Expert: Jannie Balliett - 2/1/2009

Question
I have a pregnant female and a male boxer that are house dogs. My boxer is ready to give birth within the next 10 days. I know to keep the male away as she delivers the pups but how long do he need to be kept away from the mom and pups?

Answer
Each bitch is somewhat different on the time...

She will literally attack him, and try to kill him or any person outside her immediate family in order to protect her pups.

In nature, the wild, male animals will often kill their young so they won't challenge their position as the alpha leader. Therefore, the mother will protect her offspring against this happening.

She will let him around them when she is ready.

Usually they will be 2 months old and soon ready to go to their new homes.

Daddy can't participate with his offspring, unless you allow mom, dad, and puppies all play together when they are around 2 months old. Then daddy will teach his pups just like mom teaches them to be "big, bad Boxers."

Just follow her lead. She'll let him near them when she is ready. And it's a long time.