Help, I have a Houdini - Page 2

They are already professionally trained in obedience, and I work regularly with them.  Won't have a dog this big that isn't trained and trustworthy.  They are all exercised until they are beat (swimming works wonders for that and I live on a lake).  I am only gone maybe 2-4 hours at the most.  I am retired so I am not gone a lot.  I also have a young son and hubby that exercises them when I can't. 

I do agree with you whole heartedly about exercise and obedience before love.  These are working dogs, not pets, but they are loved just as much.  Thanks

Oops....The last comment was to "hodie".  Still learning the ins and outs of this message board

I thank all of you for your wonderful suggestions.  It is nice to know that I am not the only one with a Houdini.  I am sure we could trade stories until our sides exploded.  I will try those suggestions that I can afford (LOL) and let you know how it goes.  Gotta love those dang smart dogs !!!!!

We had the same problem with our rescued GSD. What has finally worked for us after trying several things is a VariKennel  (we have the deluxe model) using the classic kennel door. The pins on the classic are longer so hasn't been able to bow it out and push himself out. He could also destroy the latch mechanism, so we cut plexiglass and nut/bolted it over the latch mechanism/rods so he has no access to them. Hope this gives you another idea to try.

Mindhunt,

You sound like you have a very smart dog.    i love a smart dog.

You can get dog box's that lock.  Like the kind hunters use. 

The going thru windows and climbing fences sounds like the real trouble.

You can build cages and fences the the dog cant escape, but the behavior needs to be addressed.

If you cant change his behavior, you'll just have to out smart him.

Food for thought.

You're right Two Moons, he can be trouble but we have channeled it into tracking and rescue training.  My husband is a Rescue Captain at a career Fire Department (I am retired from a career Fire Department, not the same department as hubby) and this seems to have helped much of the problem.  If goof ball knows he is going to "work" he gets so excited yodeling, barking, talking that you can't hear yourself think, but he doesn't bust out of the vehicle.  I woke up this morning to very loud racket and found his new reinforced kennel across the room from where it was last night (I took all you who gave me suggestions on reinforcement to heart, thank you) but the kennel held for now, that is until he figures out how to break out of this one.  I never leave my dogs outside unless I am home, and I still check on them a lot.  They have a nice room with crates/kennels that they stay in when I have to go out (they get walkies before I go to make sure no one has an accident while I am gone).

I too love smart dogs, and I am blessed with two nut-bag Einsteins and a young one in "training" by the other two.  It is a constant battle as to who is going to outsmart whom and what new things can I come up with to challenge/channel their "talents".  I consider myself very lucky to have wonderful experienced trainers and experienced working-dog ownersbreeders all of them good friends.  They provide insight, ideas, and training opportunities whenever I am in need.    Thank you, all of you who answered and shared ideas!!!!!