We're finally moving into a house with a yard next week and I've been wondering how I should introduce Beau to it.

Since we adopted him last June(at 10 weeks old) we've lived in an apartment. The only time he's ever been allowed to do anything outside were I wasn't holding his line is fetching a ball.

Thanks!

Is the yard enclosed - as with a fence?

If the weather is nice, just go out and sit in a lawn chair with him while he explores, as long as the yard is secure. Play a bit of tug and fetch. The first time I left my dog in the yard (at about 6 months old), I left my husband in the house to keep and eye on her. Apparently, she raced around from one corner to the other for a few minutes and then just chilled by the back door till I got home. I suspect that now, when I leave for work, she just hangs out looking at the neighbors. See below.

It's fenced, about a 1/4 acre. I can't be absolutely sure but I believe he might be able to hurdle it it he wanted too.

Well, hopefully, he is a homebody and has no burning desire to see the world. My advice would be to make sure the fence is tall enough once you move in. Make sure there are no gaps that can be widened by chewing. And watch out for tunneling. Spend time out there, as I said before, so he knows it's home. He'll love a yard! I wouldn't leave him out there by himself till you are all settled in.

Hi Nic:

The yard is one added special bonus to the entire moving process. I would assume there is a fair amount of excitement that is going along with this. I haven’t moved in 22 years so I can’t speak to that aspect of it but I’ve introduced a few dogs to our yard.

When you drive up with your pup you want all pack structure rules in place. Dog and you should be calm before exiting the vehicle. I would have his walking collar and a leash ready. There are going to be so many different smells and wonderful things to see. His world has now opened up and is all new. The first thing I do before entering the yard or bringing a new dog into my home is show the dog his new surroundings.

Take him out for a walk around his new neighborhood. Let him sniff the trees and hear where the barking dogs may reside – this way he won’t immediately wonder what’s beyond the fence or where those strange sounds may be coming from. He’ll be somewhat familiarized with the neighborhood.

When you return to your new home, walk him around the boundary of the yard, making sharp deliberate turns where the corners/boundaries are. Then go inside while he explores a bit, make a cup of coffee and as Marcia has suggested, supervise him, play a few games, relax and enjoy your new yard with your pup.

Congratulations on the move!!

The fence is great news and will make your new life far more manageable. I would not let him spend any time alone outside for a few days/weeks until he realizes this is now his new place, and once he goes out alone, I'd certainly keep an eye out to make sure he does not have wanderlust! (new name tag with phone/address on collar just in case, imo - can't hurt!) You and your dog are going to love the luxury of a fenced in yard! Our place isn't fenced so Falcon never goes out alone... sigh... I do dream of being able to let him out to lounge on the deck wtihout supervision!

BTW - we are neighbors! I also live in New Kent!

Hello Neighbor!

I can't wait to let him out to play without the lead in a place were he can run himself absolutely stupid The apartment was getting to be way to confining for him. Especially since I've gone back to work.

Should I leave him dragging a line?

I recently started using a prong collar and he's defiantly not neutral to it yet. Should I leave it on or take it off?

Thanks for all the advice!

 Quote: Nic Kaiman

Should I leave him dragging a line?

I recently started using a prong collar and he's defiantly not neutral to it yet. Should I leave it on or take it off?

I would suggest dragging the line. Inevitably he'll give the catch me if you can game a try so unless he's really great about recall this can save you some annoying moments.

As far as prong collar, whatever makes you feel more comfortable handling him.

I agree w/ Melissa re the drag line, but do not leave it on him unless you are out there with him.

I love having a fenced yard, but I don't let my dog remain outside on her own for any great length of time. If I do, boredom will set in and she will dig holes or find some other semi-destructive way to keep herself occupied.

It's great for those early morning potty trips though, that's for sure.

And to avoid the 'I don't want to come back in the house, yet' syndrome, I started giving Chula a treat or kong w/ a little something in it, every time she came back inside the house. Works well for us to allay any negative association w/ coming back inside.