Dog Health Questions: I have a question for people with experience in dog training?

This is a long story but I really REALLY need some help here. I am moving tonight and we are allowed to have indoor pets only. I currently have a 7 year old Australian Sheppard that I absolutely refuse to part with. The only thing is, she's been an outdoor dog all of her life. She's the type of dog that enjoys digging holes and sleeping in them just so she can be extra dirty. Her other hobbies include, chasing cats, killing birds (it's so gross) and rolling in horse manure and/or dead animal carcases. Okay so the real point of my question is, do you think she'd be able to be trained to be an indoor dog? I really love her to death and I refuse to take her to the pound. Has anyone had any experience in training dogs? Please, I need all the advice I can get!!!

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Yes of course all dogs are incredibly adaptable with the right encouragement and training but you are probably going to need to go back to basics - house training etc. Also she is going to need Lot's of exercise and stimulation. Good luck!!!

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• I think that the transition from outdoor dog to indoor dog can go very well. When we got our dog he was an outdoor dog for 6 years. he does great inside aside for when we leave, then all "heck" breaks loose. He is a Newfie/Chow so I'm sure you can guess how much trouble he gets into. However, we started crate training him a week ago and it's going REALLY well. and the best part is, he loves the crate! I would suggest this, especially since he likes digging holes to hang out in. While your gone, it will give him the sense of safety and security he needs.


• Yes the dog can be trained and yes it should have a long time ago. Now you see why sticking the dog in the yard isn't an answer to not training. Hire a certified trainer to teach you how to train, follow thr link to find one locally.
  
  http://www.apdt.com/
  
  Make sure you follow through and work the dog every day. The training only goes as far as you go with it!
  
  *** OK if you have a digger and if it's a pleasure you don't wish to take away from the dog, build it a spot so it can dig! I had my husband build a big sand pit in the yard and taught my dog that was the 'digging' spot. That way the actual yard stays intact and the dog can still have her pleasure! I'm not sure what you're specifically wanting to train the dog to do...not dig in the yard or not use the house for a toilet? What exactly are you trying to train? Just trying to get her used to the indoors?


• The real question is, do you think she will be happy cooped up in a house all day?
  
  You have a real dilemma. Personally I believe dogs were meant to run.


• she can adjust, but it won't be easy on her. she'll have to resign herself to being walked on a leash and she may disturb neighbors if she shows her unhappiness in a vocal way.
  is there anyone who can foster her for you that will allow her to live the way she's used to? i have a mal/wolf x that hates being inside and we had to spend 6 months in a 3rd floor apartment and he was not too happy. i almost sent him to a refuge.


• Yes, you should be able to train her. Australian Sheppards may have a wild side but they are also a very smart breed in general.
  I have some experience with training outside dogs become mostly inside dogs. But, in my case I did the transition slowly so there was very little difficulty. The sudden change could be harder to do. But it is possible. The only real advice I could give is you need to establish discipline. I don't know what your previous relationship with the dog was but many people with outside only dogs tend to leave them to do their own thing. The dog stays a little wide. That is not going to fly with an inside dog. You must establish your position as pack leader for your training to succeed. I wish you luck.