Why do people in the pet/dog section always expect for owners to let their dogs live in their house?
Posted on February 21st, 2010 by admin
I see people in my neighborhood all the time have a dog house and their dogs are always outside in their dog house.
My friends all have dog houses in their backyard and let them sleep their.
I mean if it was a pup baby dog, I might understand or a small dog over all. But what if the are big, and you see they need to go outside?
Because dogs are pack animals and need to be with their family. That’s like sticking you outside to live in a dog house away from your family, you’re considered a ‘pack animal’ too I guess, because have you seen people who become isolated? They go crazyyy!
February 22nd, 2010 at 4:20 am
Most pet owners do let their dogs sleep inside or at least be inside for a portion of the day. While dogs were first outdoor beings, the reality is that breeding and climate changes (not global warming – i.e. keeping a St. Bernard in Texas) have forced pet owners to take responsibility for your pet.
If your husky can stay outside in the snowy weather, great!
If your greyhound must stay inside in the snow, great too!!
Most pet owners would go to the moon for their dogs – they are a part of their family. Since most pet owners think alike, why is that hard to think that they would keep their dogs inside with them?
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February 22nd, 2010 at 5:09 am
Responsible owners keep the dog inside with the family as it is a family pet and that is where it belongs. No dog needs to go outside they can all stay with the family. I have had a Great Dane that we kept inside no problem.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 5:18 am
Because dogs are pack animals and need to be with their family. That’s like sticking you outside to live in a dog house away from your family, you’re considered a ‘pack animal’ too I guess, because have you seen people who become isolated? They go crazyyy!
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February 22nd, 2010 at 6:04 am
i have a st bernard, dogs dont get much bigger than him, nd he is an indoor dog. he doesnt like to be outside, he only goes outside to go to the bathroom nd to get some fresh air.
its a personal choice to keep a dog inside or out, but i dont believe that a dog should be outside 24/7, whats the point in having a dog if he is tied up outside all the time?
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February 22nd, 2010 at 6:38 am
It is important for all dogs, especially large high energy dogs to have plenty of outside time, and walks, I just do not see the point of having a dog if they are left outside alone. Dogs need to be with their family as much as they need outside playtime. I fostered great Pyrenees. They need outside time, and plenty of room. They needed to be inside with me for large part of the day just as much.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 7:27 am
letting your dog outside is different than just sticking it outside 24/7. I would rehome my animals before I left them in my backyard (if i had a backyard lol) to rot.
Having a working dog that must stay outside with livestock is different. Dogs are pack animals though and should be with their families PERIOD. If you can’t have an indoor dog, you dont need to have one.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 8:17 am
If it’s "a large dog and needs to go outside" you let it out in a fenced area or on a leash and once it’s done, you let it back in again. No need to leave dogs outside over night. Would you like to be left out in rain, snow, sun, or just OUTSIDE all day? Dogs are social animals; if you plan on keeping your dog outside and never in your house, don’t get a dog. You’ll only cause aggression and boredom and also late night howling, and annoyed neighbors.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 8:26 am
Personally, I like having my dogs near me. It brings me comfort and company, and them as well.
I’ve known people to have it both ways. As long as the dogs are given shelter, food, water, training, attention, and love there’s no real problem with it. *I* don’t see the point in getting a dog and then forgetting about it, but to each their own.
Add: I’d just like to add that growing up, our dogs have always been outdoor dogs. Not necessarily my first choice, but they are farm dogs, on a farm, and have a job to fulfill–one that they do well.
Just a couple of nights ago we heard a commotion outside (the dogs) and headed out to check it out. It was in the lot, with the cows…coyotes were in the lot with the cows, trying to get the calves. Our dogs alerted us, and together we took care of the problem.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 9:02 am
It’s because many people with outside dogs don’t take proper care of their dogs. There dog is on a chain 24/7, isn’t being cleaned up after, has little food and water, insufficient shelter, and little to no attention. That is what I have a problem with. My dog stays outside about fifty percent of the time, and he likes being outside, barking and playing and stuff, but he needs to be inside when the weather’s bad or just to be with his family. There’s nothing wrong with a dog being outside, but there is something wrong with a dog outside and not being properly cared for.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 9:10 am
Well honestly whats the point of an outside dog the whole point of having a dog is to have them part of the family when you have an always outside dog how often do you really go outside and spend time with it to feed and water thats about it for most people when its outside it doesn’t get the socialization and bond time with the family as much as if it was inside i’m not saying you can’t have an outside dog but i just don’t see the point in having a dog if its outside and as far as size don’t buy a big dog if you don’t want it in the house get a small one
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February 22nd, 2010 at 9:39 am
Dogs are happiest when they are near their people. It is an instinctive NEED in dogs to be with the family group. Therefore, dogs need to be indoors with their families. Dogs can suffer from the cold, and even die from it, in spite of growing thicker coats on winter. Just because lots of people do something doesn’t make it right or good or smart or recommendable.
Dogs quickly learn and can easily be taught how to let their owner know when they need to go outside to pee or poop. An adult dog can be let out and the let back indoors afterwards. Puppies are taught from a young age to pee and poop outside. A very good book on how to do this is called "How to Housebreak Your Dog in Seven Days" and it costs $7.99 at http://www.dogwise.com
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February 22nd, 2010 at 10:17 am
I don’t expect pet owners to let their animals live indoors but it is the better thing to do in my opinion. I have two Jack Russell’s who both live indoors. When I was a baby through up until I moved out of my parents home we had 2 rottweilers and a bull mastiff, both of which are very large and they were indoor pets too. What do you mean what if they need to go outside? If they scratch at the door it means they want to go out, you let them out and they scratch at the door when they want to come back in again lol.
I know of one person who’s dog lives outdoors and every time I go to their house I go outside to pet the dog I feel so sorry for him because he looks so bored and sad all the time. Maybe if there was another dog to keep him company it wouldn’t be so sad.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 10:28 am
My question to you is, if these dogs are always outside in a dog house, when are they socialized and trained, like a responsible owner would do?
Just because they are adult large dogs does not mean they are meant to live outside with limited human contact. There is no difference between big and small in the matter of socialization, training, and basic overall care given to an animal who is supposed to be a family pet.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 10:56 am
It’s mostly because dogs do best when they are part of the family. "Outside" dogs often don’t get the attention they need. Out of sight, out of mind, as it were. Shoving a dog outside is frequently used as a substitute for training. Many outdoor dogs don’t have adequate shelter. Not all dog houses are well-designed to keep the dog warm and dry. In summer, they may become fly bitten, and mosquitos are a problem too. It is worse if the poor dog is chained to a dog house. Also, outdoor dogs may bark and annoy the neighbors when their owners are not around.
Some breeds of dog, usually very independent working breeds, do OK outside if they have good shelter and adequate attention. Other breeds, such as the Doberman, are very people oriented and need to be indoors with their humans.
Besides, why have a dog if you don’t want to be around it?
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February 22nd, 2010 at 11:01 am
It very uncommon for dogs to be sleeping outside due to the climit and the fact that it snows in alot of places. No matter how suitable, even if they are heat and cold tolerant, most dogs would freeze to death in this climit. So that why alot of people keep them indoors particluar in america. However Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute may find it too hot to be in the house in the middle of winter when we are warming ourself up with the fire, and in summer they may find it too hot to be outside.
It pretty often in australia that Golden retriever, labradors, boxers and rottweilers, Dobermans, are kept as outdoor pets, its warm temperatures pretty much all year around, and rarely get absolutely freezing. where i live, it doesn’t snow at all, and doesn’t get below 0. average temperature even in winter is about 12-15degrees celcius
Also another disadvantage to keeping dogs outside, is people don’t see them as part of family, so common problems they lack socialisation, lack obedience, and lack attention. So they display unwanted behaviours such as excessive barking, excessive digging, escaping etc, chewing things,
Many outdoor pets are simply IGNORED, and are much more likely to end up in local animal shelters due to behavioural problems from lack of human care. Keysborough Animal shelter had quite a few outdoor dogs dumped in recent weeks
However i happened to own a lab mix, and we are renting and the conditions of the dog allowed on the property she MUST be outside 100% of the time, she obedience trainned, well socialised, and friendly,loving, extremely kid tolerant, and playful, and she get dotted on my my sister who 5, as well as played with daily on her terms, at 13years she tell you when she wants to play and when not, and when she finnished playing, she won’t bother chasing the toy, although she still loves anything with food, tennish ball or rope toys, she will play with them for a little, then get bored or tired. She doesn’t bark excessively, and doesn’t dig excessively, and she is taken for a walk at least daily
Small dogs are bred to be companions, and don’t do well outside.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 11:26 am
I guess most members in the dog section that give good advise are here for a reason.
Because we care and we like to help giving advise if we can.
It is that same caring nature that flows onto our love and passion at times for all dogs.
That would be why a lot of us would expect that dogs are inside for at least a part of their day.
Now wouldn’t you sooner have those on the dog section being as committed to our answers and our own dogs and give caring advise than get replies from uncaring members.
It’s what makes us, US. Lucky to get some really excellent advise on YA Dogs, I have seen quite a few regulars replies and most are Top Knotch!!
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February 22nd, 2010 at 11:47 am
Why does the dog need to live outside just because it’s big? I have four shepherds in my house and it works out just fine. They’re pack animals. It’s unfair to ask them to live away from their pack. What’s the point of even having a dog if you can’t cuddle with it while watching a movie? What kind of special memories can you develop with your dog when it’s not allowed to spend its time with you? Those are all you have left after your dog dies. For me, I want something more than "I looked out the window and he was laying by his house". I want the ones about my dogs going for hikes with me and sharing an ice cream or the days when I was sad and they all came to snuggle me and played silly games until I laughed again. Those kind of memories are why so many of us want our dogs in the house. You don’t have to agree with it and we don’t have to agree with you. Maybe my way doesn’t work for you but for me it is the only way to ensure my dogs have a quality life filled with meaning.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 12:34 pm
I had an outside dog. She was part of the family. Her being outside forced us to spend more time outside. She was never allowed inside and she didn’t go crazy. She was very healthy and loved us very much. We had shelter for her and she always had water and food. We lived in Thailand so it was never cold. Even in the rain she had a place to snuggle with a blankie under our patio. She was also a great guard dog. Or neighbors got stolen from, but no one messed with our house. She had a scary bark, but never bit. i also had an indoor little dog. A lil miniature pincer. She was adorable, but not a good guard dog and someone stole from us while we were on vacation and she was home.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 12:48 pm
I don’t have a dog but if I did I certainly wouldn’t leave it outside all the time like a lawn ornament. A dog house is a shelter for a dog to sleep in on a nice day or to get in out of the rain. Even a dog the size of a Great Dane or Saint Bernard should be able to be inside where it doesn’t have to be tied up all the time and can play and be petted. Of course dogs need to go outside that’s where they go potty and go for walks on a leash with their owners or to get some fresh air and run if they are in a fenced in area. Not to be left outside day and night in a dog house.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 1:18 pm
I have house dogs and I have outside dogs.I live in the south and it doesn’t get that bad cold as it does up north.My chihuahua only goes out to use the bathroom all year round,my Boston Terriers stay outside all day long unless its really cold,raining,or really hot,and comes in at night.My german shepherd/wolf stays outside all year round unless we are having severe weather like tornados,tropical storms,ice storms,or gets bad cold then he comes inside till its over,he prefers to be outside.My great pyrenese stays outside all year round unless weather issues like with the shepherd,but I take him to the groomers at the beginning of the summer and shave him down some so he doesn’t get to hot,because he doesn’t really like being inside.Tiny dogs need to be inside,certain breeds need to be inside like bulldogs and some large breeds.It really depends on the owner.My dogs are somewhat like kids to me,but their not my children.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 1:43 pm
of course all dogs need to go out to do their business and to get exercise and fresh air. i have 4 big dogs and 1 med size dog. they are all indoors. they do go out as needed but to have them outside all the time? No Way. not only is it cruel for them to be left outside but there’s also the fact of wild animals. i cant imagine being left alone all the time. as i said i have 5 dogs, one night i let them out do to their business before bedtime, i went and opened the door to let them in and i shut and locked the door and was doing a few things before i laid down and i heard my golden retriever barking and whining. i realized i had left him out. and i have to say i cried like a baby thinking about what could have happened to him had he not made me notice he wasn’t inside. but then again i live way out in the country. they not only are indoors but have their beds In My Room, not that they really use them– they usually end up on my bed and that’s ok too. what is the point in having a dog if its outside all the time?? to me— that would be just another chore— not a pet.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 2:12 pm
The reason i don’t think it’s the greatest idea to keep a dog tied up to a dog house 24/7 is because dogs are social creatures. Being left alone all the time with nothing to do and no one to socialize with can make a dog a bit whacky. And i don’t know about you, but if i were left tied outside all the time with nothing but my water and dog house, i’d go mad.
Dogs need a "pack" — this can be a dog and his humans, or a dog and his dog companions.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 2:25 pm
DO the people here?
If so, maybe even the "thickest" of them is a cut above the folks in your neighbourhood.
Certainly a pup should be with its humans while its humans are awake (and as humans spend so much time inside, that means that the pups should spend a lot of time inside). That way:
(1) The HUMANS learn something about canine timing & body language – or have lots of messes to clean up and furniture to repair/replace.
(2) The PUP learns to interpret the strange arm-wavings and sounds that humans make, and begin interpreting their human’s routine & wishes. As an example, I haven’t trained any of my last 3 or more generations of GSDs to lie down – they automatically lie down when I sit, get up when I stand, because that’s what they saw their elders do.
Toilet training is dead simple with a 7-9 weeks old pup (the proper age to get a pup – you have only until it is 12-13 weeks old to convince a pup that the world is a safe, interesting place and that you are the centre of everything good in the universe) – regardless of breed, it is small enough to CARRY to the designated toilet place. I expect paper-training or toilet-training completed the first afternoon an owner has a pup – it is the inattentive OWNER who is the biggest handicap to toilet training. And within a week the pup can reliably follow to the toilet place. Many are trained by 6 months old to ring a special bell to announce that they want to go out to the toilet. My 3rd & 4th GSDs were trained to go toilet on command, but that isn’t actually necessary, just handy if you do a lot of travelling with your dogs, as competitors do.
The worst kinds of owners are those whose dogs have to be collected by the SPCA or a rescue group.
Second worst kind of owners are those who leave their dog chained up all day & night (it’s actually illegal, in my country) – doesn’t matter whether it is on a short chain or a running line, the dog is not able to be part of a pack, and has nothing to exercise its mind apart from barking at anything that moves (hoping to get a reaction one way or the other). Such owners are almost certain to NOT be in a training club class (forget pet shop play groups) when their pup turns 18-22 weeks old; as a result those owners never learn to be effective trainers, and their pooch doesn’t learn to pay attention regardless of what other dogs & people are doing.
As I am an occasional breeder, I have 4 roofed security runs facing the kitchen (so we & the dogs can see each other). Each GSD spends part of its day or night out in its pen – but it also spends part of its day with me. How much time each one gets inside with me depends on who it is enemies or friends with, and its age – my 15 year old NEEDS to be in the house every night.
One of the prime functions of a pet dog is as an expert fur therapist (it’s even official – look for PAT-dogs = Pets As Therapy, dogs that visit hospices and old folks homes) – but a dog that’s always tied up outside has little opportunity to provide its therapy, and probably even less incentive to do so.
If your statement is correct, I would expect your neighbourhood to be VERY short of well-behaved dogs – and possibly short of well-behaved children too!
Les P, owner of GSD_Friendly: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/GSD_Friendly
"In GSDs" as of 1967
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February 22nd, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Well… most owners are too stupid to give their dogs enough attention when the diges are INSIDE laying next to them! Let alone give them enough attention if they are outside. Out of sight, out of mind, and many of these dogs live lives with very little human interaction. You go outside in the morning to feed them. 5 minutes. Then you might take them for a walk. 15-30 minutes. Then you might go play ball for a little bit. Another 15-30 minutes. You go outside later to feed them. 5 minutes. So that’s what, only an hour or hour and a half where the poor thing gets ANY interaction?
Be REALISTIC, this is the case for most people. Heck, most don’t even walk the poor thing. Granted, I may not spend more then a couple hours a day actually interacting with my dog. But he’s next to me on the couch, he’s in the office with me, I may rub him with my foot here or there. He’s with me at almost all times, not outside alone.
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February 22nd, 2010 at 3:25 pm
People get dgos and leave them outside, some dogs would not do well in a home, and prefer to be outside, but even those dogs need better shelter in the winter months.
I have 4 dogs and all my dogs are inside dogs, yes they are, they are very well house traiend, and have the option of being inside/outside, as they have a huge dogie door and go out when they want to. but sleep inside every night.
I have a Min Schnauzer
2 Akita’s
1 Newfoundland, all inside dogs and huge they are, except for my Schnauzer.
All my dogs sleep in my bed, I have huge oversize kingsize bed, they all have their own spot on the bed, and yep, I have my little portion LOL
I love my dogs and I give them every comfort of a good home….they love being indoors with me…they go where I go…
People love their dogs and are a major part of our lives.
There is nothing wrong with an inside dog, even the giant breeds love indoors.
I do not expect everyone to let their dogs live inside, it is their choice, their right to allow the dog to sleep outside, but has been my experience, you get the dog, bring it home, and toss in the yard, sure they feed and water the dog, but the dogs do not get all the interaction they should…
My opinion, if you have the space,let the dog live inside and give it the choice of a dogie door to go in and out…..
They are our babies, our kids……and dog people are the best people in the world and we show it by the way we take care of our dogs…
Merry Christmas
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February 22nd, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Nothing wrong with it. Mine stays outside except during bad weather. He is allowed into the kitchen at times when i let him in and into my bedroom but no other room in the house. He spent most of Christmas say inside – due to the bad weather and he was not happy about that at all..
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February 22nd, 2010 at 4:23 pm
It depends on the dog. Some dogs are happiest inside, others prefer to be out. You should put your dog where it functions best. The people that whine about outside dogs are incredibly close minded. As long as the dog is receiving the attention and shelter it needs there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be able to keep him outside. Not all dogs have that strong pack instinct that requires them to be near you 24/7. Some dogs are very independent and prefer to be out playing on their own.
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