Belgian Shepherd Pup Hates Being Outside

[dooky]

hello,

We just a got new belgian shepherd groenendael pup, she is about 9 weeks old now and her name is Ziggy. We decided to get another belgian after our last dog Indigo.. who was fiercely loyal, smart and an all round great dog.

Ziggy is great. At the moment she is chewing on our lounge but every time i say UH UH in a deep voice and give her a chew toy and she stops.. and now she has stopped completely. She already knows how to sit and shake on command. The only thing is that at times when she is put outside she looses it. Ziggy cries and howls and goes crazy and literally head buts the door or me! We ignore her and do not reward her for the way she is acting. At night time it is fine because we give her her dinner and then shut the dog and she is distracted and then falls asleep on her bed. She is not alone, we have another dog too keep her company. She only gets her food outside and now i am telling the family to resist giving her treats when she is inside, so she can associate outside as a positive area.

We just had a break through where i made her sit at the door with our other dog and every time she waited without crying she got a treat and when she laid down a gave her a pat and a treat.. We did that repeatedly for about 20 minutes and i slowly closed the door until only my hand could fit through. She protested a little but i eventually shut the door and opened a window and did the same thing. now she is outside without crying and playing with Millie! (our other dog).

We know Belgan shepherds and that they are companion dogs, very active, and just want to be with you/please you and thats why we love them. We are hugely active as a family its just that she is not fully vaccinated yet and we dont want to exercise her to much because the vet said not to exercise a younger dog overly until they are about 6 months because it can encourage problems in the future such as hip dysplasia.

I honestly think Ziggy is higher driven then Indigo was and more determined but i was wondering whether you could share some advice. Her crying at some stages are annoying my neighbours (and they are not very nice neighbours and this is why we are worried!). She is slowly getting better. She just wants to be near you (typical belgian shepherd).

thank you

p.s also some advice about growling.. She growled last night at me when i touched her chew treat.. I said a deep no and she stopped and gave me the chew treat. I know that it seems like she is loosing her treat when this happens but she must learn that sometimes we have to move her and that we are boss not her.

Thank you so much

Jade

Edited November 6, 2011 by dooky

[Red Fox]

I really think it depends on the dog herself.

Build her confidence in short periods, teach her that being on her own is okay, give her something fun to do in that time (kong, toys, treat ball, something to shred if she's into that, etc). Leave her for 5 mins, then 1 min, then 10 mins, keep it random and short.

If you're worried about your neighbours I'd either pen/crate her inside when you're not home or build a run for her own safety. Letting her run unsuperised with your older dog might not be such a good idea, at 9 weeks old she's too small and could easily become injured.

And tire her out! You can still exercise her with play, just no forced exercise at her age (long leash walks and the like). Take her out and expose her to the world now. Sure, don't go to dog parks but there are plenty of other 'safe' places to take her.

You'll get different advice on the growling. Personally I don't like the idea of touching/taking a dogs food to teach them that you are the "boss". There are plenty of thread on here about that already if you do a search..

[persephone]

Hi..

a few questions to get more of an idea ...there are so many variables with a seemingly simple question ;)

have you owned this breed before?

is she to be an outside dog?

what conditions was she in at her breeders before she came to you?

what training do you do with her each day?

what size/breed/age is your other dog?Does she come inside ?

[dooky]

Hi..

a few questions to get more of an idea ...there are so many variables with a seemingly simple question ;)

have you owned this breed before?

is she to be an outside dog?

what conditions was she in at her breeders before she came to you?

what training do you do with her each day?

what size/breed/age is your other dog?Does she come inside ?

Firstly thanks for your reply!

-Yes we have owned a groenendael belgian shep before Ziggy, aswell as my dad owning a number of dogs in his lifetime in suburbia and on a farm (labs, cattle dogs, kelpies, Maltese, scott dogs etc).

-She will be and inside and outside dog. If we have to go out and leave the dogs for a while and they stay outside also when we are having dinner but when we are home they usually can come in or out.. thats how we have always done it. They only come in when they have permission. In winter it is more often because we are snuggled up and cozy but in summer we are out playing on the lake side until dark and having fires so the dogs just hang around us.

- When we met the parents and pups they were inside. So yes this is probably where we have encountered our troubles because she is not used to it. We are happy to be patient with training it is just my neighbours absolutely freak me out.

- at the moment we are focusing on her sitting (she mastered that straight away) hand shaking and waiting before we give her food.

-Do you suggest anything else?

-Millie is shih tzu with a tiny bit of chihuahua she has grown up with bigger dogs since she was 8 weeks old. She is now 8 years old. Once we went campng and she became best friends with a monster malamute, it was hilarious to watch them play haha. Millie comes inside when we say it is okay for her to do so

if you have anymore questions fire away.. Ziggy is very intelligent and has a very strong drive. I want to train her to best ability. She is a fantastic little pup other wise

[Guest english.ivy]

I had the same issues with my Groen when she was a puppy and she still can be like that at times when she wants to be with me. Ivy is now three and a bit.

Does she have things to eat/do while she's outside?

Who is her breeder? I'm just really curious And photos are a must!

[dooky]

I really think it depends on the dog herself.

Build her confidence in short periods, teach her that being on her own is okay, give her something fun to do in that time (kong, toys, treat ball, something to shred if she's into that, etc). Leave her for 5 mins, then 1 min, then 10 mins, keep it random and short.

If you're worried about your neighbours I'd either pen/crate her inside when you're not home or build a run for her own safety. Letting her run unsuperised with your older dog might not be such a good idea, at 9 weeks old she's too small and could easily become injured.

And tire her out! You can still exercise her with play, just no forced exercise at her age (long leash walks and the like). Take her out and expose her to the world now. Sure, don't go to dog parks but there are plenty of other 'safe' places to take her.

You'll get different advice on the growling. Personally I don't like the idea of touching/taking a dogs food to teach them that you are the "boss". There are plenty of thread on here about that already if you do a search..

Okay that sounds fantastic she is very treat driven so i will stock up on those and get some MORE toys ;)

our other dog millie is a shih tzu cross chihuahua (mostly shih tzu) she is an active little girl (8 years) but she doesnt run a muck. That is great though.. we have 4 levels to our back yard including the front. They are all sectioned off with a gate so i will just keep her in the top section that is closest to our back door while we are away.

What would you recommend as safe places? today we went for a beach walk in a secluded area where not alot of people go. Do you think when we visit our neighbours we should take her so she meets as many people as poss (as long as their dogs are fully vaccinated).

I really believe that a dog should never growl at owners and they should be trained to have a high tolerance in any situation. We are very social and have family friends over often with kids and sometimes they are naughty and can take the pups toy etc. So i want to be sure if that happens that my dogs wont get cranky. Millie is fantastic when it comes to this. I believe this because as much as i adore dogs and my girl pups they are always at the bottom of the 'pack' and humans are always the dominant one(if that makes sense). I had a read, like you said and i am going to do the training where i take her take her treat gently and then reward her good behaviour (if she responds well) with a higher value treat.

I am open to more suggestions as this information is invaluable, so thank you very much!

thanks,

Jade

[dooky]

I had the same issues with my Groen when she was a puppy and she still can be like that at times when she wants to be with me. Ivy is now three and a bit.

Does she have things to eat/do while she's outside?

Who is her breeder? I'm just really curious And photos are a must!

Oh you have a belgian too they are fantastic aren't they One of my favourite breeds!

Yes she does have things to do but i am going to create some more variety for her

She is from a breeder in sydney

Edited November 7, 2011 by dooky

[RubyBlue]

Her crying at some stages are annoying my neighbours (and they are not very nice neighbours and this is why we are worried!).

Hi Jade,

Are you able to have a chat to your neighbours about it?

Mention the new puppy and say she is in training and you are trying to be consistent with her now so that she grows out of this stage...or some such.

Most (normal) people melt when it comes to puppies so it shouldn't be unreasonable for you to politely ask for their patience and perhaps ask them to keep you informed if she is carrying on whilst you are out. Generally people are less concerned about issues when they know they are being kept on top of. If you ask them to be involved by keeping tabs on her whilst you are out then they are more likely to approach you if the problem escalates than lash out at your dogs.

If you can't actually speak with them for whatever reason then perhaps stick a note in the letterbox.

If all else fails then an alcoholic beverage for christmas usually heals all wounds

Good luck and welcome to DOL

[Guest english.ivy]

Oooo Belgian puppies are the best!

Ivy is in my signature.

[dooky]

Her crying at some stages are annoying my neighbours (and they are not very nice neighbours and this is why we are worried!).

Hi Jade,

Are you able to have a chat to your neighbours about it?

Mention the new puppy and say she is in training and you are trying to be consistent with her now so that she grows out of this stage...or some such.

Most (normal) people melt when it comes to puppies so it shouldn't be unreasonable for you to politely ask for their patience and perhaps ask them to keep you informed if she is carrying on whilst you are out. Generally people are less concerned about issues when they know they are being kept on top of. If you ask them to be involved by keeping tabs on her whilst you are out then they are more likely to approach you if the problem escalates than lash out at your dogs.

If you can't actually speak with them for whatever reason then perhaps stick a note in the letterbox.

If all else fails then an alcoholic beverage for christmas usually heals all wounds

Good luck and welcome to DOL

Thank you!.. i called them today, they are just very difficult people.. I am going to write them a note about what we are doing and see if they want to meet her. Its sad because they loved our old dog who passed away at a ripe old age.

hahaha alcohol beverage chrissy present sound amazing! i might try that one and it will soften them up a little :D

THANK YOU and i am loving this forum.. i have been burning so much time on it!

ALSO Does anyone have any advice about introducing pups to lightning storms and how to teach them not to be scared?

[dooky]

Oooo Belgian puppies are the best!

Ivy is in my signature.

GORGEOUS!

[mumof4girls]

Lol Jade I spend every night on here reading I love it also.. I am anticipating once my pup comes home I will be asking questions :-)

Good luck with your neighbours..

Edited November 12, 2011 by mumof4girls

[Red Fox]

Okay that sounds fantastic she is very treat driven so i will stock up on those and get some MORE toys ;)

our other dog millie is a shih tzu cross chihuahua (mostly shih tzu) she is an active little girl (8 years) but she doesnt run a muck. That is great though.. we have 4 levels to our back yard including the front. They are all sectioned off with a gate so i will just keep her in the top section that is closest to our back door while we are away.

What would you recommend as safe places? today we went for a beach walk in a secluded area where not alot of people go. Do you think when we visit our neighbours we should take her so she meets as many people as poss (as long as their dogs are fully vaccinated).

I really believe that a dog should never growl at owners and they should be trained to have a high tolerance in any situation. We are very social and have family friends over often with kids and sometimes they are naughty and can take the pups toy etc. So i want to be sure if that happens that my dogs wont get cranky. Millie is fantastic when it comes to this. I believe this because as much as i adore dogs and my girl pups they are always at the bottom of the 'pack' and humans are always the dominant one(if that makes sense). I had a read, like you said and i am going to do the training where i take her take her treat gently and then reward her good behaviour (if she responds well) with a higher value treat.

I am open to more suggestions as this information is invaluable, so thank you very much!

thanks,

Jade

Hi Jade,

you don't really need more toys, just things she's interested in to keep her busy. Food toys and chews are good for that, or a pool to play in if she likes water, or if she's destructo (like mine!) things to shred.

As for 'safe places' to take her, just be sensible about it and stay away from places with a high amount of dog traffic until she's finished her vaccs. I also have a 9 week old Belgian Malinois pup Each day she is taken somewhere new for a short period and exposed to different people, sounds and objects - kids, cars, music, bikes, scooters, automatic sliding doors, etc. Mostly carried around but if she shows the desire to explore I let her.

Routine helps too.

As for the food... this might help http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/64101-triangle-of-temptation/