while the Boxer puppy is growing Get your copy of The Complete Guide to Boxer Dogs Now at Amazon Free ebooks ==> www.ebook777.com Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CN This eBook comes FREE with the complete guide so if you purchase The Complete Guide to English Cocker Spaniel TODAY you will receive a refund for this one Amazon DE Amazon IT Amazon ESP Amazon FR www.ebook777.com ... Many insurance companies offer coverage for medical issues or even death for dogs There are several different options and it is best to read through all policies before deciding which one is the best for you and your pet... Who will provide care for him or her while you are away? Some hotels and motels allow dogs, and most dogs can be transported in planes, provided they are properly caged and behaved Training your Boxer to be comfortable in a cage when traveling is a great idea... Taking home a Boxer when your financial situation or lifestyle will not accommodate for the responsibility of caring for the pet Purchasing a Boxer for a small child or family member They likely will not be able to care for it on their own if you are not able to provide assistance and