Boxer eating cloth

Question
QUESTION: I saw this on your site.
Answer
Hi Judi,

It's normal for any puppy to get into things it has access to.  You'll need to puppy proof your home better.  Much as you wouldn't give a toddler access to all things in your home, your puppy shouldn't be given access either.  You're very lucky that he's vomited these things up.  That may not always be the case and you'll be looking at either a dead puppy or a very high vet bill to surgically remove the obstruction and/or repair a twisted gut.

If you can't put the dirty clothes behind a closet door, limit his access to areas of the house with baby gates.  If he's stealing things while you're home, that means you aren't supervising closely enough.  At his age, he should only be permitted in the room you are in.  Again, baby gates are a life saver.
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My daughter is thinking of adopting a boxer but is concerned cuz she was told by the former owner that HE eats her underware out of the cloths basket. Similar to the question and answer above...However this dog is 8 years. They have this beautiful dog for the weekend and my son in law just found underware and a receipt in the dogs bowell movement ...This does not seem right and I question that their might be something wrong with the dog..Is this ok behavior or shoud it be stopped or what..My daughter asked me to find all I could on the internet about boxers and print it for her..and asked me to ask this..( my daughter does not have a computer, thats why I am doing this..Thanks for any help...Judy


ANSWER: Hi Judi,

No, it's not right but it doesn't mean that anything is wrong with the dog.  He could be bored, neglected, etc. or just plain hasn't been taught that this isn't acceptable behavior.

When dogs eat our items, it's most often things that smell greatly of us.  Underwear, socks, things with buttons (remote controls), eye glasses, etc.  

No, it is not ok behavior.  As you read in my response, it can be very dangerous.  If your daughter adopts this dog, she will have to make sure she picks every item of clothing of the ground.  She'll not be able to leave things lying about.  The former owner is extremely irresponsible to let this behavior go on.  It's a very simple fix.  Picking up after yourself, putting things in closets, limiting the dogs access to rooms which aren't tidy, etc.

This isn't the worst behavior a dog can have but is worrisome.  The good news is is that it will be very easy for your daughter to avoid/control assuming she's a good housekeeper.  :)

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QUESTION: Thank you for the quick and great response. My daughter suspected neglet..and I was wrong on the age..The dog is 2 years old. My daughter loves this dog and will take your advice and if we have more questions I will get in touch with you...Judy

Answer
You're welcome.  :)  I'm always here for questions and am glad to help if your daughter (or you) has more.

2 years old is a great Boxer age!  Full grown but still a puppy in the head.  :)  He should respond very well to training!  Good luck to her!!