Q. I was looking to get a Boxer, but I have three kids – a 2½-year-old and 6-month-old twins. When would be the best time to bring home a puppy for them? Are they too young or is it better now?
A. Boxers make amazing companions for children, but now is not the right time to bring any dog into your household. You truly have your hands full with three youngsters. How will you make the time to train a puppy, too, which, for all intents and purposes, you should consider a fourth baby?
I would wait until the 2½-year-old is going to pre-school by which time the twins will be older.
A Boxer without training is a big, strong, boisterous dog that will knock over your kids in energetic play. Wait until they are bigger and you have a little more time to devote to the dog.
I commend you for thinking through this very important decision and not rushing out to make an emotional purchase when the timing is far from ideal