Outside Dog.

[scottcool]

I got a new puppy a couple weeks ago with the goal of him being an outside dog. I have a large yard for him to keep everything out of. He's a Great Pyrenees mixed with Leonberger. He's been inside while he's little and while I try and get his used to staying in my yard. I take him out while im out and he's done a great job with staying in the yard with supervision. I bought a wireless fence set up.


My question is, whats old/ big enough for him to be out alone 24/7. Also anyone have experience with training a dog to stay in the yard, using the fence or not? Thanks.

[mogal]

I don't know anything about the Leonberger but we've had 14 Pyrs since '89, multiples at a time, creating a formidable pack. One thing we've noticed is that they bark at everything. E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. That's the way they work to keep predators away from whatever the dog is expected to protect. If you have neighbors, they won't appreciate that barking because it's 24/7 if they perceive a threat. They will also patrol the fence line and mark their territory. We've always used either a real fence or an electric fence*. I have no experience with invisible fencing but have known people whose dogs don't respect them. When our dogs charge the fence to chase away something that has gotten too close--human or animal--they need that physical reminder, not just a memory of what should be there.

You mentioned in your banana post that you live in a very warm area. Pyrs were bred for dry extreme cold. I can't imagine a Pyr being comfortable outdoors as far south as you are. We are in Missouri and start bringing our dogs into the house during the day when the temps reach the mid 80's and humidity rises above 65%. I've never lost a Pyr to heat related health issues but I have friends who have. I'd suggest you either plan to keep him in a cool area in warm weather or rehome him to someone who lives in a cooler region. If you have close neighbors, either rehome him now or plan to make him a house dog. Even as big as a Pyr is, they make good house dogs as our "retirees" become until they leave us.

*When we get a new puppy, I turn off the fence charger, crimp aluminum foil onto it and smear some meat drippings on it to make it irresistible. I turn the charger back on and walk the new dog along the fence. In no time, the meat drippings attract investigation. One zap to the nose even to a 10 week old pup is enough and they avoid the fence like the plague.

I know this isn't an answer to your question but I'm hoping I can prevent some heartache or frustration in the future. Good luck with the pup regardless.

[Woodpecker]

I worked at an invisible fence company for 15 years. I was Accts payable/ receivable in the office. We had trainers that did the training for the fence. But this was a buried wire in the ground with a shock collar. They learn where not to go & learn quickly where their boundaries are. The pup needs to be 4 months old or over. Sounds like Yours is special!

[scottcool]

May 9, 2020 0:30:26 GMT mogal said:

I don't know anything about the Leonberger but we've had 14 Pyrs since '89, multiples at a time, creating a formidable pack. One thing we've noticed is that they bark at everything. E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. That's the way they work to keep predators away from whatever the dog is expected to protect. If you have neighbors, they won't appreciate that barking because it's 24/7 if they perceive a threat. They will also patrol the fence line and mark their territory. We've always used either a real fence or an electric fence*. I have no experience with invisible fencing but have known people whose dogs don't respect them. When our dogs charge the fence to chase away something that has gotten too close--human or animal--they need that physical reminder, not just a memory of what should be there.

You mentioned in your banana post that you live in a very warm area. Pyrs were bred for dry extreme cold. I can't imagine a Pyr being comfortable outdoors as far south as you are. We are in Missouri and start bringing our dogs into the house during the day when the temps reach the mid 80's and humidity rises above 65%. I've never lost a Pyr to heat related health issues but I have friends who have. I'd suggest you either plan to keep him in a cool area in warm weather or rehome him to someone who lives in a cooler region. If you have close neighbors, either rehome him now or plan to make him a house dog. Even as big as a Pyr is, they make good house dogs as our "retirees" become until they leave us.

*When we get a new puppy, I turn off the fence charger, crimp aluminum foil onto it and smear some meat drippings on it to make it irresistible. I turn the charger back on and walk the new dog along the fence. In no time, the meat drippings attract investigation. One zap to the nose even to a 10 week old pup is enough and they avoid the fence like the plague.

I know this isn't an answer to your question but I'm hoping I can prevent some heartache or frustration in the future. Good luck with the pup regardless.

I definitely appreciate the response. I have a huge piece of land and my only neighbors are family. The barking shouldn't be an issue. You mentioned the heat, we have a large back patio that he would have free roam of to keep cool and I've been looking into ways to keep him cool, right now he is inside and learning the ropes of being house trained so bringing him inside is an option.

The fence im speaking of is just like a in ground electric fence, just uses a center point to produce a dome like area of coverage. If he gets close to the end of the done it'll beep and then give him a shock. It also wont shock him again if he leaves and tries to re-enter.

[Woodpecker]

Hmmm scottcool, in my experience with the fence, all dogs will test their limits, their area. I’ve never heard of a shock collar that doesn’t shock when coming back in over the line.

Make sure you train that little pup well, before you let him lose without supervision. Wishing you all good things with your new friend.🦮

[Maura]

I understand your need for an outside dog, but I recommend that you continue to keep a normal two hours a day inside with you. If you ever need to bring him in he will feel comfortable being in the house rather than anxious. It will also give you the chance to make sure he is alright, fur is shiny, no limping, etc. When he becomes elderly he won't have a problem staying inside with you for half the day or more.