- Joined
- Sep 27, 2008
- Messages
- 20,557
Any dog can be an excessive barker. Ours properly announce visitors at the door, wildlife trespassing on what they consider their turf, have recognizable barks for empty water bowl, must go out, isn’t dinner running late, pack greetings. If they get over-excited and can’t stop, I simply hold up the dreaded metal pie pan, which tells them to immediately cease and desist a behavior, barking, jumping up, etc. They have never been struck by anything or anyone. Just voice tone, and as a puppy, hitting the pie pan with a hand with the consistent “no” or “off” command. I don’t even have to hit the pan anymore. It helps that I am pack leader. Even DH jokes the pie pan works on him. Boxers were bred to be companions in every activity, and that’s what drives them.Can Boxers be barkers? Are yours. DS made a mistake of getting an Australian Cattle puppy. They drive cattle by nipping at their hooves and the he wondered why the dog was always biting. They re-homed the dog to a cattle farm and it's doing well there. He keeps saying no more puppies bu no doubt he'll change one day. They need a dog that can keep up with mountain hiking and beach runs but be gentle and cuddly at home. I think a boxer might fit the bill. If I can get them to change their minds on dogs maybe someday I can have grandchildren, or at least granddogs.
Boxers can be heat/humidity intolerant, because that short nose and flat smooth short coat doesn’t have the same protective qualities as some longer fluffier coats.
I think hounds and retrievers make great PT and hiking partners. Maybe a rescue greyhound or whippet? Love to run and go do things, but chill and cuddly at home.