Houdini strikes again

[Duker17]

The problem we run into with covering the kennel is it's size. It is a 20' x 20' kennel, so anything we put over it has to be supported, but by what??

Jamie, I will take your suggestions and try them. My mom will be in town this weekend so we'll start off with a stranger he is used to. The rest of the time will be easy for him (he is glued to my side anyways) but hard for me to ignore him, I'm sure.

Dutchhollow, I realize he is in danger being tied, however, the alternative is either let him get out and keep killing chickens in mass quantities, or have him get out and hit by a car (we live near a highway). That is why I ran the cable into the crate, so that if he got out he would be tied on a short leash close to the ground, as well as hooking it to a harness instead of a collar. I was trying to do the best with what I had available. However, he is now in the basement until we get something figured out, so for now, everything is fine.

Thank you everyone for your input, I will continue trying any advice given!

 

[Fool]

The hardest thing to do as a dog owner is making the decision to euthanize. New excuses pop into my head every day that I'm considering it. It appears to me that you are avoiding this option (I've been there). It sounds like Husband and Father don't want to upset you and take care of it (also been there).

1. This dog sounds like Too Much Trouble.
2. There are lots of dogs that need a good home that are not so badly damaged.
3. This one will never be a useful hunting companion for your husband (that was the intended purpose for this GSP, no?)
4. Dogs have an average life of 10-12 years. You could spend the next 5-7 years fixing this one and have a really good, worn out, old dog.

I'm sorry for your situation but I would cut this one short and put my time, money, available space and efforts into a new prospect.

 

[bagendhens]

fool you make it sound like instead of a living breathing creater this animal is a stock portfolio...

i do agree euthanizing would be a better option than rehoming but simply "giving up and starting with a new prospect" is not only harsh but a little inhuman.

the op didnt state they ONLY got the dog to be a hunting companion but that they wanted a hunting companion and she likes gsp's...it doesnt sound to me like this is a case of "earn your keep or go to the chopper"
and it very much sounds to me that this is a loved pet (even if shes the only one that likes the dog)
there are plenty more options for this dog at this point and the dog isnt old enough to be "given up on" yet...


OP, i do agree with the suggestion of excersize excersze excersize....
gsps are ncredibly hgh energy inteligent dogs, so the more excesize he gets the happier he will be...
id also try and do some basic training with him, come up with fun training drills, keep them short and flled wth rewards but also build confidence 9even if its just sit stays and comes ect...anything to get his brain focused on something other than his fear.

im not sure id practice a forced confront with him...(ie short leash right neer new person)
hes not a fear biter right now but has always been given the option to "escape" the situation...focing him on a short leash to be neer people could turn tragic.
i WOULD however use the tether method when your home and take him places with you if you can, meet new people but let him hang back a bit, dont force him to be "up front" instead converse with neighbors with him right there and tell them not to look at him talk to him or anything, just completly ignore him...
once he learns that he doesnt have to run away to be safe and his confidence grows a little you could try treat training in which the "stranger" has treats and while ignroing him completly they drop a bit of hotdog ect neer his feet...
start with your husband and kids, hes warey of them so have them help you work with him first, then family neighbors frineds and eventually random streangers on the street...
give him just enough slack that he doesnt have to be right neer the new person but not enough that he can bolt behind the couch or tangle you up and trip you.

in terms of support for the top of the run, it doesnt have to be fort knox, 2x2's are typically fine, use some metal deck bracing to make the lengths long enough and soe chain link or plumbing supplies to secure them to the run. (we took a long flat peice of metal wrapped it round the chainlink top rail and secured it bottom and top to the 2x2 with screws.
you wouldnt need many, just enough to stop the "roof" from sagging.

good luck with him...

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Quote:
Exactly. No forcing him into a greeting. He just needs to be there. And I hope this was understood without me saying it, but if it wasn't clear: While he's tied to you, and you are completely ignoring him. Anyone you interact with has to do the same thing. NO hello, NO 'can I pet your dog?', NONE. The OP can tell people as they are approaching that the dog isn't to be looked at, and NO touching. His escaping is what is keeping him fearful. He has to stop his extreme avoidance before he can start getting better.

The next step, after doing this for a few weeks is some obedience training, though the dog is already aware of sit, down, come, ect. This has been optional for the dog because he uses fear and shutting down as a way of getting out of his own life. It really is sad. If the OP wishes to go this route I can talk her through this.

 

[Fool]

Bags- I don't believe this pup rates as high as underperforming. He sounds more like being heavily invested in Washington Mutual, seemed undervalued with nowhere to go but up right up to the point they chained the doors.

Forgive me for putting my own experiences into this situation. It appears to me that the OP's husband and father probably feel it is time to euthanize and had nearly convinced the OP to let this one go. Then she is surrounded by the good people on here that tell her that everything can be all right with some time and hard work (no offense intended, there is some sound advise on this thread) resulting in renewed hope and efforts to save Chase.
We "rescued" a 2 year old dalmatian with similar issues that were not as severe as this case. It took three + years before he was "integrated" into the household. I had to put him down at 12 y.o. It was a tough day for me and the wife. We agonized about it for months. In the end he had severe arthritis and incontinence. Less than 18 months later I put my Old Girl and hunting partner down. Cancer, two operations. I spent 10 years with her...

It's a tough decision and an easy one to put off. And put off. And put off.

I feel compelled to point out a couple things-

The OP is not the only one that has to live with this project. A dog that poops in the house due to a nervous disorder is a problem (have not seen this addressed here).

The OP already has two other dogs and made room for a third with some intent that DH hopes to have a working dog and partner in the field. Is there room for a fourth dog to fill this role?

To the OP, I am truly sorry for your predicament.