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elfkin2001 User is Offline

Posts:6

01/12/2009 9:34 AM
Hello everyone. I have been an avid reader of this site for awhile but this is my first official post. My husband and I own 4 rambunctious dogs. A beagle, a basset hound, a coonhound, and our newest addition a German Shorthair. Leo is a 14 month old male GSP that we adopted 3 months ago. He had minimal training when we got him, but my husband diligently worked with him and he is turning out to be a phenomenal hunter. Recently my husband was called away to serve his country overseas and I am a little aprehensive about the "switch" in ownership. I do not hunt, but I want to be able to maintain the skills that Leo already has as well as further his obedience. Right now being a one parent household with four dogs and other farm animals I am concerned he isn't geting the attention or stimulation he needs. We go out for evening walks, and he is allowed to run in a nearby field or dog park during the weekend (supervised). We are CONSTANTLY working on basic commands; Whoa, Come, Fetch, Give, Sit. But he still has issues with Heeling on lead and returning when called. He has also started to become destructive in his pen. He has an indoor/outdoor kennel thats 40x40 that he is in during the day while I am gone. I was wanting to install some fun activities that would keep him stimulated while I was gone during the day. Maybe something working with scent tracking, or running. Can anyone give me any suggestions or guidance? I am terrified that I am going to ruin my husbands dog and I really want to make the transition from my husband to me as easy as possible for Leo.

pixie bee

MH
Posts:4452

01/12/2009 10:13 AM
It's a rough age. You can start by geting a 20-30' lead and working on the recall. I am a hugh believer that most dogs,any breed, are destructive due to not knowing how to be calm. Being calm can be taught thru structured activities and training.Exercise,IMO, only makes a dog tired and does not work the mind,there needs to be a balance. Depending on how long you are gone, you may want to consider keeping him in a crate. And I do not allow a dog to exit a crate unless they are calm. No feet outside the door,on the rim,no pushing with their nose,no vocalization.I should be able to walk away or turn my back before releasing them from the kennel. This facilitates calm.

"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle

Texas Belle User is Offline

Austin, TX

MH
Posts:7856

01/12/2009 9:13 PM
I agree with Pixie. The other thing is that your pup needs to understand you are boss. Sounds like husband was boss and now it falls onto your shoulders. If you start working with him and training he will recognize you as alpha too and that should help alot. I suspect he is testing you right now so don't let him get away with shenanigans. Good luck!!

Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna) Yellow Rose GSPs "A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato

elfkin2001 User is Offline

Posts:6

01/13/2009 1:58 PM
I do think I am going to pull out his check cord and work on the recall. I am a huge supporter of crating. It's the first thing that gets instilled in our dogs when they come into our home. I work 8 hour days plus I go to school twice a week. I crate our dogs at night when we sleep, during the winter time so I am a little hesitant to keep him crated during the day. Maybe once or twice a week on my short days just to help set a routine? No one is allowed out of a crate, kennel, or house without sitting calmly. I do not enter a room or kennel unless all of the dogs are quiet and away from the door. With a group as large as mine it is essential for me to maintain order. I can't have 4 large dogs jumping on me when I enter a room. lol I will start back with some basics on Leo. Recall training and heeling. I do also believe that he is testing me; that was one of my fears before my husband left so let's hope it doesn't go on too long. Do you all have any suggestions as too games or activities I can play with him to help promote the mental stimulation? I saw some schematics for a "dig pit" that I was contemplating installing into their area. I used to play tracking games with my Beagle and Coonhound I could probably start that with Leo as well.

pixie bee

MH
Posts:4452

01/13/2009 2:47 PM
Are you suggesting mind games?LOL! The one game I play with the dogs that really gets them into "handler mode" is teaching directional signals then graduating to a game called baseball.You can google Evan Graham and find it on his site.He also sells a DVD.

"Time with my dogs clears my mind, renews my faith, and lets me see the world as it is. My only regret loving dogs as I do, is the misery of their early departure." Robert G. Wehle

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