Are german shepherds ok living outside?

Question

Im getting a 14 week old german shepherd puppy and he is gonna be living in a doghouse outside ... All of you who are experience with german shepherd please tell me

Answer 1

Isn't this something you should have thought about prior to committing to getting the dog?? Saying that GSD's are hardy dogs and as long as the kennel is draughtproof and dry and he is comfortable then he should be ok, not sure where your from but winter might mean he will need somewhere warmer.

Answer 2

If you are talking about living strictly outside, I would never do it. I have two male shepherds, and I think the worst thing you can do is deprive them of the kind of interaction that comes from living inside with your family. Being outside away from people encourages poor behavior, including aggression, especially if he is tied outside.

Every dog, not just German shepherds, deserves to have a home inside. Being well-socialized, housebroken, and part of a family makes for the best dog. These are highly intelligent animals who need stimulation and training. What are you going to do when your neighbors start complaining because your puppy is crying and barking outside all night because he wants to be inside with his family? What about the weather? I don't know where you live, but even a dog who has shade and water is in danger if it's really hot outside. The same thing with the cold in the winter. What if someday you can't keep him? Who wants an adult dog who isn't housebroken and makes messes all over the place?

Do not make him live in a dog house. He doesn't deserve that kind of life. You have a chance to have an incredible dog here. Don't waste that chance by making him live outside.

Answer 3

I have done german shepherd rescue for over 20 years and while I can't condone making a dog live outside I will answer your question as honestly and unbiasedly as I can.
Leaving ANY dog outside runs the risk of injury to property and to the dog. Many dogs do live outside and do quite well but their life expectancy is shorter than a dog that lives inside. Also outside dogs can tend to be very aggressive/fearful of people if they aren't socialized and never see anyone other than their immediately family members. Outside dogs also get bored and can get destructive, dig, bark , etc. German shepherds are very social dogs and like being near their 'alpha'. In this case, their human. They can become depressed and again, as I mentioned above, destructive. German SHepherds are highly intelligent and without companionship of humans and something to do, they will FIND something to do and usually it's not a good thing! THey need people and should be inside; even if you can keep them in a crate at night to help avoid severe temperature fluctuations.

Answer 4

I have a 7 year old German Shepherd who lives outside, but he has a big insulated dog house. He also has 2 acres fenced in to run on. We live in the country. He is allowed inside anytime, but he prefers it outside. In the winter he gets too hot inside. However, a 14 week old puppy should not be left outside alone. Too much to get into. Besides he is just a baby and could get hurt. Most large breed dogs go through

a very destructive stage. Jerry Lee (My GSD) ate my riding lawn mower when he was 4 months old. They need to be supervised. Besides you want him housebroken don't you?

Answer 5

No dog is fine living purely outside. Some outdoor time and some indoor time is okay, but never 100% outdoor. This will make them bored and aggressive if this is done. Dogs are pack animals and treat their humans as part of their pack.

The GSD (German Sheperd Dog) is part of the working breed and needs a "job" whether it is helping you do chores around the house (I know someone that taught her two Standard Poodles this task) or taking long walks with a doggie backpack on.

Answer 6

Outside is good for any lg dogs but make it dog-proof so he is fenced in has constant clean water and plenty of shade. The best solution is getting a doggie door, they come in all sizes and that way "Fido" can make his own choices. You'd be surprised, I have 2 herding/working dogs and their optionis rarely to be outside unless I am there. They prefer my company but at least when I'm gone for a couple hours I know they are safe & can go out & guard the "castle" or take a pooh. Plus my motto is 2 is better than one (selfish but true), when I'm gone I know they have each other!

Answer 7

Dogs need lots of interaction with people and other dogs, especially when they are young. You definitely should not leave the dog outside alone until it is at least a year old.

Don't get a dog unless you can care for it properly.

Watch the Dog Whisperer!
http://ngcdogwhisperer.com

Answer 8

If the dog has plenty of room to move around in without being at risk to run out in the road, a place to get out of the sun or rain, plenty of water, and plenty of attention, he should be fine.

Just remember that a dog is a social animal and should be played with.

Answer 9

I think big dogs are much happier outside where they have room to move around and not be cooped up in a house or apartment. My blue heeler mix Gracie is the happiest dog and she lives outside. You should have a fenced yard tho, and not chain your dog or let it run the neighborhood.

Answer 10

outside dogs draw flies in the summer.. and the flies will eat the tips of the dogs ears off.. not a pretty site.. keep water out there.. food will draw mice an rats and other staving animals like racoons.. but your dog has 2 eat.. dog needs clean straw in the dog house during winter.. still want 2 get one ?