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My roommate has a 10 month old male GSD that was used to having someone home with him at all times. Well, now that's not physically possible for any one to be home with him during the day time. The first day we tried leaving him out of the crate, he completely destroyed anything and everything in the townhouse he could get his paws and mouth on. How long of an adjustment period do they usually need?? I really don't want to have to crate him for 8 hrs, not very fair to the dog, but at the same time, I don't want to have to worry about him going on seek and destroy anything and every thing mission when we're not there. Any input, suggestions, comments are more than welcome.

It sounds like using the crate will be the safest thing. My dog became mostly trustworthy by the time she was two. I would leave her out for very short periods of time, and then I increased the amount of time once she had proven herself. Good luck!

>>My roommate has a 10 month old male GSD that was used to having someone home with him at all times. Well, now that's not physically possible for any one to be home with him during the day time. The first day we tried leaving him out of the crate, he completely destroyed anything and everything in the townhouse he could get his paws and mouth on. How long of an adjustment period do they usually need?? I really don't want to have to crate him for 8 hrs, not very fair to the dog, but at the same time, I don't want to have to worry about him going on seek and destroy anything and every thing mission when we're not there. Any input, suggestions, comments are more than welcome.

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If the crate works, use it when he's alone. He's going to need it for chewing anyway, up to around age 2 to 2 1/2 years. Put him in there with a fantastic chew item such as a toy you stuff with food, and keep him out of the crate when you're home. Also take him to training classes to improve his mental and emotional stability so he doesn't worry so much about losing his home. You'll find articles on destructive chewing, crating, separation anxiety, and training classes at the link below my signature. German Shepherd Dogs are the stars of their training classes, but no one should have a GSD without doing the formal training. That is terribly unfair to the dog. This dog's temperament is just barely beginning to mature, and he needs the right training support.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Ok , so it's a yes on using the crate. Now, he's got a family history of hip dysplasia, and he does start favoring his hips after awhile when we take him to the dog park to run around. Would it hurt him to stay seditary in the cage all day?? He's got an orthapedic bed in there to help support him. Thoughts??

>>Ok , so it's a yes on using the crate. Now, he's got a family history of hip dysplasia, and he does start favoring his hips after awhile when we take him to the dog park to run around. Would it hurt him to stay seditary in the cage all day?? He's got an orthapedic bed in there to help support him. Thoughts??

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I'd rather see a dysplastic dog have a larger area, but the bed will help. I hope the owner is also moving forward quickly on exploring the options to fix the hips, too. The best fix is done on a young dog before arthritis sets in, and the window of time for it is short. And the orthopedic specialist should be consulted about the level of exercise. Excessive exercise of some types will accelerate the arthritis that makes this condition so painful as it goes along.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Thank you so much for your input and advise on all this. He's already on a diet that's high in glucosamine and some other cartilage building/joint medication type stuff. I wanted to ask your opinion of another option that we have. We've thought about leaving the sliding glass door blocked open just enough for him to exit in and out of the house and into the front yard as he pleases. There's a 4 foot high fence completely surrounding the front yard and it's a good sized yard by SoCal standards any ways. We both want him to be as happy as he could possibly be. Thoughts questions concerns?

>>Thank you so much for your input and advise on all this. He's already on a diet that's high in glucosamine and some other cartilage building/joint medication type stuff. I wanted to ask your opinion of another option that we have. We've thought about leaving the sliding glass door blocked open just enough for him to exit in and out of the house and into the front yard as he pleases. There's a 4 foot high fence completely surrounding the front yard and it's a good sized yard by SoCal standards any ways. We both want him to be as happy as he could possibly be. Thoughts questions concerns?

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Usually there are some very real dangers for dogs in yards when no one is supervising, such as dog thieves, meter readers clubbing dogs, trespassing children who may get themselves bitten by your dog or let him out, dog poisoners, and more. There have been many cases of people who decide you're not a good owner and steal your dog in the name of rescuing him. Plus, a 4-foot fence is not enough to hold him if he gets motivated to leave. And GSDs have a tendency toward territorial guarding that could get out of hand and cause someone to be bitten when they pet him over the fence, deliver something, etc. So I'm never comfortable with letting a dog have access to the yard unsupervised.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47