Your Give and Take garden parties are ingenious. It's definately worth giving it some thought as to how they might work in my community. Jane sounds like such a scallywag! How does she get on with your cats?
If Jane is not yet three years old, don't expect her to listen or obey or behave. When she turns three, chances are she'll suddenly "get it". However, if you live in an area where dog theft is a thing (they are used in labs, BTW, so don't kid yourself they are going to a good home) and as economic hardship increases they could end up as supper (unlikely at this point). So it is important you keep her in. Then there are people who use poisons on troublesome dog and irresponsible drivers, etc. If she gets into stealing eggs or chickens or worse, you'll have a real problem.
NEVER use punishment. That is negative reinforcement. Get some treats and whenever you catch her doing what you want, reward her. This is the only way to train a dog. (You don't have to give an edible treat, although it's a lot easier through the stomach, but expressions of love will do.)
If you can, get some part of an electric fence, specifically made for pets or livestock. If the existing fence is not permeable to her now, a single line of electric about 4" above it will probably stop her escaping. To teach her the new system, put some meat on the fence so you know she gets at least one good shock. It has to be PULSING--not a steady charge. A steady charge will kill her. A pulsing charge will teach her to stay away from it. I use Premier Fencing-- https://www.premier1supplies.com/c/fencing/ --but I'm sure you can find something cheaper and closer. You only need one line of electric in this case.
You can also try electrical gizmos that run on solar and are very cheap--when the line of light is broke (by someone going where they should not) an alarm and red light go off. A dog will quickly learn not to go there. Another thing I have used is put an electric gizmo on the collar--they are key finder aids, actually. When you want to find her, you push your key fob and a buzzer and light goes off. Dogs don't like that much (and you can identify where she is). The only downside is dangling in water when she drinks will disable it and eventually ruin it. I live in the country and had a Pyrenees that would travel a quarter mile and two neighbors were problematic: One is hostile and mentally ill and the other poisoned one of my dogs for barking as she walked by (which she did bristling with paranoia, apparent rage, and a challenging stare).
It's not cool if she doesn't obey you. But it's easier to train her if she thinks you and she are on the same team, working together, thereby using your bond in a positive manner.
Don't let her travel on her own. There are many ways she can be hurt if she gets used to that. I have three large dogs, all of whom could get out if they really put their mind to it. But bonding keeps them home. And the youngest has responded very well to treats. She thought it was very funny to watch me chasing her when trying to bring her in at 2 a.m. in the rain.
And if you think your dog is an escape artist, you should get some goats. (But with your garden I do not recommend it. Your flowers would likely kill them!)
I really loved reading about Jane: she’s such a gorgeous dog!
I hope I’ll be able to enter the writing competition: the theme sounds right up my alley but I’m up to my eyeballs in university courses. Might give it a shot just for fun though, it’s been such a long time since I wrote :)
(Oh and I think “writeres” probably has one “e” too many. ;))
Thanks. I've corrected the typo. I wish substack had a proofreading feature.
I'll tell Jane that you find her a gorgeous dog. She'll be pleased to hear it. As a puppy, she was discarded by her owner, left to starve. A kind man rescued and fosteredher, and then she came to me and has been a wonderful (most of the time) companion. :-)
To enter the contest, I suggest you start plotting the story now, so that later you only need to write it. :-)
Your Give and Take garden parties are ingenious. It's definately worth giving it some thought as to how they might work in my community. Jane sounds like such a scallywag! How does she get on with your cats?
If Jane is not yet three years old, don't expect her to listen or obey or behave. When she turns three, chances are she'll suddenly "get it". However, if you live in an area where dog theft is a thing (they are used in labs, BTW, so don't kid yourself they are going to a good home) and as economic hardship increases they could end up as supper (unlikely at this point). So it is important you keep her in. Then there are people who use poisons on troublesome dog and irresponsible drivers, etc. If she gets into stealing eggs or chickens or worse, you'll have a real problem.
NEVER use punishment. That is negative reinforcement. Get some treats and whenever you catch her doing what you want, reward her. This is the only way to train a dog. (You don't have to give an edible treat, although it's a lot easier through the stomach, but expressions of love will do.)
If you can, get some part of an electric fence, specifically made for pets or livestock. If the existing fence is not permeable to her now, a single line of electric about 4" above it will probably stop her escaping. To teach her the new system, put some meat on the fence so you know she gets at least one good shock. It has to be PULSING--not a steady charge. A steady charge will kill her. A pulsing charge will teach her to stay away from it. I use Premier Fencing-- https://www.premier1supplies.com/c/fencing/ --but I'm sure you can find something cheaper and closer. You only need one line of electric in this case.
You can also try electrical gizmos that run on solar and are very cheap--when the line of light is broke (by someone going where they should not) an alarm and red light go off. A dog will quickly learn not to go there. Another thing I have used is put an electric gizmo on the collar--they are key finder aids, actually. When you want to find her, you push your key fob and a buzzer and light goes off. Dogs don't like that much (and you can identify where she is). The only downside is dangling in water when she drinks will disable it and eventually ruin it. I live in the country and had a Pyrenees that would travel a quarter mile and two neighbors were problematic: One is hostile and mentally ill and the other poisoned one of my dogs for barking as she walked by (which she did bristling with paranoia, apparent rage, and a challenging stare).
It's not cool if she doesn't obey you. But it's easier to train her if she thinks you and she are on the same team, working together, thereby using your bond in a positive manner.
Don't let her travel on her own. There are many ways she can be hurt if she gets used to that. I have three large dogs, all of whom could get out if they really put their mind to it. But bonding keeps them home. And the youngest has responded very well to treats. She thought it was very funny to watch me chasing her when trying to bring her in at 2 a.m. in the rain.
And if you think your dog is an escape artist, you should get some goats. (But with your garden I do not recommend it. Your flowers would likely kill them!)
love catching up with you and your critters.
I really loved reading about Jane: she’s such a gorgeous dog!
I hope I’ll be able to enter the writing competition: the theme sounds right up my alley but I’m up to my eyeballs in university courses. Might give it a shot just for fun though, it’s been such a long time since I wrote :)
(Oh and I think “writeres” probably has one “e” too many. ;))
Thanks. I've corrected the typo. I wish substack had a proofreading feature.
I'll tell Jane that you find her a gorgeous dog. She'll be pleased to hear it. As a puppy, she was discarded by her owner, left to starve. A kind man rescued and fosteredher, and then she came to me and has been a wonderful (most of the time) companion. :-)
To enter the contest, I suggest you start plotting the story now, so that later you only need to write it. :-)