SPENCER- BOXER

STATE: near Hartford,CT
AGE: About 2 years
DOB: unsure
WEIGHT:  65 lbs
SEX: Male
NEUT/UTD: yes/yes
COAT COLOR: brindle & white
CHILDREN under 4: no 
CHILDREN OVER 4: teens or up
SEPARATION ANXIETY: No
OTHER DOGS: best as an only dog 
CATS: no 
CRATE TRAINED: yes
HOUSE TRAINED: yes
OBEDIENCE TRAINED: somewhat
LEASH TRAINED: yes
MICROCHIPPED: no
ADOPTION FEE: $475

 

5/7/24-Spencer is on hold right now while his foster mom works with a dog trainer over the next couple of weeks to help Spencer learn to be a better behaved boy. His evaluation with the trainer tonight was that he is basically a young adult boxer “knuclehead”.  Spencer tries to push his boundaries & show dominance to his “person” that is correcting his inappropriate behaviors.  He is not aggressive at all but does need some work before we feel he is able to be placed in a new home. More updates in the next couple weeks as we see how he progresses.  

5/6/24-As Spencer has settled in we have determined he needs to go to a home without other dogs. He can walk in neighborhoods with other dogs, but interacting with other dogs seems to end in a scuffle. Thankfully, none have been hurt.  Cats are also a hard no. The prey drive is very high, even with correction from us & our cat. Spencer also started trying a little dominance with people so a home without kids, or one with teens or up that understand setting boundaries with a big dog, would be better.  His foster home is working with him to learn what is acceptable in a home. Spencer is a high energy young boxer that definitely needs an active home that will work out his energy. Hiking, walking, jogging, etc would be perfect for him. A tired dog is a good dog! 
5/4/24-Spencer was found as a stray & taken to a shelter. Sadly, no one came forward to claim this handsome boy. After his 7-day hold, another volunteer picked him up to ensure his future would be bright. Spencer is a sweet energetic ball of all things boxer. He enjoys playing catch with a ball and is an excellent tug of war player! He rides well in a car and doesn’t complain when I have to run errands. After errands he looks forward to his pup cup (shhh we won’t tell his foster dad we’re giving him extra treats or eating in the car). Want a hiking or walking partner? He’s your boy!! This boy has enough energy to keep you motivated!
Wanna sit by the fire and listen to music or just relax, he’ll be right at your feet snoozing away and snoring like a boxer does! Ohh did I mention he is a professional zoomie marathon runner? Lol To date Spencer hasn’t chewed anything that isn’t his or had an accident in the home. He’s fully crate trained, knows sit, down, paw leave it, and stay”ishhh”. Upon meeting new people he’ll welcome you with the boxer butt wiggle and snorts. Then he’ll be sure to give you a face wash if you let him. He is a kisser! We’re working on jumping up when excited. Every day is better and he is quickly learning he gets more pets when he stays grounded. No to cats as Spencer is too easily excited/rough. This great boy is ready to go home!
 

5/2/24-Spencer was neutered yesterday and doing well today! Even surgery can’t keep this boy’s spirit down. We went for a short walk near the river earlier and played catch in the yard. Now he’s back to being his sweetheart self cuddling for a nap. Spencer was left in the house uncrated today with tests in place. I purposely left out in his reach, chicken, socks, and shoes. This was all in an effort to see how he’d react to being left home alone. He did fantastic! The chicken and shoes were safe after an hour alone unattended. This boy has made great progress over the days. All he needed was to feel comfortable and get some attention with positive reassurance. Looking forward to seeing what the next few days bring out in this sweet boys personality.

4/28/24-Today Spencer was exposed to new scenarios and sounds.  A family of squirrels took up residency in our home causing some early morning mischief. Contractors in and out, power tools, and lots of chaos!  Spencer handled it all well! He watched on and supervised with curiosity, with his little nub tail wiggling the entire time. This boy wasn’t bothered by any of the chaos going on around him. I was truly impressed by his ability to adapt and go with the flow.

4/27/24-Spencer came into foster care yesterday. He is a sweet, playful, goofy, affectionate, energetic bundle of fun.  This big boy loves to climb up onto laps and give face kisses. He craves your affection and attention. 
This  sweet boy has allot of energy and will need daily exercise as well as mental stimulation.  Treat puzzle toys have been of intrest and stimulate him on a short term basis. Squeaky balls seem to be his favorite toy so far! He’ll run after the ball retrieve it and bring it back to you to throw again. He is also and excellent tug of war player!  The crate was no problem at all. He settled in quick without whining or barking.  Spencer walks well on the leash with or without a harness. While out walking, he greeted other people with the famous boxer wiggle and kisses. He did jump up a few times in excitement, but settled down with correction after a few moments.  There was  a  group of younger kids (5 -10yrs) we came across that asked to pet him. The kids were loud and rowdy when approaching, but Spencer embraced the moment with face kisses and showing off his boxer wiggle. He does jump, so although he is a lover, I think kids 4+ years or older is best at this time. 
Thus far socks, shoes, items left around the house have been safe. Car rides are a work in progress, but practice makes perfect!  He is back and forth and takes some time to settle down. 
I used the safety harness and belt which helps keep him  in place, but he does try to run from window to window. With more frequent rides, I think he’ll acclimate well. Spencer signals to go outside when needed.  No accidents!!! With that said, I have him on a 4 hour rotation which he does go pee every time I bring him out. Night time, he made it from bedtime to sun up without issues. Stay tuned for more updates as I get to know this sweetie.

04/26/24-Spencer is a handsome about 2 yr old very active, friendly brindle & white boxer boy. He was found as a stray & no one came for him at the shelter.  He arrived into rescue thanks to our volunteer. Spencer is being neutered on Wednesday 5/1 & will be ready to go home soon after.