Why won't my large German Shepherd go into his new dog house?

Oh dear, poor Axel! Some dogs have innately anxious and nervous personalities, and German Shepherds (it appears that Axel has a fair amount of Shepherd in him from the pictures!) are known for anxiety issues. Continue gently trying to socialize Axel with new people and surroundings, and offer small treats and gentle encouragement as he is introduced to a new situation. Some dogs also benefit from thunder shirts ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24037 ) for anxiety, as well as calming pheromone collars or diffusers ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=33000 ). If all else fails, consider consulting a veterinary behaviorist to discuss behavioral modifications to try at home, and possible anti-anxiety medication. I hope that all goes well!

He is away from his mommy and his siblings for the first time. He is in a place foreign to him. He feels all alone and lonely. The kennel feels safest for him at this time. Give him time to come out by himself. Put his food and water outside, near the kennel. He will likely come out at night to eat and drink. Let him check out the place and be nice to him. It will take time, but he will come around.

This can take some time and patience - he would much rahter be playing with you then spending time on his own! With some gentle encouragement however, including chew/food toys which keep him busy (there are many puzzle feeders you can buy or DIY models such as plastic bottles with small holes for the food to come out) and a regular routine he will learn. A certified dog trainer can be very helpful also if he is very stubborn! See the attached link for some hints and tips https://www.dogstrust.ie/help-advice/factsheets-downloads/indoorkennel.pdf

It would have to be a gradual process but a dog who is used to living indoors likely won’t adjust well to being an outside dog. He will be used to being around you all the time, and will probably bark a lot for attention. I personally don’t recommend doing this, it’s not best for him.

I'd always want to rule out a medical problem when there has been an abrupt change in behavior. A visit to the vet is in order to help to ensure that there are no underlying issues - changes in vision, neurologic issues, etc - that may be at the bottom of this. If everything is well with your health, ask yourself some questions: could there be any nocturnal animals visiting your property, and would she be able to see them or smell them? Could there be distant thunderstorms that she is hearing (and you're not, because you're sleeping) and the noise is making her anxious? You can try some low impact changes, such as a [Thundershirt ](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/thundershirt-heather-gray-dog-anxiety-solution) or [pheromone diffuser](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/thunderease-calming-diffuser-kit-for-dogs) to help calm anxiety. Your vet can also prescribe medications that will reduce anxiety. Hope this helps!

There will be a period of adjustment when you'll have to be patient with the dog as she adjusts to her new owner. Be sure to know in advance what commands your friend uses, what behaviors in response to those commands she knows, etc. Even if she is "housebroken" at your friend's house, she will not know the rules at yours. so be sure to teach her, and do not get angry if she makes a few mistakes as she learns. Have your friend bring Ana to your home several times before he leaves, so she can get used to it and you. If you have questions or concerns once she is with you, I can help. Just click on the prompt to initiate a consult.

Check out this fantastic website that has tons of free information about how to help socialize your dog and correct unwanted behaviors. This is Dr. Ian Dunbar's site, and he is a very respected veterinarian, dog behaviorist, and dog trainer. dogstardaily.com. Good luck!