Joe, My 7 yr old GSD recently would rather stay inside then out. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> :rolleyes: It's my fault, been spoiling him while I have been home. Both my GSD and Akita sleep in the house at night, only put in kennel when we leave the house.

Now when I pick up the leash, that's a different reaction. He knows we are going to do something/anything doesn't matter to him. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

No GSD's do not like to stay outside all the time, but you must have seen some that the owners prefer they do. They need human interaction, quality time along with training daily.

Good luck with your pup, I too am getting a new pup very soon. Oh! what an adventure it will be!
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I am not for isolation of an animal... and by getting a dog soley for outdoor purposes that is what I am thinking you mean. Yes, German Shepherds like the outdoors, but the also like their people. Many people go out and buy a dog to put in the backyard only to take it to the shelter 2 yrs later because it barked too much, or dug holes, or ruined the flower beds one too many times, or knocked their neice down by accident... etc.

If the dog is kenneled and worked that is different, because the time spent with the handler is quality time, not just someone throwing out a bowl of food and some water. This lifestyle is a greater commitment in my mind... to leave the dog in the kennel and not work with or train it to some extent every day is cruel if you ask me... If my house dog doesn't get formal work EVERY day, he at least gets house manners and lovin' time from me.

Maybe I am a quack...

Deanna, You sound as Quackie as my wife and I. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
I hate to see a dog left to fend for themselves in the backyard without family interaction. Yes it is very cruel, usually selfishness on the owners part. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Glad there are abunch of us Quacks out there in the world. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Oh yeah, and so far as dog prefering the outdoors...

I live on 22 acres of dog heaven. My dog runs to the bottom of the stairs and right back up again after going potty... God forbid I am out of sight.

He sleeps on the bath mat while I take a shower for crying out loud... I can't get a moment of peace unless I crate him. Nothing like having company everywhere you go. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I also noticed you think you are going to turn the weiner dog out during the day with the GSD... what if they don't get along? Then what? Big dogs and small dogs sometimes get along just fine, but usually that is under human direction and supervision. I wouldn't leave my dogs loose with a small furry thing and expect good results when I wasn't there.

Deanna posted:I also noticed you think you are going to turn the weiner dog out during the day with the GSD... what if they don't get along? Then what? Big dogs and small dogs sometimes get along just fine, but usually that is under human direction and supervision. I wouldn't leave my dogs loose with a small furry thing and expect good results when I wasn't there.

Joe really heed this words written above.

It took me two yrs to trust the GSD and Akita to be along together. I'm most likely pushing my luck doing this. If the GSD was not dominate I wouldn't. Akita takes nothing from anything or any dog except GSD and myself. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Deanna, you don't have my dog at your house by mistake do you?? Ha Haaaaa

I raised a nine pound terrier/poodle with a 130 pound GSD/Great Dane, both unnueterd males. They got along great, but they were pups together. An older Dax can be a very terrier-like (onry) around dogs it is not familiar with. Thats where I forsee the biggest problem here.

....ya,certainly do not plan on neglecting anything in my house.I work at home so, I will be able to be with the new pup all the time.The dog will be with me all day in my shop.She should like that,I will.I just got the new puppy video "eight weeks to eight months".I thought it was very good and cant wait to apply it.I was amazed at the dietary part of it.Do all of you use a natural diet?If not,what do you feed your dogs?

Joe

Joe,
I have 2 male working service dogs 1 in training and 1 on the street. I had a kennel made 14'X 12" and shipped in and fence panels 6'X 10",
I originaly had both together to play being such a difference in age 3years and 18 months I had a huge circle run 80 feet.THE PACK ISSUE I started noticing the younger one Argo with small punctures on his face due too him tring to get Rileys toys. Long story short I made individual runs for each of them. I kennel them during the day when their off or not training, and in at night with me.
I take them both for long 2 mile trail walks here in the country so they get exercise (WHICH THEY NEED)as well as your's will, and bonding. Keeping them outside 24X7 kind of makes it hard with the bonding issue I find, I can't keep them away from me when I go into any room, their like two kids for attention. Use common scence!!(Opps) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> spelling, pups can get into alot of trouble, and you don't want to make enemies with the neighbors as well as for yourself As well as what others have said and many good points, the pack issue will come into play somewhere down the line it would be a shame to see one of the dogs hurt due too human stupitity :rolleyes: and a tramatized pup!
As far as what to do with the new pup the sky is the limit as well as your imagination, BUT be safe and smart in your training and take your time! and ENJOY!

Lewis,Argo and Riley

TALKING ABOUT BROWN GRASS!! You ought to see my lawn just outside my back door. I was also so glad to see her use the outside for her business that I didn't care where in the yard she did it. Diva is only 12 weeks old, and by me constantly paying attention to her, she is already letting me know when she wants to go out. Ignore her, and she will show me in a second that she demands my full attention. Like Deanna's dogs, Diva stays under my feet all the time.I really feel sorry for dogs that are kept outside all the time and their personal time with their owners is limited so much.
"Where Momma goes, she goes." She is even under my feet when I am on the toilet. She will be sound asleep and if I so much as move toward the door, she's up!!!! I know she is spoiled, but I see it this way. If I am the one she loves and looks up to, then God help anyone who threatens me in any way in my own home when she gets older. Now to my question... I saw the other day where you can give your dog some kind of pill that lowers the acidity in their urine, therefore not burning your grass up when they go. It is made by NaturVet and is called GrassSaver. Has anyone used it and what is your opinion healthwise on it?
By the way, I'm taking Diva on Monday for a physcial with the surgeon.He is the one that I told you about that lives nearby, for her JPS surgery. He sounds really hopeful that this is going to work for her. Poor little thing, has no other option. I'll keep you posted.

We'll,thanks everyone for your advice.This has been a positive experience thus far and I look forward to future posts.

Best regards,Joe