Expert: Renee Cox - 9/4/2007

Question
My partner recently purchased a now 10 week Male Boxer puppy. He had one when he was younger and has wanted one ever since. He is a sweet little boy and gets on quiet well with my 2 cats. I am concerned because my partner has been sleeping in the lounge with him for about a week now because if he leaves for too long he cries and barks. We both work full time. Yesterday he was home by himself through the day (first time that long) with access to the garage and a small outside section till he is bigger. He was scratching at the internal door to the house so much he made his paws bleed. Nothing serious just superficial. However, I have read about boxers and how they need constant attention and am worried about leaving him and that he will become destructive when he gets older. My partner has left him with his nan today as he felt so bad after yesterday. I don't want to give up on him as I love all animals but I am scared he will get worse. I don't want him to be a sad boxer living with us. Even though we work through the day we plan to walk him each night/morning and let him inside. He starts puppy training next week. Do you think it is possible to train a Boxer to be left a home during the day and not be destructive. We have an average sized yard with enough room for him to roam around. I even considered getting another dog so he has a friend when we are not at home but am worried I would be digging an even deeper hole for us. Any advice would be greatly appreciative as this is putting a strain on both of us at this point.

Answer
The thing about a Boxer is that they do need a lot of attention. Especially when they're young. If they don't get it, they can be very destructive. I would strongly suggest that if the puppy is going to be left by himself for long periods of time, that you find a puppy sitter. Or maybe someone that can come and visit a time or two during the day. It's dangerous to let a young, or old, Boxer stay left unattended in the yard for hours also. If there's trouble to be found, you can bet a Boxer will find it!! When I have a puppy, or a litter of puppies, I don't leave them alone longer than a few hours. Boxers are known for what they can get themselves into. When he gets older, and is house trained, then he may be trusted in certain rooms of the house while you're gone. A lot of people use crates when they're gone. But that's still only for a little while. My best advice is to find someone to keep him during the day, or someone who'll come to your house and let him out and play with him. Boxers honestly shouldn't be left by themselves for hours on end. They live for their people. If he's left alone, he will most likely be destructive. This will cause aggravation for you guys, and you'll get very frustrated because you have this dog that is doing all of this crazy stuff. It won't be his fault, even though you have good intentions. Puppy training is a good thing. It'll help socialize him, and help him be a good canine citizen. But he still needs someone with him. I'm sure this may not be what you want to hear, but it's my honest opinion. If I can help with anything else, please let me know.