Things to do with your GSD to strengthen your bond.

[chelle]

Originally Posted by CXVIII

So much great information! I read through every single post. Thanks everyone!

I know this isn't the topic of the thread but ive got a quick question. From what i read it seems to me like many people keep their GSD indoors. Im going to be buying a GSD soon but im planning on keeping him outside 95% of the time, is that bad in any way?

Also, ive got a bit of trouble finding a good reputable breeder who can give me exactly what i want. If you want to help me out i would high appreciate it:


Help on finding a Breeder

I think you'll find the majority of people here keep their dogs indoors. People tend to have strong feelings about this, so you may want to start a whole new thread, but be forewarned, most will likely try to convince you to bring the dog inside to live.

I know people have their reasons to keep their dogs outdoors. I won't begin to debate that. I have no interest in an outdoors dog myself, as all my dogs are my pets and sleep inside. My life and lifestyle and preference.

The one thing you might want to think about, since it goes along the vein of this thread, is if you want to bond strongly, it might be hampered if the dog is literally outdoors 95% of the time... since that only leaves 5% !!

[rainy1023]

We had a neighbor as I grew up her mom didn't want the dog the poor dog was out in all sorts of weather. The dog was always out side chained to his dog house. We called many times and so did neighbors. The one neighbor let the dog loose once but they found it. The dogs life was on a chain and out all the time.The dog died tied up and with rabies and flies and magets where eating the poor dog that is all I remember. I never forget my friend wailing when she found her dog and her mom could have cared less for the dog. I understand you want to leave a dog outside but 95 percent of the time is really no reason to have a dog. Even for protection. Please rethink leaving the dog outside all that time. It was no life for the dog and every kid in the neighborhood remembers that. Would you want to live outside 95 percent of the time in the old weather even. I urge you to rethink the amount of time you plan to leave the dog outside.Her mom should of been prosecuted for cruelty.

[Wagers]

I use old shirts for bedding.

[vietguy357]

Me and Leo take naps out in the backyard together. If he wakes up before me he would lick my face to make sure I was "alive" before falling back asleep. If I ignore him, he would start pulling my shirt or go drink water so that his face is wet then give me extra wet kisses.

[Laney]

Originally Posted by VomBlack

Personally I don't understand why some people get a dog only to have it live out in the yard. I consider my dogs to be a part of the family, and as a result they live and sleep indoors. If all the dogs needs are met as far as socialization, training, exercise.. then perhaps that would work. Just offering my personal opinion though, not something i'd be able to do unless I also happen to spend 95% of my time outside too.

I agree! For my dog it is the opposite. He is only outside alone about 5% of the time. I take him anywhere and everywhere I can. He comes to work with me, to family events, car rides, errands (when he can't come in we walk to the stores and I will stay outside with Rivers while his daddy runs in to get what we need..its nice bonding time and gets us all exercise), etc. When I know my dog will have to be alone in the yard for more than a few hours during the day, I arrange for a long break from work to take him to the park, or for someone to come over and take him on a walk/puppy sit for a couple hours. I know I spoil my dog, but he is my baby and I have never had a stronger bond with any dog before. Rivers knows he is part of the family. Not only does my time with him strengthen our bond, but it also keeps me happy and healthy. I spent all weekend outside with Rivers (hiking, dog parks, beach, etc.), I had my mom and her dog meet us at the dog park and she couldn't stop commenting on how happy and healthy I look, and how well Rivers and I respond to each other. On top of that, I talk to my dog all the time, especially when it is just me and him. He may not understand what I am saying, but he knows I am acknowledging that he is with me, and communicating with him (just like I communicate with everyone else, as opposed to only using commands, praises, corrections to communicate with him - he is family, not just a dog). I definitely feel like that strengthens our bond

[vietguy357]

Originally Posted by VomBlack

Personally I don't understand why some people get a dog only to have it live out in the yard. I consider my dogs to be a part of the family, and as a result they live and sleep indoors. If all the dogs needs are met as far as socialization, training, exercise.. then perhaps that would work. Just offering my personal opinion though, not something i'd be able to do unless I also happen to spend 95% of my time outside too.

I like to keep my dogs outside once they get their vaccinations. They like having the freedom of coming and going in and out of their big dog house. Especially since we have a pretty big back yard for them to run and play. I never like the thought keeping my dogs trapped inside the house for any amount of time.

[PaddyD]

Originally Posted by mahhi22

Elizabeth,
This is nicely written. I'm saving it as my K9 10 Commandments. Thanks for putting it together.

I agree.

But I disagree with the following quote by the OP. Dogs corrected like that don't know why they are being given that command. Their brains don't work that way. They just know they are on a long down, that is all they know.

"For an example, ... Stark is EXCELLENT off leash, KNOWS what "heya" means (my recall command), I gave the command. Stark looked up, stepped toward me, looked back at the new dog then back at me and ran to the new dog, totally ignored my command. He was told to platz and was put on a long lead for the rest of the time outdoors. Correction for not listening to the command."

Putting a dog on a long down because it didn't do something is an exercise in control but the dog doesn't learn anything.
The only thing to do is more work on the command that was not obeyed.

[Laney]

Originally Posted by vietguy357

I like to keep my dogs outside once they get their vaccinations. They like having the freedom of coming and going in and out of their big dog house. Especially since we have a pretty big back yard for them to run and play. I never like the thought keeping my dogs trapped inside the house for any amount of time.

I agree. I don't like the dog to be trapped in the house. We have a dog door that is always open. But I really don't like the idea of my dog never being with me. He doesn't like to be alone, and he does not play by himself or get enough exercise when he is alone in our yard. He loves the bonding time with mommy and daddy, and I look forward to it everyday. Dogs should definitely spend lots of time outside, just not locked up and alone. We spend all of our time outside together (park, beach, dog parks, hikes, outdoor malls, etc).

[Shepherdgirl41]

Our day goes like this. We walk in the am,play and do some training then she naps. After lunch we do for a walk and do some more play time and train time then it's nap again. Then it's dinner time and another walk. Right be before bed she get her kong filled with treats and then it's settles for the night.

[jakesowner]

My Jake enjoys a round of wrestling with my son, tug of war with my husband, being a horsy for my 3 yr old daughter, and fetching the ball with my 6 yr old, with me he loves to snug and lick me and just loves to be rubbed down and of course the occasionally chewing on my hand ( softly of course), he is such a good dog to us, loving and soo friendly, but watch out when someone rings the bell or knocks at the door, he then pulls out his manly bark and let the one at the door know, hey dont you do anything stupit or you have to deal wit me,lol