New Here...Happy New Years All! - Page 1

Just wanted to introduce myself - I'm Grendel...I've read through some posts; this looks like a very informative and resourceful site. I have a question for y'all. I have a 14mo male that keeps getting out of my yard. This is unacceptable. I don't want to just throw up my hands and let him keep doing it, but it is hard to catch him in the act and correct the behavior. It seems like every time I sit out there and wait for him to do it he doesn't do it, but then I'll find him out the next day. I can't sit out there 24/7 waiting to catch him...does anyone have any training tips? I'm not completely opposed to a shock collar (it could save his life b/c if he gets out he could get hit by one of the cars speeding down my street), but I would rather explore training him first. He is otherwise obedient almost all the time, and is not overly aggressive. Thanks to everyone who responds, I'm anxious to get him trained. Blessings for the New Year!

A 14 mos old gsd is too young to leave outside unattended,,He should be in a run with a top on kennel and a partial concrete runner all around edge.. with locks on gate...His obedience should include kenneiling and he obviously has learned a bad habit....start all over with kenneling and getting his bond to you....with food and ball drive.

Or take him out on leash, not only does this allow both his obedience on leash to increase, it will increase his bond with you, it will help him to learn to potty on command which is an incredible benefit if you ever plan on travelling or trialing him. After he goes to the bathroom, walk the boundary of your property with him a couple times.

I agree that the dog needs to be leash trained to learn his boundaries. Past that he needs a strong kennel area from that he cannot escape. He should never be allowed to be unattended while in the yard. An owner opens himself to liability for the dog, plus the sad occurrence of as missing or dead dog. Beware the cheap (about $250.00) 10'-0" x 10'-0" x 6'-0" woven wire pens sold by farm supply stores as they will not hold a serious GSD who is hell-bent on escape. The cyclone wire is easily broken and pulled from its tyes. There are 10'-0" x 10'-0" x 6'-0" welded-wire pens (about $500.00) available that are much stronger. If the dog is outside even in a strong pen, then this pen must be secured with a lock. Dogs will pounce off a gate until they spring it open, and some can even determine how to lift the latch. Past that, there are people who steal purebred dogs. If you wish to secure the entire yard, expect to pay about $10.00 per lineal foot for a reinforced commercial-grade cyclone fence with a lower rail. He's your dog and deserves your love, affection, and thorough care and protection. Regards, Bob-O