Safadao Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 (edited) I was an avid "outside only" dog person, but they grow so much on you, that I cannot enforce it. I still don't let the dogs sleep inside, well sort of. We have an enclosed and insulated garage, and I crate both my dogs in there over night. During the day they have free reign over the back yard, and in the evenings (when we are there only), they are allowed to come in and spend time with us (as long as they aren't too energetic). My GSP barks at everything, well everything in the sky. Clouds, the moon, shadows, birds, bats, sometimes i've caught him snapping and barking at moths. Crating has been a god send with Eddie, everyone gets a good night sleep, and he actually looks forward to going into his bed. Even when he is inside, if he wants to go to bed he will sit at the door and wait to be let out. I have not yet tried this, but I was told on the weekend that cat kibble (sardine flavoured) is apparently a creat treat to train your GSPs with. From what i was told, they love the fishy smell/taste. Personally i've found cheese the best. Eddie often turns his nose up at dried liver, smako type treats, kibble, or anything. Cheese (and sliced) seems to work. Something else, which you probably know from researching the breed, the LOVE LOVE LOVE water. Eddie would swim till he drowned if you let him. In Mildura, during summer we had a kiddies pool in the back yard in the shade, he actually lays down in it to drink. Even now he submerges his head sometimes when drinking. They are great swimmers (when they realise they can swim), and is a easy way to exercise them. GL with your GSP. Edited May 2, 2006 by Safadao Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Sasha~ Posted May 2, 2006 Author Share Posted May 2, 2006 Thanks Safado for the help. I hope she won't bark at everything. If so she will be in a lot :rolleyes:. There is a park close to us where we can take her in the water. I'm sure she would enjoy it. At what age should we introduce water? I'm sure it would be an instinct thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrunoBella Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 I started Bella swimming when very young. Took her to shallow water and walked in the water throwing sticks for her to chase. People looked at me strangely but it got her confident with water. They do swim by instinct and only need to know that they can. I borrowed a cattle dog who loves to swim to do a demo :rolleyes: and she hasn't looked back since. She can swim for hours and loves retrieving from the water (which is what they are bred for). I was told not to let dogs into human swimming pools as it wasn't good for them - probably the chlorine - and it certainly isn't good for the pool. May be different in salt water pools but I'm not sure. Bella swims in a pond or in the lake. My friend's GSPs love the surf as well. After 1 week at home Bruno definitely prefers the outdoors. He loves exploring my garden and gets up to mishief inside. I call Bella and Bruno my canine vacuum cleaners cause that's what they look like when they're following a scent which is pretty much all day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Safadao Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 i introduced mine to the river just after he got the last round of pavo shots (very young). He would only go out to waste deep, but loved it. He went in over this once, scared himself by splashing close to his head, and then ran out 100 mile an hour. A few months later we took him down again with some friends dogs who love swimming, and he jumped head long in from a 2 meter cliff :rolleyes:. Just what ever you do don't force them. They wil go the whole way when they are ready. You job starts when trying to get them out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devo Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 well it's been about 4 nights outside now and i think devo sleeps better outside than inside.. he has his dinner, the has a play then goes to sleep in his kennel and wakes up when i go out in the morning with my coffee to take him for a walk & he can go to the toilet when he pleases.. Devo will be able to come inside to sleep sometimes when he's a bit older and has better bladder controll and can be more calm inside.. atm he's still full of puppy beans and it's a little too full on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Sasha~ Posted May 2, 2006 Author Share Posted May 2, 2006 I'm looking forward to going out to the river I'm glad Devo is doing well and is getting into a routine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Safadao Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 just make sure all shots are up-to-date, esp. pavo. Oh, be careful with young ones when swimming. My dog will swim out to you, and try to hug (usually dunking me). Life jackets are a good idea. Actually i am sure i have seem life jackets for dogs .... that could be quite a sight Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Sasha~ Posted May 3, 2006 Author Share Posted May 3, 2006 So cute. Life jacket on a puppy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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