How to Prepare for a Boxer Puppy

Bringing home a Boxer puppy requires as much careful preparation as welcoming home a new human baby. Puppy-proof your home prior to the big day by putting away everything that your Boxer shouldn't get into, such as cleaning supplies, medicines, toiletries, electrical cords, and poisonous plants. Baby gates are helpful in preventing puppy from entering off-limit sections of the house. If you have a yard, make sure that it is secured with a tall fence. Boxers cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold, so they should be kept indoors most of the time, so ensure they have an area of their own. Some basic supplies that your Boxer puppy will need are a harness, a leash, a crate, a comfy bed, toys, grooming tools, ID tags, food and water bowls, and a high-quality dog food.

Having a new puppy at home will throw off your daily routine, but creating a schedule in advance will make things a lot easier for everyone involved. If there is more than one human in the household, figure out who will be in charge of feeding, walking, and taking the puppy outside for potty breaks. Young puppies need to be fed three to four times a day, and relieve themselves first thing in the morning, after meals, after napping, after playtime, and last thing at night. The more consistent you are with the schedule, the faster your Boxer pup will learn and the fewer accidents they'll have inside the house. If you work and can't take your dog outside during the day, hire a Wag! walker to help you out.

Being in an unfamiliar place for the first time can be scary for your Boxer pup. Keep their surroundings calm and pleasant during the first few days, and spend as much time as you can with your pupper. Boxers enjoy companionship and do best when exposed to people and other dogs early on, so make socialization a top priority! Once you've earned your Boxer puppy's trust, you'll always have a steadfast guardian by your side!