Expert: Jannie Balliett - 8/11/2009

Question
I have a 8 week old boxer and I have a few questions. How much should I be feeding him? I give him 1/4 cup of food 4 times a day but he seems hungry still. Also how much should he weigh? Everyone tells me he is under weight he is only 6 pounds. He dose good with the potty training he dose not pee in the house all day long but when my boyfriend gets him he will sometimes pee in the house. Also at night or when i leave the house I put him in the crate but he cry's so loud and hard that he makes himself puke or choke. Any tips and advice would be great thanks.

Answer
I am an avid fan of the "self-feeding" method. That is having his food and water (fresh, changed often) out for him to eat whenever he wants.

Boxers are "grazers" and eat small amounts often- especially later at night. Why, no one knows.

Since he is a puppy-- I would suggest putting out a food bowl with measured amounts, (to keep a record of his intake and eating habits) and allow him to eat that. When empty, refill measured amounts and keep record of his eating amounts and times.

He should gain weight.

6 pounds is too thin. A Boxer is born in at a pound or more. They loose ounces, then gain weight rapidly.

He is 2 months old and should weigh around 10-12 lbs.

Be sure to feed him a high-protein puppy food- until he is a year old. A all natural is preferred: no corn and no corn glutens as Boxers can be allergic to those, at minimum, sensitive.

Puppies will have accidents inside the house just like our children will during potty training.

Remember, he can not hold any longer than 2 hours max at his age- and poop is at will, especially after eating.

Keep up ridge house potty training, and do not spank or scold him, otherwise, he will be afraid to relieve himself. Wipe the pee up with a paper towel, (and/or poop) and set the soiled paper towel outside where you want him to pee and poop- and take him outside to that spot. Let him smell and if he pees, reward him and praise him. Tell him, "good job!" with a thumbs up sign. He will associate the enthusiastic voice and words and the thumbs up gesture as good and pleasing to you.

The more he gets a thumbs up and "good job" the more he will please you on purpose.

Don't crate him at night--- make a bed for him in your bedroom, or the opened crate in your bedroom, with pillows and blankets. Allow him to sleep in the same room near you. He wants to be close because Boxers are social and think they are people too.

If you have to crate him while gone, give him a Nyla bone and a puppy KONG. No other toys that can harm a chewing puppy.

Join Boxerworld.com for free and read the forums-- post in the forums. These are all Boxer owners and most are very experienced and Boxer savvy.

Do not crate him unattended until you have the anxiety under control- by allowing him to sleep in your bedroom freely with the crate door opened- allowing him to feel free. (YOU will need to "puppy proof" your bedroom however.