adding another boxer to the mix?

Question
My question is, i have two female dogs already, one is a 75lb black lab boxer mix who the vet says is about 90% boxer, her hair her teeth ears long legs short hair the only lab part is that her muzzle is a little longer than a boxer, she is about 1 and half years old now and has gotten along great with my daschund who is 7 yrs old. a friend of mine is having to give up one of her boxers becuase she is moving to a place where they only allow three dogs.  I guess my question would be, if i bring this 5 yr old dog home will it be safe for my other two?  the new dog is unfixed male and my two are females.  my dogs are like my children and i would love to rescue this boxer from this lady i just want to be sure that my dogs will not suffer.  I also wanted to know that if they did get along, would that take away from the time i spend with each of them at night?  We have our alone time at night and one curls up by me and the other by my boyfriend and he is worried with a third, we might lose the closeness we share with them?

Answer
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for your questions about your boxer rescue consideration. Honestly I can't say for certain that this male boxer will be safe with your pack you have now. All dogs have their own personality and it depends on several factors like genetics, environment raised in and if your pack accepts him. And if he accepts your pack. You didn't say if your girls were spayed, if they are then all the better, if you decide to take this male boxer then I'd advise you to have him neutered as soon as possible.If he has been a stud dog then he will be more territorial than say a dog who isn't neutered but never mated before. Even neutering him will not have an immediate effect, it can take several months to see big changes and some dogs it has no effect on. But your best bet is neutering to curb the desire to mate.

It will take some work to adjust to having a new pack member and you will have to make time for the new dog in the evenings and share your affections.So yes you will be taking some time from your other dogs and giving to the new one. If you can honestly say you are willing to devote time as well as change your habits to fit this boxer into your family then it could work out. The bonds you share with your dogs will not be broken. You may see some competition for your affection from your own dogs and the new dog will certainly be trying to figure out where he fits into this mix.

You might try letting the boxer male visit you and your dogs at your home to see if he's a match for your pack before committing to this. You'll want to let the dogs meet each other in a calm environment, if your nervous about the meeting your dogs will pick up on this energy and the meeting may become unstable. So have all humans act as natural and carefree as possible during this meeting. Let the dogs be the judge and see what happens. I do suggest having them all on loose leash just in case you need to step in.

I hope this information has been helpful to you, please let me know if you do decide to get this boxer and how things are going in the future.Please don't hesitate to contact me should you need additional information.
Sincerely,
Angela Donald
Canine Behavior Consultant
http://www.hitowerboxers.com