Puppy update

Both pups are doing well, have very few issues, and will make great dogs.  As attached as they are to one another, they have proven to be quite different.  As they came out of their shells, their personalities became very distinct. 

The first word that comes to mind for Percy is "sassy."  She loves to run and wrestle and won't hesitate to get into guard dog mode if there is any commotion on the other side of the fence.  As un-boxer like as it seems, she also has a talent at retrieving.  She is certainly the more dominant of the two, but her dominance seems to be limited to her brother.  She is just so bossy with him.  She attacks  him when he tries to play with the other dogs.  It's not a serious attack, it's play, but it's pretty harsh.  She likes all of his attention to be on her.   She is also much more independent than he is and she seems very smart.

Enzo is more like all of the other male boxers that we have had.  Laid back, clumsy, and not quite as bright as the girls, but so very happy and sweet.  He is overly friendly, always wanting to be as close as possible to anyone that will cuddle with him, human or canine.  A big, dopey, love bug.  Of course, he lets Percy bully him, appreciating any attention that he gets. 

The weather has been rainy and cold.  We hadn't even seen frost on the lawn yet and we woke up the other morning to an inch of snow!  This has not been an ideal situation for potty training.  They hate going out.  I have to get to the store and get poor naked Enzo a sweater!  The forecast is looking up though, so I suspect more success and less accidents for me to clean up. 

I have also decided that I need to start getting them some time apart.  I am going to be walking them in pairs, one puppy and one adult at a time.  I am also considering putting the divider in the crate.  It seems harsh, but it's for their own good.  I don't foresee them getting adopted together and it's better that they adapt to it slowly.  I think it will also help her to not be so possessive of him.  It's play now, but as she matures, I could see it escalating.  I want to nip that in the bud early. 

It's funny (and actually really annoying because deaf dogs are unbelievably loud) when Jax plays with them.  When the pups are wrestling with each other, they are totally in the zone.  Jax circles them barking like crazy to get their attention, clearly bothered by being ignored.  He has never really been the third wheel.  If he can get them to acknowledge him, he can usually bring their attention to him.  He'd rather be double teamed than feel like second fiddle. 

When Dixie gets involved in the chaos too (the twins adore her!) it's a real hoot.  I can watch the four of them like I watch TV.  I try to capture the giant ball of fur flying fun on camera, but the pictures just don't do it justice.