I have a GSD female 11 weeks that is not taking to kennel training very well. We have gotten a barking dog notice from animal control because she screams all day and night. I've owned GSD's my whole life and haven't run into one this persistent. So how soon is too soon?

It is too early. It sounds like someone has learned if she screams long enough someone will give in.

Is she indoors? Is there a centrally located room you can place her in until the screaming subsides?

I get that you think I'm ignorant of how to handle a yapper but the only time she sees me is when she's quiet I've been raising and training GSD'S for 15 years and her screaming has nothing to do with getting out because she's crying, she doesn't come out unless she's quiet. There is no central location in the house. Our home is 400 sqft we live on a half acre and the dog never stops except when she falls asleep. I need more on why no bark limiter. I am aware that it is the extreme however that's where we are at. So any other recommendations would be appreciated please understand I am not a newb. I know that she's from a vocal line of GSD's but this is ridiculous.

::crickets::

Well, you said it... you know it is extreme but that is where you are at.

It is your dog. You get to make your decisions in this life and also get to live with whatever consequences there may be of making or not making (animal control) them.

I wouldn't do it, myself. The dog is a BABY. Yes, a loud baby, but a baby nonetheless...

Chris, What a PITA, have you tried giving her frozen treats in a kong toy (or something similar)? Maybe try tying something she can pull on and play with a couple of feet off the ground. Wish I had a good solution for you. Some puppies, and adults for that matter, can really try your patience.

Best of luck,
Debbie

I have never put a bark collar on one so young and would try everything else possible.

Have you tried having a TV on or music playing?

Instead of a crate is there a small room, maybe a bathroom that you can puppy proof and contain her in. One where she would have room for toys? Believe it or not I have one dog that goes to my walk in closet when I say "Crate". She actually picked out her own corner in there and made herself up a "bed".

Have you tried putting bones in there with her?

Just a couple of ideas, like I said I would not put a bark collar on one so young and suspect that it may actually make the problem worse.

I agree with what Betty has said about maybe trying outside of the crate with a bathroom. Maybe even consider an x-pen as well if you can't afford a restroom.

My dogs never did well with the radio or tv because it wasn't me. Maybe record yourself reading a book or something along those lines so it is your voice.

Also, I always make sure to give my puppies one security blanket. It is usually one big toy that is too big for the puppy to chew on and destroy in a few minutes. I then keep it with my laundry in order to get my personal smell on me. I then give this to the dog only when I am putting the dog in the crate. It has helped most of my dogs.

I think you next best thing is to treat this like a seperation anxiety case. You have to start with shorter times between seeing you and coming back and slowly build up. Start with maybe sticking the dog in the crate and walking out of the room and right back in. Slowly build up time with this, and hopefully along with all the other advise given, your dog will eventually calm down to a more managable level. I understand your frustration as I had a rottweiler do this for months straight until I figured out all he wanted was to see one of my female dogs sleeping in her crate. Good Luck.

-Lamarr