New Pup...Fence or Patio?

evanb · #1 28th February 2005, 01:03 PM

I am bringing home my 8 week old fawn puppy tonight. I purchased a short 3ft leash, a nylon collar , cage with divider and assorted toys. I have read many articles on this site as well as some other dog related sites. My first priority from what i have read is to teach the "come to" command and potty training.

I work 8 hours a day but will be taking the dog for a walk before I leave for work as well as coming home for lunch. I have a small backyard area as well as screened in patio area. I was wondering if its a good idea to keep the dog in the fenced in yard or screened in patio in the a.m. while i get ready for work? I plan to watch teh dog every minute its not in the cage for teh first few weeks, but was wondering if its ok to keep in the patio or small yard while he is unsupervised? Any suggestions would be great, this is my first dog and tomorrow will be the first day, so any help is appreciated.

Darien'sDad · #2 28th February 2005, 01:21 PM

It kind of depends on what you mean by a fenced in yard. You will probably need at least a six foot tall privacy fence or taller eventually. When full grown they can jump 6 ft straight up and can also climb chain link fencing. Also, picket fencing or chain link can pose a danger to pups who like to stick their heads in places that they do not belong. And I won't even get started about what you do if you have a digger! I have a fenced in back yard that has been converted into a large dog run. I let Darien stay there unsupervised during the day (as long as the weather is nice). If it is a large yard with any way to escape or any type of hazards such as a swing set/tire swing (they can strangle themselves), or a crawlspace access to your house, etc.... I would recommend against it. You would be amazed at what these little guys can get into. The screened in porch will probably be ok for now but as your pup gets bigger and stronger you will find that he/she can shred a screen in seconds and then he/she is loose. Hope I helped a little. Congrats on your new pup!! You won't believe the joy that they bring. Good luck.

Kimber's mom · #3 28th February 2005, 02:25 PM

Dariens dad is sooo right, they are very smart! i think you will figure things out

a parents instincts are usually right if you dont think the puppy is safe in the backyard alone then dont put it back there

the porch seems like the best bet i think

evanb · #4 1st March 2005, 09:04 AM

Thanks for the help.

I know the patio may be a short term solution, I assume since its a pup I should not take my eyes off of it? I was thinking it would be nice for the dog to be on the patio and get used to it when I can't have my eyes on him

NuBoxer Fan · #5 1st March 2005, 10:30 AM

You mentioned that you had a cage w/divider. I assume that you mean that you have a crate for the puppy, so you will be crate training him? Personally, I would work at getting the puppy used to his crate the first night you have him home (if the breeder has not already started that process) and I would leave him in his crate while you are getting ready for work. This way, you don't need to worry about what he will get into and then you can help him get used to the patio when you can supervise him. Granted, I am a very protective Boxer Mommy, but this was what we did with Zuzu when we first got her and it helped with housebreaking, keeping her from getting hurt and also keeping her from ruining things that we did not want her to ruin. There are some great Boxer books out there that you should get if you have not already done so - with GREAT tips for housebreaking and training. Good luck and have fun with him!!!