How many think it's cruel to keep a dog inside all day?

Question

We have a Husky, and up until he got sick 2 yrs ago (he's 13), we let him sleep outside, even in winter. He even slept in the snow! He had a large run and a fenced yard (Both were necessary, since he kep escaping and would get lost). People would come by and criticize us, saying he belonged inside! The stupid shelter wouldn't let us adopt a Malamute when we said he wouldn't be inside most of the day! Yet I could hear the poor Lab across the street, barking all day in a tiny apartment. I say, if they get plenty of exercise & affection, dogs can spend MUCH more time outside than people think. Any here agree?

P.S. - My dog HAS proper shelter (a "Dogloo", which is insulated), but STILL used to sleep in the snow by choice! Sheesh....has ANYBODY here every watched the Iditarod? Those dogs run 90 miles, then plunk down, eat a dinner of dry food, a frozen salmon & some water, then sleep OUTSIDE on a bed of straw!

As for our dog wanting to be outside...he basically wants to be where WE are, like most dogs. Since he's old, he spends much more time inside, esp. in the SUMMER!

And yes, I AM impressed with any animal that sleeps in the snow! You try it...>:P

Uhhh...did ANYONE besides Hermes711 and chetco (great post!) actually READ my question???

To be more specific - many have pointed out that dogs are better off inside when it's hot- I agree, esp. for a Northern breed! What I meant by "inside", was the same was what others assumed by "outside": no contact, socialization, etc. I should've phrased it: is it cruel to leave a dog ALONE all the time?! But I already know it IS!

Answer 1

I don't think it's cruel if the dog wants to be out there and gets plenty of attention. I only think it's cruel when the dog is left out there all the time with no human interaction at all (except to dump some food or water in his dishes) and the dog would rather be inside with the rest of the family. Dogs are pack animals and just like to be where the rest of the pack is most of the time, but sometimes you get dogs that just like to be outside guarding the pack and they are happy doing that. So, I think it depends on the dog, if the dog is happy outside and gets plenty of attention (played with, taken for walks) from the family can come in if he wants to, I don't think it's cruel at all. My lab on the other hand hates being outside unless I'm out there with her (even when we lived in a house), so she spends all the time inside and she's happy.

Answer 2

As long as they get walks and get to play outside I do not see a problem. Well it certainly isn't any more cruel than leaving your dog out in the snow. A dog needs proper shelter if it is to be an outdoor dog. Sleeping in the snow is not something you should be impressed with.

Answer 3

I wouldn't say its cruel to keep a dog inside any more than I would say it is cruel to keep one outside. It depends on the dog. A Husky is probably happier outside, my Whippets are happier inside.

Of course the shelter wouldn't let you adopt. Many of them would rather PTS instead of have a dog in a home where it might get treated like an actual DOG instead of a 'furbaby'.

You didn't really expect the animal rights brainwashed bunch on here to agree with you, did you? LOL!

Answer 4

As said in other answers... It really depends on the breed of the dog. I have a Shih Tzu and they were bred to be an "inside dog". They do not shed. This means they do not have a winter or summer coat. You're doing just fine. Just make sure your dog has shelter, food and water. As you say, they were bred to stand up in the harsh winters.

Answer 5

It's all about balancing the time he spends indoors and outdoors. They need both. He has to be outside and be active and be inside and relax with your family. Certainly don't leave him in the snow. If you have somewhere available in your home, make him a Winter home, but on Winter days when it's not to harsh out let him out. Even take him for a walk.

Answer 6

I think it depends on the dog. My lab & great dane do both stay outside most of the time, because 1) if my lab can't get to his water tub then he withers up in a ball, 2) dogs need to have space to run and play. My poodle/chihuahua mix on the other hand stays inside most of the time. I'll be the first to admit that my big babies are just that our babies. Matter of fact, my dane thinks she's lap dog and the small baby thinks she's 10ft tall. It all depends on the dogs.

Answer 7

Yes, dogs are getting too comfortable these days, and people underestimate how much weather a dog can take, they did evolve from wolves afterall, so yeah, in general a dog should be okay outside. Unless of course its a dog that likes to be inside... then making it go outside would be cruel.

Answer 8

i don't think of that's cruel. climate allowing, i opt to depart my canines outdoors because he receives to computer screen my dad do backyard paintings and attempt my bicycle and play interior the grass. He receives to sleep on a chunk of carpet through the door and he receives water, and food (yet I many times feed him interior). I dont imagine its cruel until eventually we haven't any interaction with him, he has no longer something to occupy him, the elements is undesirable, or we depart him out over evening. each and every each and every now and then I enable him interior the domicile to in worry-free words sit back with him and puppy him on the settee yet hegets bored contained in the domicile and seems to desire slumbering outdoors. I keep his fur sparkling and make confident he's okay each and every so typically, so i imagine that's alright to maintain him interior the exterior on a tether for hours an afternoon, as long as he's enable in even as the elements is undesirable or he feels sick, and we take him on walks.

Answer 9

I don't know which is more cruel. Keeping them inside all the time or leaving them out all winter.
Dogs need love and affection. They should be almost a member of the family. If you don't have time to care for a dog don't get one and abuse it.
The shelter knows more than you. If you think they're stupid they must think you're a retard.

Answer 10

I know dogs are supposed to be outside animals. But when it's cold or too hot I limit their outside time. How long can you last outside in the cold with just a coat?