While bringing a new puppy into your household is a super happy event for you, it's a rather stressful one for a young Boxer pup. At this age, a pup is leaving his entire world behind. His life revolved around the dam and his siblings. While his previous owner/breeder hopefully did some socialization training, simply due to his age, it was limited.
Most of his interaction was side-by-side play, sleep and eating with his littermates. He was never alone and he was just starting to feel secure when it was all taken away. Don't feel bad - soon he'll learn that his new home - your home - couldn't be a better place.
At this age, enough time has not passed for the Boxer puppy to understand his schedule. He's living minute by minute. You might wonder why he whines if he's hungry…"Doesn't he realize I feed him on time, all the time?" Not really. Memory is ultra-short term at this time and there are not enough past experiences and events for him to depend on any type of care at this point. He's dealing with the stress of a new environment coupled with real needs and for this reason he does not hesitate to be vocal.
The main reasons a new Boxer puppy whines is:
Separation from his littermates -
The bond between littermates is very close, as is the security a pup feels with his mother. Puppies do always adjust to a new home, however it is not uncommon for there to be whining the first few days simply due to feeling sad and feeling the brunt of the lost connection.
He's hungry or thirsty -
The environment of a new home and getting used to new humans can throw off a pup's appetite. The moment even a tinge of hungry begins, a pup may be vocal about it. Also, puppies may not eat enough to feel satiated due to one of several reasons. This may be due to many outside factors such as humans standing too close to his dish, too much background noise that's causing some stress or even a cold draft near the feeding area.
In addition, pups this young may need to be led to the eating area. A quick reminder of where food and water is may be needed for the first couple of weeks.
Be sure to choose a spot that is away from foot traffic and loud noise. In multiple dog households with more than one Boxer, don't expect a Boxer puppy to eat close to another dog. This can be very overwhelming and a young puppy may back down from eating if he interprets the setting to mean that an older, established dog has claimed the dining spot. Giving him his own corner, free from distractions will help him feel more secure.
He's cold or uncomfortable -
Puppies need a safe, warm area to spend their resting, sleeping and independent playtime or else they may whine due to a feeling of insecurity. Many owners make the mistake of thinking that only older, senior dogs need a quality dog bed.
However dogs of any age appreciate a 'den' that consists of a properly sized canine bed, placed in a room that is frequently used by people but out of the way of foot traffic. If the pup feels too isolated, this can lead to whimpering and barking. The corner of a living room that is free from drafts is usually the best place to keep a Boxer puppy. Keep his toys and chews in that same area.
This breed should not be crated. Boxers tend to be claustrophobic and a puppy
will whine if he is put into too small of a space. A pen or gated off area works best.
If your Boxer will be spending his days home alone, it can help to have this area gated off with the entrance open when you are home. This way, he'll become accustomed to 'his spot' and be more prone to accept being there once you leave the house.