What are the Boards Schutzhund trainers/handlers thoughts on raising a pup in kennel only. Pup will have more then enough quality time spent with owners.
This dog will be allowed to enter home but only for social visits.
Thanks,

I have never done it Butch, but my next Sch dog will be raised this way.... his whole life will be about working, learning then more working.

some people swear by only keeping the dog in the kennel except for socialization and training, others of us would rather sacrafice a few points and have our dogs be companions as well. We believe that our dogs are part of our family/pack, and want to have social interaction with them off the field, all the time. It helps me get a better understanding of my dogs personalities, as well as enjoy their company. They all know when it's time to train, and it's like throwing a light switch, from the "ho-hum" house pet to the "ass on fire" SchH dog. Then again, to reinforce training days, we crate them only allowing potty breaks and food isn't given until we come home from group training. Our dogs also get some training every day, and are eager to do it, even though they've been hanging around with us. Focus, which is why some people claim that kennel dogs are better, is not a problem for us. Personally, I think it's a question of do you want a companion as well as a competition partner or do you want a dog that just does dogsport and nothing else?

I can't speak for Butch, but in my case I already have a house/Sch dog that lives with the pack. My second dog will be a work/sport dog only, of course he will get to socilize with the pack but his main function will be to work, not a buddy. Plus I think having two "natural" males in the house is asking for trouble, no need to put myself through that mess.

That's my reasoning.. but the others are valid I guess as well...

Mike agree with what you posted. However how many 80 to 90 pound dogs can I keep inside all the time. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
My GSD and Akita stay in the house more then outside in the kennel. They also have usage of the backyard that is fenced.(only allowed in backyard if we are home)

This new pup will spend more hours then it most likey want to with my wife or myself. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

This is why I asked the question on kenneling a Shutzhund canidate. Only other dogs I ever kept kenneled were Coonhounds, and then two of them stayed inside the house.(companions/best buds)

Any suggestions or pitfalls to look for would be appreicated.
Thanks, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

While sport or raising a Police dog, it's not really a matter of training, but the dog itself.

I raise a new puppy or two every 6 months. The type of puppy he/she is dictates house time. I have had several different types. Some pups just too rough with my kids, furniture or older dogs. So whether in Kennel or not, the training never suffers. I still socialize them to the house though. They need to work in a home, but not necessarally live in one. Then the rough pups will come into the house with my family when I have 100% of my time to devote to them. You never know when a 4 year old will get tired of being bit and dragged around, then dump a book case on the puppy.

Bryan Colletti
President of K-9 CRIME STOPPERS INC

Hahah good Post Bryan...how very true your statments are.

Butch
This is something I have been considering also. When I get my GSD it will definitely be sociolized to the house and family but will be a kennel dog. My thoughts run pretty much along with Mikes.Only problem ofhand that concerns me is I know my 3 spitfire terriers will be running the kennel fence and fence running can result in unnecessary aggresion. The youngest terrier will be 9yrs old by then but these tough little shits commonly go to 15-16yrs old and don't slow down till darn near the grave. The good thing will be that I'll be retired by then and will have lots more time to control this. For a pure sport dog, everything I have read here and elsewere says kennel only but that will not be my goal. I plan on having the perfect dog that will do everything. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I have always expected a lot of my dogs and I'm going to shoot for the moon with my next one. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I think if the dog is raised in a kennel he isn't going to miss not being in the house with the others if you spend quality time with him.

oldearthdog posted:I plan on having the perfect dog that will do everything. I have always expected a lot of my dogs and I'm going to shoot for the moon with my next one.

here's my answer to your comments above.
"AND THAT'S AS IT SHOULD BE"

I keep my 7yr old GSD and my Akita in the house, no more room for a permanent new resident. These two at times are a handful. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> I will be traveling again awy from home for 14 days at a time so my wife will have to handle the new addition, it's just too much for her by herself.
later