How do you guys feel about outside dogs?

Heffanator · Post-a-Holic - Give this person a rabies shot!

How do you guys feel about outside dogs?

Denise · You have been awarded the Posting Star of Honor!

While my dogs have always been "house" dogs, I recognize that this is not possible for everyone for a variety of reasons. While some breeds, mixed or purebred, really aren't suited for being "outside" dogs, depending on the weather conditions of the area, many can happily be "outside" dogs as long as they are well cared for, safely contained, have suitable housing and protection from the weather (be it heat or cold) and have alot of human interaction.

What I have a problem with is if it is an outside dog without access to appropriate exercise (chained or in a small run) and has little human interaction. Food, water, shelter & medical attention are not the only responsibilities someone takes on when they bring a furpal home. If they don't want to spend quality time with the dog I don't understand why they bothered getting one in the first place and it surely isn't fair to the dog.

-- Edited by Denise at 21:29, 2005-05-24

shinyblackpit · Post-a-Holic - Give this person a rabies shot!

Ditto to what Denise said. Personally, I would rather not have a dog than have an outside-only dog. But I have outside-only cats and I enjoy them. I will have to think about why I have these conflicting beliefs about cats and dogs, and when I figure it out, I'll post it.

Heffanator · Post-a-Holic - Give this person a rabies shot!

Ya, I don't see why people think it's ok to let cats out 24/7 but think differently about dogs. I will have inside dogs/cats only when I get my own place. My dad doesn't mind the cat being indoors, she could get hurt easier outside than my dogs could, plus she is just a baby. She's scared of the outdoors, thankfully. She was a city kitty. ha

Sandyboo · MAD DOG!

I think that as long as the dog has access to clean water, food, and shelter and is still given tons of attention, its ok. mind you i don't think it's the best thing to have them outside, but in some circumstances (like your dad not allowing them in Heff) and with Tiny who's never been inside and who also my step dad won't allow in, it's alright to have them outside.

huronbreeze · MAD DOG!

I personally wound not have a only outside dog. But that is my opinion...I have no one else to answer to as far as living conditions and own my own land. I have to say the ones who are just shoved outside chained or in a small pen just grind me..And I wonder why they have them...they are certainly not doing the dog a favor. BUt I understand that not everyone can do as i can or will make concessions like i will. I would never critize you heff..and i dont think any one would..just...a different set of circomstances and different opinions. I personally dont like cats outside probably worse then dogs...I have seen them hit by cats, attacked by varments...and they are exposed to desease that they should not be exposed to. I have lost 2 about 10 years ago..and I dont know if my horrable farmer neighbor kids used them as target practice or a varmet got them..But they never came home..in the same day..and I didnt like them out..but they clawed up my screen door and let themselves out and after they got a taste they tried everything to sneak out and finally i relented since i didnt want to get another new screen. BUt...as long as animals get proper attention. love and the necessities I dont see them as unfit..It isnt the ones who dont ever pet them , walk them give proper shelter or leave them chaned that just kill me...Good post Heff..got lots of different opinions...

Shadow · Post-a-Holic - Give this person a rabies shot!

Growing up thats all we ever had was outside dogs.After I married and moved out my dad got a chicuhua(sp) that was a inside dog,that dog went eveywhere with my dad even to work.His name was poncho,is eventually died.After that they got a daschund which was an outside dog.I always felt so sorry for her(frankie)She never got any attention whatsoever.

After my Mom had her stroke I tried to talk them in to letting me find a home for her,she wouldn't have it.I really don't understand putting your dog outside and never giving it any attention.Other than that I don't see anything wrong with it.As long as the dog gets plenty of attention.

MollieMae01 · Moderator

Heff, I know it is not your choice to have your doggies outside......I personally would not have an outside-only dog. I know that when you move out you'll take Sophie with you and keep her inside all the time, and that's great. You have a good heart and obviously love and take care of your animals and that's all that matters. You have given them plenty of attention and have made sure that they're part of the family, even though they are outside, so you're doing fine. I have known people that had an outside dog on a chain all the time and never took care of it. He never had clean water, (or any water, for that matter), no food, not socialization, no adequate shelter, nothing. My dad pretty much took care of him, he was their neighbors' dog. He always wanted so badly to just let him off the chain and have animal control pick him up and take him to someplace better than that. Even if he'd died, he would've been so much better off than with those people. They even had the nerve to get another puppy and treat it better than the one outside!! Stupid people shouldn't have animals, nor should they breed!! lol. Seriously though, I know your dogs are well taken care of and that's all you have to worry about.

MyPoundPuppies · Post-a-Holic - Give this person a rabies shot!

I guess I have mixed emotions about it and it would depend on circumstance.

If you(not you...anyone lol) saved the dog from a shelter and from being put to sleep, then I guess I would rather it be outside and well taken care of. With proper shelter, food, and attention.

But I have always said if I can't keep it indoors then I wouldn't have one. I feel so bad for them in the winter months...well...even in extreme heat for that matter. I just feel that most, not all, dogs left outside get little attention or exercise. That would be such a lonely and sad life.

puttin510 · ~Grand Champion~ Gold Medal Poster!

As long as they are taken care of, not forgotten or neglected in an way, brought into some sort of warm shelter when it rains, snows or just stinkin cold, or stinkin hot. All those things done then I have nothing to say about how you care for you dogs. LOL With you in your dogs life, he will be fine, I believe. You care.

When I was growing up, we had dogs all the time, two and three at a time. They were outside alot but still they came into the house. My parents never ever said anything about it. Our bean bag was where they liked to lay. Me too actually. with them.

Paige · ~Grand Champion~ Gold Medal Poster!

When I was younger our dogs were always outside during the day but at night they slept in the house. But then my mom feel in love with Boston Terriers and they only went out to do their business. I think as long as a dog is well loved and happy its okay to keep them out. As long as the weather is good.

oasis05 · Moderator

I agree it depends on the situation. My dogs have a dog door so they can go out when they want but i couldn't keep them out all the time. It just depends and as long as they have food, water, shelter, exercise and love then it's all good.