Pup

Question
QUESTION: Hi!
We have a golden retriever pup who lives outside in the garage. She is not neglected or anything, but I have read many opinions on outdoor dogs, and would like to bring her inside. Howevr, my parents disagree and we have seven hours of school a day and have many very things to do and not much time for her, but we try the best we can. Do u have any suggestions to let my parents keep pup inside or any tips in general ?

Thank you!

ANSWER: Hello Dias;
When you go to school, if your parents cannot watch your dog, it is better that she is in a "Safe" environment. You don't want her to get hurt, or have problems with your family!
Yes, it is a good idea if you can spend some time with her in the house under a supervised training session...on a Leash, and teach her some "Obedience" work.

There are many other things you can do when you get home from school that create good habits for you and your dog to do:
Walking your dog at least 3 times a week, is a good thing for exercise and socialization.

Playing with toys and balls to give you and your dog some "Time to have Fun".

Crate training....I really advise this to help your dog get used to going in the house under the supervision of the confined crate. This will assist her from doing anything  wrong in the house, and keep your parents happy!
I advise you to buy a Crate that is just big enough for her to stand up and turn around.
Do not keep her in there more than a couple of hours at a time during the day.
And she can sleep in it at night.
Otherwise, a Dog like yours needs lots of exercise!!!

Play time for her while you are gone in school is essential for her growth and well being.

So, do let her have plenty of time to run and play while you are gone!

Fresh Water is essential, as well as a clean environment free from "feces" or "Urine". She needs a clean area to lay down in while you are gone, so,
Do, get up early before you go to school and prepare her area for when you are gone!

Please feel free to contact me again, as I am most happy to help you with any other questions.

These are some examples of things you need to do, there are many more as you will learn together.
I have a Book coming out soon...so, watch my information page, and the details will become available so you can purchase a copy to help you further!

Best regards, and do let me hear from you again...please give me a rating on the Website!

Talk soon, and enjoy your dog!
Regards,
Melissa

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I understand thank you! But, the only problem is that my parents ABSOLUTELY will not let our puppy in the house no matter what. She also recently has started having bad habits, such as jumping up to swipe things on top of her crate , and chewing up garage appliances( such as the automated sensor that prevets the garage from squishing people when there is someone underneath the garage). My father is kind of saying that he might give her away if this continues... Do you have any more suggestions as how to let her inside and not have her be given away?
Thank you for the help!

ANSWER: Hello Dias;

I would definitely get her into a Kennel or fenced in yard, otherwise, when you are gone, she will do a lot of damage, and I would not blame your parents for wanting to place her somewhere else.

So, it is up to you and your family to decide if the dog belongs in your routine, and then, you will need to make the corrections for her to be able to stay safe, and not to make nuisance.

When you get home from school, you will need to spend the time to give her the attention she is so needing because she is bored when you are gone!

Maybe with time, and her better environment will show her best side, and you will be able to get your parents to allow her in the house with a supervised "Leash" and a Crate.

You will have to show them the changes in her behavior.

You will have to work on her "Obedience"...teach her Sit, Down, and Stay commands.

There are Classes at different venues, like "Petsmart", or a Park to give you help with "Obedience" lessons.
I would highly recommend this for you and her to attend.

But, the Fencing, or Kennel is the most important start, and then you will need to work on the other steps as well.

Good Luck, and hope you can work this out for you and your dog!!!

Let me know if I can further assist you.

And please send a rating on my answers to the website!

Talk again,
Melissa

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Ms Melissa. I have talked to my parents and they agree on the outdoor pen. However, my puppy is very smart, and she already knows how to sit, down, come, shake, wave, high five. This does not really impress my parents, and the previous time wAs the first time that she had chewed anything up. So sorry usually being indoors is not such a big deal, nut if u have any more tips I would greatly appreciate it!

Answer
Hi again, Dias,
I am truly happy to hear you have an "Over Achiever" as a Puppy...this is a great thing to be able to use, or harness her "Smarts"!!
So, you will have to get creative, as she is going to be extra Bored when you are in school!!!!

So, you will have to make some really fun toys for her while you are gone, so, she doesn't start learning any "Bad" habits!!
The Kennel is going to be a "Must"!!!
So, as soon as possible, I would recommend.

Maybe, you can find a Class that will teach her to become a "Search and Rescue" dog...as she probably has the ability to do this kind of work!

If she does become a valuable asset to the community, your parents may have some re-newed interest in considering her to come into your home environment.

A "Special" dog like this is an "Asset" to a family for sure!!!

Let me know how it goes for you, as you should do some research as to where in your community you can join with her in a "Special" opportunity training to become a "Search and Rescue" dog!!!

Good Luck,
And, please feel free to contact me again,

Best regards,
And I thank you for your rating,

Sincerely,
Melissa