Re: Babysitting my 2 JRTs with a Boxer

In Reply to: Babysitting my 2 JRTs with a Boxer
Category:   Other
Posted by:  Susan Bohus
Posted on:  April 25, 2002 at 14:18:52

: I have a 2 year old male and a 3 year old female. Both wonderful dogs. I am moving, and in the 2 1/2 month interim between homes I need a babysitter for my dogs, as they are not allowed in the apartment I'll be staying in. A friend of mine volunteered, but he has a Boxer. He says his boxer is friendly and we are going to let the dogs meet in a park. My dogs are friendly with other breeds, and have play dates at a neighbor's house who has a poodle and a spaniel. Do you think this might work out? Are there other options?

Response:

Dear Susan,

Meeting on neutral ground is a great idea because the dogs don't have a territory to protect. However, they all may feel the need to protect who is holding the leash so I suggest you walk with the dogs rather then standing still. I also suggest that you take turns walking the dogs -- you should walk the boxer and your friend should walk your terriers.

If all goes well at the park, you should then take your terriers to their "temporary" home. All of the dogs should be leashed and like in the park, should be kept moving. By controlling the dogs, you and your friend will be able to avoid a situation by correcting the behavior before it happens.

Even with these methods, there is no guarantee that the three dogs will get along. However, the fact that your terriers are socialized with other breeds is encouraging. I don't know anything about the boxer breed but I'm pretty sure I haven't heard the words "boxer" and "aggression" in the same sentence. :-)

Short of housing them in a boarding kennel, I don't know of any other options. I do recommend that you and your friend have a signed contract between you regarding liablity, authorization for medical treatments, compensation, etc. Since such a contract protects both of you, please consider it a part of your mutual trust and respect for each other and your pets.

Regards,
Leslie