[shandwill]

Hello! My husband and I adopted a 9-month-old, 100 lb. Caucasian Ovcharka
just a few days ago and already LOVE her! However, she paws at the door
incessantly when we put her out in the backyard for any length of time, even a matter of seconds. I know not to open the door and reinforce this behavior, but how can we stop it? I know she probably just wants to be with us, but that's not possible 24/7. We don't want her to hurt herself and avoiding damage to the door would be nice, too. We tried a few things with no success, such as sternly saying "No!" when we see her raise a paw and having one of us sit outside with her to correct her. Suggestions?

[cigwyllt]

Dogs are pack animals. They need to be with their pack. I have no experience of "outside" dogs. Mine are free to go in and out as they wish through a dog flap in our door. Why can't you take her outside to go to the toilet and play with her outside then let her indoors? Why can't she come in?

[CorkyMax]

Originally Posted by shandwill

Hello! My husband and I adopted a 9-month-old, 100 lb. Caucasian Ovcharka
just a few days ago and already LOVE her! However, she paws at the door
incessantly when we put her out in the backyard for any length of time, even a matter of seconds. I know not to open the door and reinforce this behavior, but how can we stop it? I know she probably just wants to be with us, but that's not possible 24/7. We don't want her to hurt herself and avoiding damage to the door would be nice, too. We tried a few things with no success, such as sternly saying "No!" when we see her raise a paw and having one of us sit outside with her to correct her. Suggestions?

Have no suggestions other than playing with her a lot and long walks. Does she get along well with your other dog? Are they outside together? I had never heard of this breed before so looked it up on my favorite breeds site: Caucasian Ovcharka Information and Pictures
Couple pages of pics there and description, temperament, etc. Thought you might want to visit this site. Handsome dogs --very big--1-2 pics look like a little bear. Be sure to scroll to bottom of page--ads in middle are deceiving--more pics after the ads. (and another page of pics to click on)

[shandwill]

She, as well as our other dog, are welcome in the house anytime we are home. However, we cannot be here with them 24/7, and I would rather her be comfortable outside in our large enclosure rather than be crated. Also, when she does come in, as her pack leaders, it has to be on our terms rather than when she demands it. I guess, since she is new to our pack, she may still be testing out the pecking order. :???:

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

[COLOR="SeaGreen"]Have no suggestions other than playing with her a lot and long walks. Does she get along well with your other dog? Are they outside together? I had never heard of this breed before so looked it up on my favorite breeds site.
Couple pages of pics there and description, temperament, etc. Thought you might want to visit this site. Handsome dogs --very big--1-2 pics look like a little bear. Be sure to scroll to bottom of page--ads in middle are deceiving--more pics after the ads. (and another page of pics to click on)

Thanks! That is a nice site; we found it when we were researching the breed. She really is fantastic, except for this one very small thing. Yes, she gets along well with our other dog. He lays on the porch, completely relaxed and watches her scratch at the door. I think I even saw him roll his eyes at his new "little" sister!

[cherylmartin]

Sorry I can't help. Mine scratches to come outside with me or barks to come in if she's not ready and I am.

[Styla]

I think she'll be fine with the passage of time, it's just too early you are expecting too much from her. She'll do such things as she is new to this place.

[adoptpaws4love]

Hi, The dog is new and has some separation anxiety it seems. What i would try for now is to feed the dog if possible outside. I would also find what the dog likes as chews or toys and put them outside with the dog. I do not like dogs ever left unattended however since you have a large enclosure and most likely do not let them out more than 1/2 hr or so at a time without supervision, by placing the dog food outside she may be interested in eating and may eventually start feeling more comfortable without you there. Also possibly place an Item with your smell like a large blanket or sheet she can curl up on to make her feel more comforted.When she does not scratch call her in before she starts it back up so then you have your terms/not hers but she also has some comforts to help her anxiety without you! If she goes for the food then hopefully just when she finishes would be a great time to call her in and then lengthen the time by a minute or two praise desired response.