First, I've been calling him Odie or Brody. He's too funny with such a clowny personality, to have such a stern name....but we also use Otis, when we ask him commands......

Otis is doing pretty well here. He seems to really enjoy being part of a family, and is upset when he can't be with us. When I am switching dogs around because our dane foster does not care for Otis, and I have to put Otis in the crate, he gives me these big sad puppy eyes, looking at me as if to ask..."Why do I have to go in there?"  He does crate well though, and behaves in the crate. He would much rather be with everyone else though, rather then in a different room.

Otis has been good with my kids, (ages 13-7)and seems to realize that they are human petting machines, just here for petting him. It's pretty funny really.....He hasn't seemed at all aggressive with my kids. I've even had them work with him with toys, asking him to drop one, and then the kids pick it up to throw for him. He seems to like the kids pretty well. Although, I do think real little kids may not be a great idea, because Otis needs to know his limits and little kids really are not good at enforcing limits. And too, Otis is a good size boxer, I would guess around 70lbs, and he could inadvertently knock down a toddler.

Otis gets along well with my Danes, (Bo and Paige). I can't say how he'd be with smaller dogs, and he definitely has way, way too much interest in my sons guinea pig (which lives in my sons room, but one day Otis went in for a look around), but big dogs that are well socialized and not super dominant would probably be ok with Otis. Bo, (Great Dane/22months/154lbs) and Otis play well together. I will tell you, they play HARD, but play well together and there is no dominance involved. Bo is a big puppy and Otis just loves to play, so they play, a lot. I personally feel it's good for them. I've not had any trouble getting them to quit playing when I need them too. They both know their names, and will give me their attention if I make my voice stern enough. And when that doesn't work-a little squirt of water, with a squirt bottle gets their attention.

With people, although we've not had a lot of people in and out, Otis seems to be ok with visitors, if we are OK with them. He will do beautiful sit-stays, so that is what we ask him to do, then have him meet the visitor, and then all is well. As long as the visitor, is willing to pet Otis, that is....And when we come home from work or whatever...Otis does a little happy dance that is so hilarious, you'd have to see it! He runs in little circles, wagging his stumpy tail, and trying to calm himself enough so we can pet him......he is really, really funny!

Otis, probably could be trusted loose in the house alone. Right now, Bo gets crated, (his crate is in our kitchen) and Otis, just gets gated in the kitchen. He's not disappointed us yet. he doesn't have accidents or chew anything, and he is always ready for us to pet him once we get home!!

Otis really knows his commands. he knows: SIT, DOWN, STAY, NO, OFF and several others. He is very consistent with his commands and although there are times I might have to use my stern voice, he does listen. He has even helped Bo with a thing or two. Especially STAY. Otis has real consistent STAYS. I can DOWN-STAY him, and leave the room, and Otis will be in the same spot when I come back. To keep Otis sharp with his commands, anyone adopting him would have to continue to work on them a little bit every day. It really only takes 10 minutes or so.

I think anyone adopting Otis, would have to commit to working with him. He also needs someone that has a fairly strong personality, who can be alpha in the house, so Otis doesn't feel he has to be.

He is not the easiest dog we've ever fostered, but he certainly is not the hardest either. He needs direction, and he needs companionship. This isn't a dog that is going to do well crated 8-10 hours a day, while his people are at work. Ideally, he would have a family that either works opposite shifts or part time, where someone is around frequently. He needs that interaction and companionship. He is a nice dog...just has had a little bit of a rough start, and needs people that can allow him space enough to learn to trust his new family, and be understanding of that fact.

07/22/03 -

Every once in awhile a special dog comes into our kennel. That dog is Otis. I've fallen head over heels for him. Not only is he awesome to look at, but he's a sweetheart!

He loves my husband, and lives for the long walks/runs he takes him on. I take care of all his other needs. I go in the kennel with him, feed and give him his daily hugs. He needs a quiet home with a strong but gentle owner. He's not the type of boxer that would be good to have around alot of company because I think he would be overwhelmed. He's like our Diamond, who's a big loveable lummox. He just gets carried away. We just put him somewhere else, unless it's a dog lover who doesn't mind his/her face ears etc being thoroughly washed. A fenced yard is a must for Otis, he's got lots of energy. 

Although we love him dearly, it's very sad for him to be in a kennel and not have a home of his very own. Every dog deserves that, especially our Otis.

Here's 4 pics of Otis I just took. He just got back from his walk/run. Notice party favor hanging out? The guy in the picture that's not Jim is a guy bringing his dog to the kennel. He goes right up to Otis and gives him a big pet and lovin. Notice Otis's stance, he's looking at the cute little female lab that just arrived. Tail was going like crazy. He wanted to go meet her, but notice he did not act out. 

Hooray Otis. He's such an awesome dog. He's a guy dog, but a real mama's boy too. 

05/24/03 - New Pictures

05/01/03 - Update from Foster Home

Otis has been in his foster home for about four months. We were told that this is Otis' sixth home. Poor Otis. That explains a lot. We've gotten to know him well and feel that we can now focus on finding his forever home.

Because of Otis' shaky start, and because he's a dominant dog by nature, he will require a special home. The good news is that Otis is well trained in his commands, and is really trying to improve in his social interactions. With supervision and consistency he should do well. 

The ideal home for Otis would have a single person or retired couple, not too much social activity, but a lot of physical activity. Otis should not be in a home frequented by children. He loves to play with toys, either independently or with his owner. Giving Otis enough opportunity for exercise will go a long way in helping him burn off extra energy. Otis has been good left alone in the house although he is a gifted counter surfer.

Although Otis seems fine with submissive dogs, it is best that Otis be adopted to a home with no other dogs for now. Cats are actually not a good idea as Otis' prey drive is pretty high. Eventually, Otis may do well to have a canine playmate, for now however, Otis' parent/s would need to focus their attention on Otis.

Any home considering adopting Otis would need to be committed to working with a trainer. Otis will be a challenge, but well worth the effort. He's a good dog that has had a rough start. He's really trying to fit in. If you are willing to accept the challenge, Otis would be happy to meet you.

04/22/03 -

Otis is in need of a foster/adoptive home that can help him continue his training. He is in need of a quiet home that does not have any kids in the home. An adult home that does not have a lot of activity, one where he can hang out and be loved. 

He is fine with cats and other dogs but he is in need of all the attention and deserves to be the only dog. A home with a single dog if its the right home may be OK. He needs a very special dog home. 

Please contact us for more details. thanks, Scranton boxerrescue

03/19/03 - On Hold

02/23/03 - Otis is doing well in his new foster home in PA. He is a silly, goofy dog that is learning what it is like to live in a warm, comfortable, loving home. His favorite pastimes, in addition to eating, are rough housing with Ernie (13yr old male poodle); playing fetch with his foster mom; and playing by himself; and eating.

Otis has a lot of energy and loves to be active. Obviously since he had such great training at boot camp, he is extremely well behaved on the leash. He responds well and quickly to commands such as sit, down, stay, come, heel with little or no prompting. He's a joy to walk with. Otis is not as sharp when he is off the leash, but is learning at gets better every day. Otis is a strong willed boy who likes to do as he pleases, and will test you to see if he can get away with it.

Understandably, he gets very excited when new people come into the house and does not like to be told to calm down. He has been assessed recently by Laura, a local trainer and David, a dog aggression specialist who both confirm that Otis needs to clearly understand his position in the household.  Once he knows what behavior he cannot get away with, Otis happily falls into line.

Otis can only be placed with a strong but gentle owner who understands the importance of continued training and consistency. Otis has had little consistency in his short life. He will do well in a boxer savvy home, and would probably enjoy a playmate (dog) who could match his stamina. Otis needs a lot of attention and would do best in a home where the owner was around more often than not, and where he would not need to be crated.

Although he can be crated if necessary, it is a stressful event for him, and should be limited. Based on his dominant behavior he will only be placed in a home with older children, or no children. Otis is still learning what it means to give and accept affection. He is a great dog who will be a challenge, but well worth the effort. If the house boxer, Mable could get along with Otis (not his fault), we would keep him in a heartbeat.

12/30/02 -

Here is Otis a just 21 month old male boxer that is cropped and docked.

He has been in an intense training program and is ready to graduate into a home. He had some leash issues and some dominant issues. He is in need of a home with boxer experience and a home that is lovingly in charge. This is not a dog for the meek and mild. He is a very sweet and affectionate, typical boxer, but needs a home that is in charge so he doesn't have to be. 

He is now agility trained and obedience trained. He is up to date on shots and neutered. He is good with other dogs and kids. We would like a home with older kids since he is very young and rambunctious. 

Otis is fostered in VT. in a training school.

If you are interested in adopting this dog, please fill out an online application first.  Then e-mail the contact below.  Be sure to include your full name, city, state, and area code in the subject line of your message.

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