advice on Boxer puppy

Rescue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! many animals are losing their homes!1 it really sad the animals are losing their homes because peopl cant afford their homes anymore and move !!! so go rescue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't answer on the price, as I'm not familiar with quality Boxers. Howevver, for the remainder - - -

Do not attempt to crop his tail yourself. It should have been done by the breeder when the dog is less than a week old. If for some reason the breeder did not, let it alone - a boxer that is not going to be shown does not need a docked tail. Also, if the breeder did not do this within the first week, beware - - - I would definitely ask why they did not do this. If you are not comfortable with their answer, then walk away and adopt from a shelter or find a different breeder.

All puppies are different - but typically a puppy when they are first removed from the litter will cry, especially at night. They are alone for the first time in their life, and will take a while to adjust. Make sure you have a place for them that is their own, a crate is best. Put a stuffed toy in the crate with them, something soft and furry, that they can cuddle with.

If/when the puppies cries, ignore it. I know this is hard, however, if they cry and you come running, they know that all they have to do is cry and they get what they want - you. They will soon learn that cries do not get attention, and will stop.

As for housebreaking, as soon as the puppy gets in the house is the time to start. Keep them confined when you cannot watch them. Set a feeding and walking schedule.

Also, enroll in a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with common puppy questions, and also start basic commands and important socialization skills.

If his tail is not docked by 3 days old, it is too late now. Please do not do this to the pup. It is considered amputation after the 3-5 days mark and is cruel. I hope the breeders have taken care of this chore for the sake of their pups.

House Training

House training your dog is simple if you follow a few basic rules. Remember that puppies younger than 10 to 12 weeks have little control. Accidents will always happen when teaching puppies to be clean in the house. Be kind and patient, and reward handsomely all outdoor elimination. Always remember that dogs do what works for them. Make outdoor pottying work really well for your puppy.

1) The puppy must have NO time unsupervised in your home. NONE. If you are not directly watching the puppy, it should be in the crate, or outside in a safe area. You MUST watch the puppy at ALL times when loose in the house. Use baby gates, crates, or tie the leash to your belt.

2) The puppy should sleep inside the crate by your bedside. This way you can hear if the puppy should happen to need to go out during the night.

3) You must go WITH the puppy outside for ALL trips for elimination. You must have treats with you. When the puppy is urinating, say "GO PEE PEE" in a nice praise tone of voice the entire time. When she is finished, pop the treat into her mouth at once, and praise praise praise. This should be something she gets at no other time, like tiny pieces of string cheese or boiled chicken. Same for defecation. Say "GO POOP" while she is going, and food reward and praise afterwards. You must observe and reward ALL outdoor potty time.

4) Keep a schedule. Feed at the same time, and walk outside at the same times. Your pup needs at least 4 trips outdoors each day, and 5 is probably better. Pup needs to go out at wake up time, lunch time, 4-5 PM, after dinner or any other meals, and before bed. Younger puppies may need to go out much more often.

5) Use a key word each time you go out. I say "Let's go out!!" in a happy tone of voice each time I'm opening the door to go out with the dog.

6) If you catch the puppy IN THE ACT of eliminating in your house, CLAP YOUR HANDS, say AH AH, OUTSIDE!! And immediately rush her outside. If she finishes there, do your usual food reward and praise.

The keys to getting your dog reliably housetrained are:

SUPERVISION: NO loose time in the house if you are not watching

REWARDS: ALL outdoor elimination MUST be observed and rewarded. If you only do this ONE thing, your puppy will get housetrained.

PATIENCE: Anger and punishment have no place in dog training. Elimination is a natural and pleasurable experience for your dog. You can teach her to not soil your house, but punishment will NOT help. It will only teach the dog to hide when she needs to eliminate.

If you have applied these techniques carefully for 4 weeks and you are still finding spots or piles after the fact, it's time for stronger measures. Roll up a newspaper and fasten both ends with a rubber band. Keep it handy. The very next time you find a spot of a pile that the dog has left behind, whip out that newspaper, and hit YOURSELF over the head firmly several times as you repeat "I FORGOT TO WATCH MY PUPPY".

Works every time.

:D

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