Outdoor Enclosure

[Tiff]

Hi guys,

I'm working on two outdoor enclosures for my greek and my russian. The enclosure will be partially in ground with a hide that goes some what underground. The problem is that I have two dogs, one is a major problem. ..he would get to my babies. He does not even like my green cheek conure parrot. Last weekend he attacked my cat. Anyone that he thinks is going to hurt me ( which is anything breathing) seems to be a threat to me lol I know crazy right? He is very territorial of me, in his last home he was neglected. I took him in after I lost my Greyhound to cancer 5 months ago. My Greyhound was abused as well and took months before she would trust me. I miss her so much, sorry off topic! Any how I don't want to go outside and discover my torts are gone. They will only be out in the day and will be in there indoor enclosures at night. I was thinking of a wire mesh top that can lock. Another problem is that he is very smart and can dig in to get them. I would like to get my babies outside I get a lot of nice sun that they can benefit from. Any ideas would be much appreciated! !!

 

[Tom]

To keep a dog like that out you will need some welded wire or 9 gauge chain link. Better still would be to prevent the dog from having access to that area while the torts are out. Training the dog is an option too. Sounds like you are in need of some professional help with a dog like that.

 

[Tiff]

To keep a dog like that out you will need some welded wire or 9 gauge chain link. Better still would be to prevent the dog from having access to that area while the torts are out. Training the dog is an option too. Sounds like you are in need of some professional help with a dog like that.

Thank you! My dog was hundred times worse with behavioral problems when I got him. His previous owner did not train him at all. I think it would be best like you said by not letting him have access when the torts are out. Do you think I should still need to build a 9 guage chain link or welded wire? Is 9 guage the same product that is used to make chain link fences by any chance?

 

[Tom]

There are multiple types of chain link. The lighter weight thinner material is 11 gauge. This uses thinner metal to make the "chain links" and its cheaper, but it won't stop a determined dog. 9 gauge is heavier duty and it will stop most dogs.

I would still build a heavy duty "cage" in your case, because someday, somehow, your dog is going to "accidentally" end up out in the yard at the same time as your tortoise. The cage will protect your tortoise when this eventually happens.

You could also bring in a professional dog trainer and create a negative association with tortoises for your dog. Basically the same concept as rattlesnake aversion training for dogs, only you are protecting the other animal instead of the dog.

 

[Yvonne G]

My dog is not allowed outside unless I'm out there with her. She has never shown an interest in the turtles and tortoises, but I just don't ever let her out unless I'm there too. Can this work for you?

 

[Tiff]

There are multiple types of chain link. The lighter weight thinner material is 11 gauge. This uses thinner metal to make the "chain links" and its cheaper, but it won't stop a determined dog. 9 gauge is heavier duty and it will stop most dogs.

I would still build a heavy duty "cage" in your case, because someday, somehow, your dog is going to "accidentally" end up out in the yard at the same time as your tortoise. The cage will protect your tortoise when this eventually happens.

You could also bring in a professional dog trainer and create a negative association with tortoises for your dog. Basically the same concept as rattlesnake aversion training for dogs, only you are protecting the other animal instead of the dog.

Thank you Tom, I'm going to do just that. I wouldn't mind trying to train my dog to see my torts that way? How is it done? Thank you for your help!

 

[Tiff]

My dog is not allowed outside unless I'm out there with her. She has never shown an interest in the turtles and tortoises, but I just don't ever let her out unless I'm there too. Can this work for you?

Yes that would work for me. Thank you for your help.

 

[Tom]

How is it done?

I could type a whole book and still not cover everything. Basically you are creative a negative association between your dog and that animal. This will make your dog want to avoid that animal in any future encounters. You'll need professional help. This is not something to try to train on your own.

 

[Tiff]

I could type a whole book and still not cover everything. Basically you are creative a negative association between your dog and that animal. This will make your dog want to avoid that animal in any future encounters. You'll need professional help. This is not something to try to train on your own.

Thank you, good to know.