Posted: 4/8/2009 3:17:51 PM EDT
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I am about to get a GSD puppy, black and red, and I think I am going to get a female, but I have a question. Though I am planning on crate training, I live in a small neighborhood near a golf course in a 1 story house w/ a small yard that is not fenced in. I know I will have to leave the dog inside, and my garage gets a little hot for him to stay in there. Is he going to tear the house up during his young years? I work about 15 miles from work, so I can drive home at lunch, but not everyday, and though sometimes my Gf can help, I wont be there from 7-5:30 on some days. What should I do about him A) tearing up the house, B) using the bathroom in my house? A fence is not really an option I want to consider. Will I be able to keep him in the house?
Also? Do electronic/radio fences work? |
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i LOVE my electric fence... but.. when he/she gets older and a little bigger.. get the collar that takes the 9V batts instead of the 2032's.. costs lest to maintain and dont wear out as often.. and I think the "correction" is stronger.. works great for my 1yr old yellow lab
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Also pick up a copy of the Monks of New Skeet..... You can thank me later Monks of New Skete are great references for training. Plus if you have a garage and can keep it somewhat cool, I suggest buying from Home Depot a 6'x6' kennel/cage. This is what I did with my GSD when he was young and not quite ready to be trusted by himself in the house. Every young GSD I have had has always tried to chew on something they are not supposed to its just how they explore their world, so make sure you keep them occupied with something they are allowed to chew on!! |
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Where do I look for a good dog trainer? What are some good brand of electric fences? What should I look to get destroyed, so that I can not leave it out or available to be destroyed? For GSD's Id look for a good Schutzhund trainer, even if you dont want to SCH title him....or start ordering a lot of videos from leersburg.com .... Puppy proof your house.....if it is below your waist the dog can and will get into it...pick everything up...think about electrical cords they can get to and fix their location....only give the dog rawhide or real bones(note: only give him knuckle bones...all other bones can break and splinter) the purpose of limiting what you let them chew, will help them recognize what is ok to chew on, and what is not. Plastic toys and such can be confused with TV remotes and shoes, etc. Rawhide or butchers bones only. ETA: later you can introduce training aids like tennis balls and Kongs |
| Also that leersburg.com has the best leashes and collars available...not like the crap you find in pet stores. The leashes are made of leather for horse reins, and wont cut you to hell when he pulls during training. Also they last forever....mines almost 10 years old with almost no care. |
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Whats a way I can keep my garage cool? Its a 2 car, un insulated, and gets rather hot. I have a window, but I dont want a window unit, so that is out. Any Ideas on that? I know some stores like walmart sell GE in room ac you just run a hose that it comes with it to a window. IF you don't want to do a widow, then since your garage is not insulated cut a hole in the wall and runn it there. Just make sure water won't get in or it is in a spot where you can easly fix it latter. |
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GSD's are great dogs, but, you must train them constantly for the first year or so. Plan on having things destroyed and don't get mad when it tears up your favorite stuff. If that happens, it's your fault, not the dogs. Crate training is a must for GSD's. You can't leave them alone for one second when they are young. They need tons of exercise and unless you have a lot of time to put in with them, get different breed. Oh, and try to find a European Pedigree, they are better than most American lines because of the shitty breeding standards that are rampant across our country. Good luck.  |
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GSD's are great dogs, but, you must train them constantly for the first year or so. Plan on having things destroyed and don't get mad when it tears up your favorite stuff. If that happens, it's your fault, not the dogs. Crate training is a must for GSD's. You can't leave them alone for one second when they are young. They need tons of exercise and unless you have a lot of time to put in with them, get different breed. Oh, and try to find a European Pedigree, they are better than most American lines because of the shitty breeding standards that are rampant across our country. Good luck. +1 on the Euro bloodline dogs...dont get fooled with the AKC titles, try and get an Euro title line ETA: to GSD owners AKC titles are not worth the paper they're printed on |
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Do you think morning walks/runs, evening walks runs, and weekends will be enought to give him the psychological stimulation? Figure at least 3 10-15 minute walks(when he's grown) and a good 20-30 minutes a day of hard exercise(mine would chase tennis balls and kongs for 20-30minutes before he would lay down and basically let me know he was done) A DAY, puppies need to go out 6-8 times a day. |
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..........yes some shit is gonna get destroyed... Oh how true! I have a 9 week old GSD puppy right now. (It's been a while since I had a puppy, I forgot how much work they are) A GSD Puppy is ike a 2 yr old on a sugar high. Plan to spend a lot of time with them. My puppy has already chewed the furnature. All I can say is "she sure is lucky I love her so much". |
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Remember if you get an electric fence that they take proper training for them to be effective. Its not just put the line out and put the collar on. I dont know if you can train a very young pup well enough to rely on that.
Also, I highly suggest crate training. I know you said you would, but once the dog is a little older you can leave it in there (in the house) and let it out at lunch and it should be fine the rest of the day. As for destruction, like someone said everything in there reach has potential to be chewed on. That includes all of your furniture, walls, and even carpet. Having lots of exercise will help... remember, a tired puppy is a well behaved puppy. |
| I dont plan on leaving him in the yard w/ the electric fence, but more when I am out in the yard doing things, or grilling, that I dont have to worry about him taking off and bolting... I would like the puppy, yet would like to minimize damage, as I have some nice antique furniture that is a a few generations old. Any advice on avoiding using the furniture as chew blocks? |