Unsociable Habits - Help Or Opinions Welcomed

[pipppy]

general electric fence set up like I have in my yard - the 'shock tape' type stuff low to the ground

Nekhbet, could you tell me where you purchase something like this and also the brand that yours is. I have spent the morning on the internet looking for fences just like the one in your pic and am a bit confused, so many brands and different things available. Then I saw your picture and that is EXACTLY what i am looking for.

If you could point me in the right direction of brand or what to look for that would be great.

I can relate to the first post, our boy has gone off the rails, we think he was traumatised somehow by installation of a new fence two houses up.....lots of banging and clanging installing the fence, we wernt home and he escaped, not for the first time, but for the last 3 weeks we have not been able to let him outside un watched. we extended the gate to six foot and up and over he went. now he has started jumping into our neighbours yard in the blink of an eye, this is totally not ok as neighbours are elderly and already making noises of "ÿou will have to get rid of that dog".

We only need to fence off a small area accross our back fence and also a small area along the side fence as the rest either has 8 foot latice or grage etc stopping him jumping.

We are in consultation with a trainer trying to sort him out but in the short term his jumping is going to get him into serious trouble, last time he got out he went for a dog being walked past and also a neighbours cat was lucky to escape.

Thanks.

Edited October 5, 2008 by billiam

[VJB]

I am using a silent whistle with my 18 week old GSP and it's working great so far. Much more effective than just my voice, and has exactly the same sound each time, so there is no confusion about what I am requesting - recall NOW. Started with the hide/seek games around house and didn't take long to have it made known to her what whistle means. I took her to oval for first time today to test it out, and let her off lead. She ran across oval, and I blew the whistle, and she did a complete 360 and came running back. Of course I had very yummy treat waiting in hand. Good Luck, and I'd love to see some photo's on the GSP page

[shmoo]

You are right near Steve at K9 Force www.k9force.net He will be able to help

[Tonymc]

shmoo,hit the nail on the head Emma.Emma we can all make suggestions on this forum but nothing will benefit you greater than consultations for you and your dog with Steve. Tony

[Nekhbet]

I got a Speedrite power pack 5km. %km and up plugs into the mains power the others use car batteries (which you have to replace and cost $$ unless you have them lying around) that cost me about $190 for the power pack

then the plastic posts were $5 each

the 'ping string' 200m roll cost me $35. I like the string because its visible and once the dog learns that the white string means zappies you can put up fake string like I have around my vege garden. I bought normal white string and the dogs eye it off suspiciously.

What you will also need is a steel rod (go to bunnings or the metal recyclers) or at least 2 shorter ones. You need to hammer this into the ground (not near your metal water pipes or electrical cables or you'll cause problems) and attach the 'earth' green wire from your power pack. Then you attach the red 'live' wire to your set up fence. Remember your fence has to be a big loop in order to work as well. If there are really dry dead spots then hammer more earth stakes deeper and you'll feel the zap. Mine was rubbish at the start and i thought I was ripped off as the earth was so dry. Tried a different metal pole (not galvanised, just steel pole) and OH went to touch it ... he jumped a mile! The DDB actually used the fence as a bum massage when it was weak it was hilarious - then didnt realise we have fixed it and zapped himself in the butt. Trust me if it keeps back a working Malinois and an entire mastiff then it will work with yours. Let him get a couple of zaps it wont cause him harm (I've had a few myself gardening)

ETA if he's a jumper you can also get these :

there are different types of offset insulators that will attach to your fence with little to no permanent damage if you're in a rental. If he hops the short fence you can attach this along the top or up the fence so he avoids it completely.

Edited October 6, 2008 by Nekhbet

[Lablover]

Obviously your fencing is not ideal, especially if your dog is not under control/supervision it has received great inforcement by finding the weak area, chasing and its training is poor.

GSPs not that I have ever owned the breed, is one bred, who compatively speaking, has not suffered the show/working dog division. They are bred for "hunting"on their own and as a result control or (I cringe adding), biddability (or working with the handler) may be problematic.

IMHO, you need to change your habits thereby hopefully changing the dogs.

Sincerely, good luck.

[Erny]

general electric fence set up like I have in my yard - the 'shock tape' type stuff low to the ground

Ahhh ... thanks Nekhbet. I am completely familiar with that set up. Just never heard of it being called a "ping string" set up. Can see it as an appropriate name now though.

[emmabelle]

You are right near Steve at K9 Force www.k9force.net He will be able to help

Thanks... I'll check that out.

Single parent, very low money at the mo.

Feeling very discouraged about my dog... Went off the rails again, escaped, wouldn't get into the car to go to the off leash area... couldn't catch him.

I can't help think I am not the right person for him.

[emmabelle]

Obviously your fencing is not ideal, especially if your dog is not under control/supervision it has received great inforcement by finding the weak area, chasing and its training is poor.

GSPs not that I have ever owned the breed, is one bred, who compatively speaking, has not suffered the show/working dog division. They are bred for "hunting"on their own and as a result control or (I cringe adding), biddability (or working with the handler) may be problematic.

IMHO, you need to change your habits thereby hopefully changing the dogs.

Sincerely, good luck.

I hear what you say, Lablover. The fencing is not ideal. I need 6foot colourbond though he's jumped that before. I'm looking for a new rental though finding a dog friendly one is hard.

His training is as good as I've been able to give. I got him as a rescue, he was neurotic and had huge separation anxiety. He barked at everything and everyone. Didn't have a clue about other dogs, got attacked by a larger dog and then would yelp every time a larger dog came near - still does that now. Wrecked whole rooms and equipment, shoes.

Now he sits, doesn't eat until I say, he returns a ball, I give him treats on every return, he drops on command, he's really a great dog. I've put hours of training in... but he won't come when asked to and won't stop chasing the cars.

The improvements in him are huge. He is great.

I'm trying the things I've read here and it's improving thigns a bit but this weekend I wanted to take him to the off leash area and he wouldn't even get in the car. Wanted to play chase with the car. I couldn't catch him, in the end got him into the house by luring him with my daughter's pet rabbit (which he'd like to eat given half the chance I'm sure) and then I was able to grab his collar.

Its like 2 steps forward 5 steps back at the moment. I seriously wonder if I am really the best thing for him or whether it wouldn't be better to give him to a new home where he can get the attention he needs. I hate it when he won't come and goes all nuts. It's ruining our relationship.

[emmabelle]

I am using a silent whistle with my 18 week old GSP and it's working great so far. Much more effective than just my voice, and has exactly the same sound each time, so there is no confusion about what I am requesting - recall NOW. Started with the hide/seek games around house and didn't take long to have it made known to her what whistle means. I took her to oval for first time today to test it out, and let her off lead. She ran across oval, and I blew the whistle, and she did a complete 360 and came running back. Of course I had very yummy treat waiting in hand. Good Luck, and I'd love to see some photo's on the GSP page

VJB, thanks but there in lies the difference between an 19 week old GSP you've had from tiny and my dog who was 9 months or so (not sure, a guess by the vet) when I got him... and who knows what happened to him in his early life or the time he was roaming on the streets. I am not sure she ever bonded with me and this makes it more difficult between us.

I have sent Steve an email to see if there is anything he can do to help me.

[dee lee]

VJB, thanks but there in lies the difference between an 19 week old GSP you've had from tiny and my dog who was 9 months or so (not sure, a guess by the vet) when I got him... and who knows what happened to him in his early life or the time he was roaming on the streets. I am not sure she ever bonded with me and this makes it more difficult between us.

Emmabelle, I can totally relate to this, my rescue dog Ive had since she was 6 months. You never can know what kind of experiences they had during important developmental times. Mine obviously had limited socialisation and yes, I wonder about the bonding too. But hey, what can you do?

Umm, having read about your difficulty in getting your dog to the offlead park and back again I just want to suggest that maybe you change your approach on exercising him. Until you can get his recall under control you should walk him on lead.

I know GSPs are a high energy breed but my dog is crossed with something that can run like the wind for hours (kelpie or whippet- or who knows maybe a GSP? ) and due to her problems I only walk her on lead. It takes an hour but it does the trick and when you consider that the alternative could be that your dog gets hit by a car or whatever...

Until you can afford a trainer do some research on pack structure and how you can apply it in your home- it does sound like your dog has little respect for you and you my be missing some key areas that really could put you back on top. Walking on lead and not letting him run away from you will help too.

At times when I have felt that my dog deserved better I have just thought about the alternatives for her- PTS or pound (then most likely pts). It puts things in perspective- my dog is treated very well, as I am sure yours is. We just have to learn to deal with them.

[VJB]

Yeah, I get what you mean about the age difference. I really feel for you, and the dog. Had myself a gorgeous dog before my GSP who experienced bad separation anxiety too. Ruled my life for nearly 13 yrs, and she was happy and content on the most part if we stuck to strict routine etc.... I could go on and on about that one. She came from RSPCA aged 5 months, and I struggled to understand some of her behaviors cause I never knew of her whereabouts before we got her. Good Luck and I'm thinking of you with all your frustration.

[emmabelle]

Umm, having read about your difficulty in getting your dog to the offlead park and back again I just want to suggest that maybe you change your approach on exercising him. Until you can get his recall under control you should walk him on lead.

I know GSPs are a high energy breed but my dog is crossed with something that can run like the wind for hours (kelpie or whippet- or who knows maybe a GSP? ) and due to her problems I only walk her on lead. It takes an hour but it does the trick and when you consider that the alternative could be that your dog gets hit by a car or whatever...

Until you can afford a trainer do some research on pack structure and how you can apply it in your home- it does sound like your dog has little respect for you and you my be missing some key areas that really could put you back on top. Walking on lead and not letting him run away from you will help too.

At times when I have felt that my dog deserved better I have just thought about the alternatives for her- PTS or pound (then most likely pts). It puts things in perspective- my dog is treated very well, as I am sure yours is. We just have to learn to deal with them.

Thanks deelee.

Yes, you make a good point about walking on leash. The alternative is horrible... although last time he attacked a car, he caused $1500 worth of damage to the car and just a bloody lip for himself. When I was looking for him, I thought I'd find him broken and in a mess. It was a terrible time. Then we got a call to say he was up the road at someone's house.... and he was absolutely fine. I think GSP's are blessed with high cartilage and they bend on impact slightly. The car wasn't going fast then, but like you say the alternatives are horrible.

I've emailed Steve from K9 and if he sounds quite confident that he can help so I've blown my food budget for two weeks to pay for it... I shall be ebaying and trying to get some clients in the meantime

.

We're now at crisis point. A friend said 'Why don't you just spend the money doing a few weeks of training with a local trainer?' but this isn't something that can take a few weeks. It's got to be done and got rid of as soon as possible because he's become a complete liability ... escaping, chasing cars etc. The behaviour has to go, and I have to learn how to communicate better with him...

You're right, my dog is treated very well. I rescued him from the pound with only a day before they pts. He eats well, is loved, is walked and played with, is adored by my kids.

But he is wearing me out and I haven't got this much energy to spare... so this is crunch time. I'm going to do the training with him and Steve and then we'll see where we go from there.

;)

[dee lee]

Good on you Emmabelle!! You wont regret it.

I have money problems too and put off getting a trainer for months and months until I just bit the bullet, closed my eyes and signed that cheque.

Financially it hurt, but it gave me back control over my dog and life. Before that I wasnt sleeping worrying about her and having her around was becoming torturous.

She is a constant work in progress but now I understand much more about her behaviour- AND I have support and help just a phonecall away.

It also was a relief to have my difficulties validated by my trainer- lets face it all dogs are not the same, and we have tricky ones.

Good luck with Steve.

Dee

[emmabelle]

Thanks Dee. I'll keep you informed how it goes by updating this thread.

[B-Q]

What about enrolling in an obediance class?

I can feel your pain aswell, Buster can be really difficult, he can be so not drivey it drives me crazy, and other times he's so into it all.

He's coming up to 6 years old now and has just learnt to loose leash walk, which in turn has helped with his dog aggression. His recall is 99% good except every once in a while he just decides "meh" and walks away, always makes me go wtf?

Edited October 21, 2008 by busterlove

[emmabelle]

What about enrolling in an obediance class?

I can feel your pain aswell, Buster can be really difficult, he can be so not drivey it drives me crazy, and other times he's so into it all.

He's coming up to 6 years old now and has just learnt to loose leash walk, which in turn has helped with his dog aggression. His recall is 99% good except every once in a while he just decides "meh" and walks away, always makes me go wtf?

Done lots of obedience classes and not one seems to make a difference to the car chasing, recall or pulling on a leash.

I wish they had.

[Lablover]

Obviously your fencing is not ideal, especially if your dog is not under control/supervision it has received great inforcement by finding the weak area, chasing and its training is poor.

GSPs not that I have ever owned the breed, is one bred, who compatively speaking, has not suffered the show/working dog division. They are bred for "hunting"on their own and as a result control or (I cringe adding), biddability (or working with the handler) may be problematic.

IMHO, you need to change your habits thereby hopefully changing the dogs.

Sincerely, good luck.

I hear what you say, Lablover. The fencing is not ideal. I need 6foot colourbond though he's jumped that before. I'm looking for a new rental though finding a dog friendly one is hard.

His training is as good as I've been able to give. I got him as a rescue, he was neurotic and had huge separation anxiety. He barked at everything and everyone. Didn't have a clue about other dogs, got attacked by a larger dog and then would yelp every time a larger dog came near - still does that now. Wrecked whole rooms and equipment, shoes.

Now he sits, doesn't eat until I say, he returns a ball, I give him treats on every return, he drops on command, he's really a great dog. I've put hours of training in... but he won't come when asked to and won't stop chasing the cars.

The improvements in him are huge. He is great.

I'm trying the things I've read here and it's improving thigns a bit but this weekend I wanted to take him to the off leash area and he wouldn't even get in the car. Wanted to play chase with the car. I couldn't catch him, in the end got him into the house by luring him with my daughter's pet rabbit (which he'd like to eat given half the chance I'm sure) and then I was able to grab his collar.

Its like 2 steps forward 5 steps back at the moment. I seriously wonder if I am really the best thing for him or whether it wouldn't be better to give him to a new home where he can get the attention he needs. I hate it when he won't come and goes all nuts. It's ruining our relationship.

Do not give him the opportunity of not come back. He has obviously learnt bad habits, so in reality without -what do they call it - positive punishment (ie electric fence), and control/reward when loose, the behaviour will continue. After all he is having a great time.

Edited October 24, 2008 by Lablover