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| ARE YOU RIGHT FOR A BOXER? Information to Read Before Completing Application Everyone involved with Second Chance Boxer Rescue is a boxer owner or lover. Because of this, we want to be sure that applicants are sure that they are right for a boxer. Therefore, please ask yourself if you are right for not only a boxer, but also a rescued boxer. WHAT A RESCUED BOXER DESERVES A home that is safe and loving and will provide a rescued boxer all of the attention they deserve. The boxers that arrive into rescue come in due to different reasons. Some come in from good, loving homes that had to give them up due to major, life-changing events such as divorce or death. Some dogs, unfortunately, come from having lived difficult lives and some have even been neglected or abused. However they come into rescue, rescue dogs often go through an adjustment period when they join a new home, which can be difficult. Adoptive families must not only be willing to love a dog, but must also be dedicated to helping a dog adjust. Owners who are committed to the dog's needs -- exercise, obedience training, socialization, understanding, patience, and plenty of "quality" time. A rescue dog is just like any other dog --- they don't come to us "perfect." This means that you need to give a boxer what a boxer needs which includes the necessary training and obedience. This means you might have to change your work or other schedules to attend the dog's needs, or arrange for someone else to do this for you. Rescue dogs in the beginning are much like puppies in the beginning as they are having to learn new schedules, routines, etc. Puppies and dogs with separation anxiety require lots of extra attention and often do better in a home where someone either is a stay at home mom/dad, works at home, works part-time, or is able to come home frequently. More independent and older dogs still need the attention and care of a person of someone who isn't working long hours. Boxers are an extremely social breed and without the attention of their humans, can become destructive when bored. If you work more than 8 hours each day away from home, then this might not be the best time for you to have a dog -- regardless of how much you love dogs. Motivational and compassionate obedience training. Through training, you will build a quality relationship with your rescued boxer and you will gain a faithful and loveable companion. Many types of training exist, but they are not all created equally. We recommend Clicker Training because it works without having to use choke or pinch (prong) collars and no heavy yanking on a leash to get your dog to respond. This method works well on all breeds and boxers also respond favorably. Through patience, practice and praise a dog learns. A comfortable crate. What is a crate? A crate is a specially-made wire, sometimes epoxy coated or a plastic enclosure (Varikennel). It has multiple uses that are beneficial to both you and the dog -- safe housing during transport or while you are away from home, effective means for housetraining, sleeping quarters, feeding area, etc. What a crate is not -- A crate is not cruel. Moreover, it is not a doghouse in the yard. To the dog, a crate is his/her "room" -- a place where the dog can retire to sleep or eat or feel secure. A fence, if you have a yard, or a secure, fenced area, such as a dog run, kennel, etc. Normally, a minimum of a five foot fence is necessary to contain a Boxer. Invisible fencing, done correctly with appropriate training, is another affordable and appropriate alternative. Regular exercise. This does not mean simply putting the dog out in the back yard. It means committing to a regular schedule of walks, runs, playing with other dogs, and playing with you! Not only will this interaction help to strengthen the bond between you and your Boxer, it will help to make a happy, healthy, well-socialized dog! WHAT A RESCUED BOXER IS NOT A Rescued Boxer is not for the entertainment of your children. Rescued Boxers range in age from puppies to seniors. They rarely have perfect temperaments or manners. While most Boxers love children, you must keep in mind that they are large dogs and can accidentally and unintentionally knock down very young children while playing. Since they are Boxers, they are do tend to be jumpy and until trained not to do so, may frighten young children and the elderly. A Rescued Boxer is not an inexpensive gift for yourself or someone else. There are many expenses to consider, including adoption fees and veterinary care, as well as the ongoing care of the dog (training, feeding, healthcare, heartworm and flea and tick control, etc.). A Rescued Boxer is not an animal that you can expect to act like it has lived with you all its life. Rescued dogs frequently have behaviors that include separation anxiety, abandonment issues if they were "disposed of" by their former owners because of destructive behaviours, lack of socialization, or lack of obedience training. They usually require large amounts of attention and patience to help them adjust to their new home and family. NOTE FOR CAT OWNERS: Not all Rescued Boxers will be good with cats. A Rescued Boxer is not a disposable pet. We look to match the most suitable home to the most appropriate dog. We consider your home, work hours, family members, yard size, activity level, and previous Boxer experience when matching you up with a dog. We also consider the dog's temperment, experience with children, cats and other dogs when matching them up to a family. As a result, we have an extremely low return rate and try to ensure that the Rescued Boxer that goes to your home is not just a pet, but a family member. Upon placement in their new homes, it is advised that the rescue be kept on a leash at all times and crated while you are out of your home. Adoptive families will need to show proof of the following prior to placement: -Veterinary appointment to introduce dog to veterinarian and address any medical issues or concerns immediately. -Obedience instruction in the form of private or group classes, including but not limited to Clicker Training. The above are not suggestions, but are a few of the mandatory steps that must be followed to ensure that the new rescue dog can adjust properly to his or her new environment. In addition to the above, please review information about the breed (temperament, health issues, traits, etc) on the AKC Web Site. Now, after reading the above, if you can truthfully say to yourself: "I am (We are) the right person (people) to adopt a Rescued Boxer!" Then, Congratulations! -- (NOTE! IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE AN EMAIL FROM US WITHIN 3 DAYS OF FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION, PLEASE EMAIL gypsy30@earthlink.net TO MAKE SURE IT WAS RECEIVED) Online Adoption Application Form Adoption Application (.DOC/Word Format) For further information on the process, please visit the adoption process page. Please note that references will be checked and a Second Chance Boxer Rescue representative will visit your home. In addition, the only way we can discuss a dog with you is if you fill out our adoption application. If you have not filled out our application here on the SCBR site, we will not receive it as our application is exclusive to us |