Is My Mother Ruining Our Dog??????

Question

I am away at school, and the dog is here with my mom and the rest of the family. The dog has changed. Our dog is a small house dog, and I found out my mom has been letting him outside to roam around by himself. I don't think this is safe, because usually, we take him on a leash. So, she says she will let him out for 45 minutes, and then come to the door and he'll be sitting there waiting to come in. Isn't this dangerous? She doesn't like to keep him pent up because he likes to go out. We are from a little country town, and while it's probably not as dangerous to do this as it is in the city, there are still a lot of other stray dogs roaming around the place. Another thing is, now he feels like he needs to be out aaalll the time. Case in point? This morning at FIVE, he comes jumping on my bed crying because he wants to go outside. So, grumpily, I take him out. Does he use the bathroom? Nope. He wants to go and play, and walk down the streets. I don't know what to do.

I don't want to deny taking him out when he wants to go, because I don't want him to end up with bladder problems. But neither do I want to get up every hour to take him outside. All he is doing is playing, which is fine, but I don't want to get up and go outside at five a.m. when it's still dark outside, and who knows who's out there, just so he can go and play around. Also, I am worried that he is going to end up lost or running away if my mom keeps this up. He was never like this before, but now that he's getting more freedom, he is.

You're right, the fence thing sounds like a good idea. Our home isn't fenced in, because we never had the need to. But now that we have a dog, that's probably the best thing.

Answer 1

In my humble opinion, your mom is making that dog dominant. Where's the leadership in the family? It's with the dog if HE'S the one dictating when to go out JUST TO PLAY. The fact he goes where HE wants means in his mind, HE's in charge. It doesn't matter where you live, there are dangers in letting a dog believe he's master of the household. If he's not neutered (which makes wandering more likely) you're also looking at the possibility of not only dog fights with other dogs, but puppies being created that will contribute to the overpopulation of puppies at the shelter. Also, with a dog thinking it's in charge, he's more likely to bite someone or another dog, which will lead to the dog being destroyed.

This seems like a dog that needs a crate during the night. (at the very least!) The crate should be big enough for him to stand up in and turn around in, but no bigger or he'll potty in it. Take him out (on a leash or tie out - the other authors in here are right about that) before bedtime, and take him out again in the morning (but hopefully AFTER 5 am, lol). This will not only help you and your mom to establish leadership, but give the dog a place of his own, like a den in the wild. It's not a punishment box, but a home of his own - like you're own room.

This dog would also benefit from long daily walks, where the person is in front of or next to the dog, not the dog out front straining on the leash. This would help to exhaust his wanderlust, and make him less energetic at 5 am.

If you're looking for help with taking this issue up with mom, I recommend looking up the laws in your area about lose and dangerous dogs, or speaking with a police officer. I would also call a vet office and the local animal shelter and have them send information to your mom's house about injuries to free roaming dogs and from free roaming dogs. Also, the shelter will give you info on neutering(still assuming he's not) and pet population. The shelter and vet info could really give your arguement some pull with mom and hopefully educate you both on the issue.

I hope it helps!

Answer 2

As a responsible dog owner, you shouldn't let your dog roam the neighborhood or trespass on your neighbor's property. You also need to do what you can to keep the dog safe from predators. We suggest fencing in your yard, or building a chain-link kennel that the dog can access from the house through a doggie door; then he can come and go as he pleases, and get fresh air and exercise, while still be "at home" and safely protected from predators.

Answer 3

There are many dangers for a loose dog
cars, other animals, people stealing the dog, the dog eating something poision. The list goes on forever.
The fence comes first then the dog.
You need a fence if ths dog is going to outside unsupervised.

Answer 4

Dog ownership is a big responsibility. Everyone on the household must be willing to share in consistent training. I live in the country also and I love dogs but I don't want someone's dog visiting my yard early in the morning. My dogs wouldn't tolerate him. Mine are happily confined by chain link but they would protect their yard from an intruder dog in a minute. Some reasons why a young pup should not be left outside alone to roam:
Parvo
Fleas
Stray dogs
Raccoons
Coyotes
Skunks
Rabies
Cars
Theft
Poisoning
A neighbor... who hates dogs (my neighbor called the police on me because my Border Collie sat in front of her to be petted. She hates dogs.)
Rabies Control
Lawyers
Court dates
the list can go on and on.............
Try to get your family to understand and share in consistent training or your pup may become a costly problem for everyone all the way around. Communication and consistency is the answer here. Best wishes!

Answer 5

I live in the country too. and it is JUST as dangerous... cars tend to travel faster out here than in the city and three of our neighbours had thier dogs stolen - yes stolen. Never mind the disease, dog fights, and angry neighbours (I don't mind cleaning up after my dog in our yard, but I draw the line at the neighbours dog! - its extremely RUDE). You can't guarantee she isn't pooping, or digging up someone else's yard, or taunting another restrained dog or cat with responsible owners.

NEVER leave your dog outside unattended, no MATTER what.

We are usually outside and have her run free when we are out with her. When we can't be out with her, but she wants to hang out on the deck or pee early in the morning (5:00a.m.) we have a lead that is a cable hooked to a rotating - thingy screwed into the ground. She is never out there (even on a beautiful fall day like today) more than an hour alone, and NEVER without water. Oh, and it comes right up to the back door, so I don't have to trek out in the snow to dig it up in the wee hours of the morning either!

This lead allows her about 15' diameter run without being tied up as it spins on itself, and she can't tangle herself up. Its far from the road (at the back of the house) so passing young pedestrians, are not tempted to tease her. the whole system cost us probably $40 in total... including the extra water dish. A bit cheaper than fencing a large property.

And even in the winter I usually have the kitchen window open a crack so I'm aware of what's going on.

Ollie not allowed off the property -no matter what - unless she is on a lead.

Answer 6

I think your mom may be letting the dog become the leader in the pack instead of the humans taking charge. Dogs will try to "take over" and rule the roost if you let them. She needs to stay in charge and let the dog out for potty breaks and playtime. The dog can't be allowed to wake you up when he decides he wants to go out. The dog cannot become the alpha leader in the house. This can lead to the dog disobeying in general. Good advice, but even my dog rules my house!! ( :

Answer 7

So, she says she will let him out for 45 minutes, and then come to the door and he'll be sitting there waiting to come in. Isn't this dangerous?


YES YES YES

Good way to get a dead dog.

Sooner or later he is goning to get interested in something and take off - a long ways off.

Doesn't matter that you live in small town. Virtually all counties have leash laws. If the dog is loose, she gets ticket and has to pay a fine and bail him out of the pound.

See if your parents will buy an electric fence (have to dig to install the wires) or instant-install electric fence (no digging, plug it in and go.)

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=1108&N=2001+113529

About $300 or pick one up on Ebay for less thn $150.

That way she can let him out, he stays in the yard.


If he is getting you up to go out to play, ignore him.

Answer 8

do you have a back yard? If you do just get a doggy door and then he'll be safe and be able to go out with out waking you up. It will take time for him to get used to the change, but after a few days or so he'll be fine. Hope that helps you!

Answer 9

You live "in a small country town". Fence a part of the yard and install a doggie door so he can come and go on his own and be safe in a fenced in area.

Answer 10

Yes, it is extremely dangerous. Coyotes are the most obvious threat I can think of to your dog, not to mention that sometimes farmers leave out poisoned baits for coyotes. If your dog gets into that, the death will be slow and painful, not quick. In fact, if your dog eats a mouse that was nibbling on the poisoned bait, he will die. Poisoned baits are illegal in most states, but some farmers still do it.

Then there are hawks, eagles, and owls, which would just love to swoop down on your little pooch and carry him away to eat.

Your dog could just wind up getting lost.

If he gets interested in chickens, expect the farmer who owns these chickens to shoot your dog.

What happens if your dog finds a dying, rabid bat on the ground and tries to play with it?

Even other strange dogs can cause him great harm. If they don't outright attack him, they can give him parasites or diseases.

Yes, your mother is going to get your dog killed. It is just a matter of time before that dog doesn't come back to scratch at the door like he used to.

Print this out and give it to her to read. If she won't listen to reason, give your dog away to a friend whose mother isn't irresponsible, inconsiderate, and careless. You'll miss your dog, but at least then you will be able to rest easy knowing someone will take care of your pet when you're not around.