Thinking Of Selling Daisy

[finn's mom]

I don't really have a problem with people who see their dogs or other pets as "just a dog" or "just a cat" or whatever. I don't have a problem with anyone who takes care of their dog's needs but has them as an outside dog. And when I say "dog's needs", I meen food, shelter, water, medical care, and the ability to be with their pack. A dog doesn't need to be with their pack 24/7, though. Just like kids don't need to be surrounded by family 24/7. I can't begin to know how much time you and your family spend with Daisy, Tim. I hope it's enough time.

With that being said, I am "one of those people" who treats my animals better than most. My dog is a dog, but he is a member of my family. He is not a child, but he is most assuredly a family member. But, I understand and am ok with people who do not feel that way. As long as an animal has their needs met, I'm all right with people not letting them in the house.

Now. What bothers me is that you would get a dog like a boxer and think that it wouldn't be a playful, energetic hyper dog. People shop all over the darn place for the right couch and research the best deals on airfare to save money, but they will just choose a dog not knowing the first thing about the breed, just because "it's cute", or "I had one as a kid", or, in your case, "people around here are afraid of boxers". There absolutely has to be more thought put into bringing a living creature into your home, especially one who could possibly be in your care for upwards of twenty years. If a dog running through your house and knocking your children over was a problem, maybe an already trained adult boxer would have been a better option. I know it's obviously not something you can do anything about with Daisy. But, maybe consider it if you do decide to get another dog.

[K9soul]

Tim-

This is a site that has links with a lot of useful information, how to do some basic training, and dealing with various behavioral issues.

http://www.dogpatch.org/obed/obpage2.cfm

Of course there is a wealth of information online. You can simply go to google.com and type in "dog training" and come up with all kinds of information. I'd suggest if she doesn't already know it to train sit first. Sit is a good command to get the dog quiet and under control and focused on you. You must use rewards, such as treats or a favorite toy or at the very least praise and attention, to make her want to work and learn. Take her out on a leash, have her sit, let her learn she gets attention when sitting and being good. But also she needs to be able to run and expend energy. If she can run off some energy before training sessions she will be a lot easier to work with. If you work with her every single day, consistently, even for just 15 to 20 minutes, she most definitely will improve as well as be a happier dog. Also if you spay her she may settle more and be easier to handle as well, plus it reduces her risk of certain cancers and health issues.

If she goes into heat she may very well attract aggressive wandering males who could be of danger to your family. Please consider it for the safety of all.

Here is a very basic guide on teaching sit. http://www.ehow.com/how_65_train-dog-sit.html

Good luck.