Changing house dogs, to kenneled dogs

[Paid 935]

I have got to move my 2 larger dogs into kennels, in the yard, one

german shepard X rotti 6 years old, and one lurcher 2.5 years old.

 

Now they've spent there entire lives indoors, on the couch, so its

not going to be a nice thing to do.

 

But I have twins on the way in January, so it's a job that

has to be done.

 

 

I want to keep them kenneled together, is that a good idea ?

 

I want to make the transition smooth, and not cause them to

become jealouse of the twins, as a direct result of this change

in their life's

 

What I'm looking for is advice from others who have done this, or something simular

 

I want to make things as easy as possible, and space, and money are not a problem.

 

So any tips on the smoothest ways to go about this, equipment, sizes ext would be a great help.

 

Thanks in advance

Edited December 20, 2007 by Paid

[sandymere 8,263]

Are you anticipating a problem with dogs and babies?

If you got to do it then do it before twins arrive so two events not linked. Dogs like company to a degree so if there used to being together then carry on ie two sleeping benches in one area. if they have never been out before and one is 6 then it will be a shock to the system at first so make sure it's a warm, dry and draught free kennel.

[Guest SJM]

Good luck you will need it I have always found the transition is easier the opposite way around, ie its easier to bring an old dog into the house once its working days are over, rather than try to get a dog used to its home comforts to be happy outside in a kennel.

 

I would advise you to start a transitional period where if the dogs are allowed run of the house, allowed to follow you around, lie or sleep on furniture all that sort of thing that people allow house dogs to do :sick: then you need to stop that right now, because if you dont then the dogs will show signs of seperation anxiety when they are in the kennel, ie barking, howling, soiling, digging, chewing, pacing etc etc.

 

What I would do is crate your dogs in seperate crates and get them used to being shut in their crates when they are not being exercised, let them out at regular intervals to be fed, exercised and go to the toilet, then back in the crates again. Dont fuss them as much if they are used to being fussed, this is what creates the need in them, and when they are seperated from you they pine for it as they are used to the attention.

 

If they make an noise in their crates, whining, barking etc, nip it in the bud, QUIET! and slap a newspaper across the top of the crate if they persist. Get them used to a routine of walk, quick praise, in crate, sleep til the next time they are let out, back in crate, eat dinner, out for toilet, more quick prasie, back in crate etc etc until they are not so reliant on you being around or hands on attention.

 

Then when you put them outside in the kennel, take the bedding from the crate and transfer it to outside, the time they have spent in the crate, getting used to not being around you 24/7 and not being able to get your attention by barking, whining etc, they should adapt to the kennel much more easily

[Giro 2,648]

intoduce slowly to kennel few hours a day then just nightimes and build it up sure they wont mind to much if you give them plenty exercise they will just kip thats what mine do..

[Paid 935]

Thanks for the advice so far.

 

Not worried about the dogs around children, as theyve all been

raised with them, and well socialised.

 

 

Just need the space indoors.

 

Thinking of just using it during the day, when not out with them.

 

Then allowing free rein at night, as there main

job of secruity will be hampered by a kennel.

 

So I'm thinking about 8 hours a day.

[leegreen 2,150]

I have got to move my 2 larger dogs into kennels, in the yard, one

german shepard X rotti 6 years old, and one lurcher 2.5 years old.

 

Now they've spent there entire lives indoors, on the couch, so its

not going to be a nice thing to do.

 

But I have twins on the way in January, so it's a job that

has to be done.

 

 

I want to keep them kenneled together, is that a good idea ?

 

I want to make the transition smooth, and not cause them to

become jealouse of the twins, as a direct result of this change

in their life's

 

What I'm looking for is advice from others who have done this, or something simular

 

I want to make things as easy as possible, and space, and money are not a problem.

 

So any tips on the smoothest ways to go about this, equipment, sizes ext would be a great help.

 

Thanks in advance

Think kicking them out this time of year is a bit rough sould have done it in the summer and allowed them time to climatise to the freezing cold bed you have given them (only joking) but yes do it before the sprogs come and try to make it as warm as possible as they aren't used to it, maybe a light or frost stat on a themostat will work, untill next year when they will be aclimatised. Would just like to add a dogs coat is more substantual when it lives out side.

all the best Lee