dumb question I already know the answer to

bigdawgs · 05-25-2006, 10:27 PM

We rescued my St. bernard, Moose at 9 months old. He quickly learned to open the screen door handle to let himself outside. (Please be aware that we live WAYYYYYY out in the country, not much danger of traffic, etc, and he doesnt wander off alone.) He loves being outside, especially in warmer weather, but is happy flopping down on a snow drift as well. When he wants out he is determined to go. He tore the screen door to shreds, both the front and the back once when we were gone to get out. Fixed that. He went through a screened side window next to the picture window in the living room. Fixed that. Climbed on my dresser to get out bedroom window.. well, you get the picture. We installed a doggie door, and that solved our problem until several weeks ago. If Moose is on his own, he sticks around. When he and Chloe, my bloodhound go outside together, it seems as if they disappear into the cornfield. If they stay close, not too big a problem, but in the last few weeks, they have gotten out, together, and have been gone for hours. This is not safe for them or responsible on our part. So, we we let them out together someone is always watching them. We have locked down the doggie door when we are gone so they cannot get out. We left home for a couple of hours and when we came home, the bathroom window was shattered, Moose wanted out. The curtains were down in the living room. He was not injured by the glass, but he very well could have been. I would have left him out on the back porch, but it was raining and I didnt want the inevitable mud in the house. Any suggestions? He is gentle, serene and not afraid of storms or anything like that, just determined to get outside when he wants out.

Curbside Prophet · 05-25-2006, 10:55 PM

There are no dumb questions bigdawgs. We're all in this together, but I think you already know what I'm going to say. Moose is looking for his pilgrims to save! And Chloe only makes matters worse because she can follow a scent forever. I would question how much exercise they are getting...exercise with their mommy and daddy. More of it never hurts. I love the expression, "A tired dog, is a good dog." Does anyone know who coined that phrase?

bigdawgs · 05-26-2006, 06:59 AM

Good point, CP, however, my husband is home all day and they spend quite a bit of time outdoors with him. He doesnt walk far with them, (He recently had a lumbar fusion)AND the wandering usually sets in at about 3 am. Chloe does not play well, we have tried to teach her, but her breed and background work against us a lot of the time. Usually, even if she is intersted, she tires of games quickly and wants nothing more than to lie down. What makes matters worse is that we are out in the country, with lots of scents to chase. (we have had to deskunk them twice this month). I think the answer is to leave moose in the utility room so he can go in and out and shut and lock that door so Chloe can't get out, as she is content inside if we arent home. And you are right, she can follow a scent forever.. she has been know to be as far as 6 miles from home. I think a little trailing training might be what she needs to satisfy her wanderlust!

Mastiffmom · 05-26-2006, 08:15 AM

Yes! No question is ever a dumb question

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Is a fence an option? We also live in the country far off the road. Luckily our 3stay ( I've probably just jinxed myself

) but a fence is in our future just for piece of mind. That way the doggie door could stay open at all times and Moose could come/go as he pleases??
Also wondering for my mental file. I've been smelling a skunk around here lately.....What do you use to deskunk the dogs???
Hoping your hubby heals fast/well

. We've been there 3 times w/ my hubby.

bigdawgs · 05-26-2006, 04:46 PM

we are already fenced, and it is the typical farm fencing, with barbed wire. Doesnt even faze em. As far as de skunking, the last time I got some skunk off from the clinic that works pretty well, but it can get a bit pricey. I usually use the old dawn/peroxide/baking soda combo. It absolutely works, especially if we can bathe them outside in the summer. If you want more details/ratios, let me know. I keep all of that readily on hand. This is Kens 5th back surgery, and hopefully his last, since you really cant do anymore operations with titanium rods and a fusion. he has degenerative spine disease. he just spent 3 hours mowing. The man never stops!

GSD lover · 05-26-2006, 05:02 PM

The most you could probably do is get these dogs jobs. Thats what they crave because thats what they are bred for. So, look back on exactly what they were bred for and try to give them as close to those "jobs" as you can so they can ge those natural instincts out. Investing them in a doggies daycare would also be a great option for you to help keep them entertained so they dont destroy yout house when you arent there. Living in the country is hard to keep them close to home because of all the fun they know they can have if they escape but they dont realize the danger. So, work on Recall with them insanely and if needed get an gate or electric collar, whatever will teach them their boundaries.

Mastiffmom · 05-26-2006, 08:18 PM

Oh wow! 5 surgeries!! I am feeling for you guys! My hubby is getting a morphine pump implanted the 20th of next month.........
You hubby sounds like mine, always busy. He says "it hurts whether I'm sitting or doing something.....So I may as well be getting something done". Bless theirs hearts.....I don't know how I would be if I had to live with daily pain. Bad thing is he will need to keep still and will be down for 6 weeks. THAT is going to be a challenge

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Sorry....I got off subject there.....
Thanks for the info on the deskunk stuff! Hopefully I won't ever have to ask you for the ratios!
GSD, great answer for the "freespirits"

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Let us know how it goes!!