Is leaving your dog outside terrible?

Question

I grew up in California and the weather always permitted to leave the family dog outside because my parents didnt like the idea of having a dog inside the house. Is it really that awful to have your dog live in the backyard all the time, even if she has her own dog house that remains dry when it rains?

Answer 1

if the dog is happy , its fine

Answer 2

Yes it is awful and in many cases cruel. Too many people leave their dogs outside when they also would rather be inside especially for the night when it is cold. They need proper shelter in all kinds of weather just like we do. A good "rule of thumb" to go by is if it is too cold for you outside then it also is for your dog. I have two dogs that were strays and what I did was to get a doggie door so that they can come and go as they please. They have never been a problem at all and I have had them for 7 years. It is now also against the law to chain a dog anymore in California. This of course is really cruel. People that do that do not have a pet, instead they have a prisoner.
Having the dog(s) inside the house is so much better for the dog. Try to talk your parents into trying it for time to see how well the dog takes to it.

Answer 3

It depends on the breed of the dog. Many dogs thrive in the outdoors and can't stand living inside. So I would research the breed of your dog to see what the experts suggest. That said, California or not, another thing you need to consider is that the ground is going to be cold and moist at night. If the dog is sleeping outdoors...even in a doghouse...you need to make sure there is plenty of insulation between the ground and the dog or you will end up causing joint problems for your pet in the long-term. Another concern I would have would be predators. A lot of wild animals come out at night, and your dog may turn into their enemy or worse yet, their midnight snack. With all those issues to consider, I would personally have a hard time making any dog sleep outdoors.

Answer 4

For those that are saying that no dog should remain outside, or that if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for a dog, please remember that there are many different breeds of dog in the world. Some suited very well for outside living and some not.

I Own a Husky and Malamute. Where exactly do you think they would rather be when there is snow on the ground? If you say inside, then you really don't understand the breeds I mentioned. I can not get my dogs inside during the winter, unless I drag them in and the whole time they will whine. It could be below zero here, which many times in Upstate NY in the winter time it can get below zero, and my dogs would still prefer to be outside.

I have heard stories from Animal Control Officers of people complaining that there is a dog kept outside and the temp was below zero with snow on the ground. Many times when the ACO gets there, the dog is lying on top of the dog house, on a pile of snow or in a pile of snow. The dog is well kept and one even said that the dog was panting because it was still hot. These were Huskies and Malamutes.

The above are just examples of two breeds that are suited for outdoor living, especially in the winter. the same coat that keeps them warm in the winter, also keeps them cool in the summer time. Only thing there is the fact that I have to drag my dogs outside out of the AC in the summer time, the way I have to drag them in come winter.

Like I said above, please remember there are different breeds of dog and just because your Chihuahua doesn't like to remain outside, there are dogs that were bred for that very thing.

Answer 5

No, it's perfectly fine. That's why they have a coat. It has two layers, one to keep in warmth, and one to repel water. Hence the reason a lot of dogs shed in the summer. They don't need such a thick fur to keep warm so they shed a lot of it off. And it also depends on the dog. A Chihuahua isn't going to like a foot of snow on the ground, compared to a Husky that would love it.
Once they get used to staying outside the dog will be fine. Just use common sense. If the dog is tiny don't leave it outside to get buried by snow. And make sure the dog has fresh water everyday. Especially in the winter when water bowls can freeze. Make sure the food is dry to. And play with the dog everyday to let it know it's still loved.
If the dog starts acting out, such as digging holes, barking all the time, etc... they usually feel lonely and you need to spend more time with it. Make sure the dog knows it's still loved. And if the dog is fully grown and spent most of it's life inside then it might be quite hard for it to transition to being outside all the time. You might have to leave the dog outside for a few hours each night, gradually increasing it as the weeks go by. That should help it transition to the point where it's comfortable staying out all night.
Oh and you might want to consider putting some warm padding in the dog house for it to sleep on. I built the dog house for my dog and in the process insulated it. I also put a dog door with a flap on it to help keep out the breeze. And the bedding has been coated with camp dry to repel water from snow and rain on the fur. The dog house is also placed against our house under an awning so that it doesn't even get snowed on.
Good luck I hope this helped.

Oh and to the rule that if it's to cold for you it's to cold for your dog. YOU DON'T HAVE A FUR COAT.

Answer 6

Dogs are domesticated animals, and they are pack animals. They *NEED* companionship. I don't want to sound rude; but, if you own a dog that is outside 100%, you are really giving the dog a miserable life. I mean, the dog may have plenty of food and water and shelter; but what about a companion and mental stimulation? I'm not even talking about putting human emotions in a dog's brain -- these are just basics that a healthy pet needs. Also, you won't be spending enough time with the dog to notice health problems as quickly as you would if your dog was with you. I still wouldn't agree with keeping a pet outdoors 100%; but, having two dogs would at least fulfill their pack mentality. I wish you and your pet all the best -- please take good care of him/her.

Answer 7

In my semi-humble opinion, the question isn't whether a dog can withstand the rigors of living outdoors but whether it should.

Dogs are intensely social animals that thrive on contact with others, whether human or canine and suffer greatly when forced to be alone for long periods.

Your dog wants to be with YOU, not alone in its doghouse. An "outside dog" spends its entire life wondering what it's done to be punished by being left alone. I feel it is cruel in the extreme.

I'm told the following was written by a vet tech, I'd like to share it here.


BYE BABY
No more cold or lonely nights or hearing that I'm bad
No more growling belly from the meals I've never had.
No more scorching sunshine with a water bowl that's dry.
No more complaining neighbors about the noise when I cry.
No more hearing "shut up", "get down" or "get out of here"!
No more wondering why they hate me, only peace is in the air.
Euthanasia is a blessing, although some still can't see
Why I was ever born if I weren't meant to be.
My last day of living was the best I ever had.
Someone held me very close, I could see that she was sad.
I kissed the lady's face, and she hugged me as she cried.
I wagged my tail to thank her, then I closed my eyes and died.

Answer 8

it depends!!if the weather permits, maybe yes. ensure that the shelter is sufficient for the dog, keeping it warm and dry... always provide fresh, clean water.. if you keep the dogs outside, you might have to change the water every few hours.. provide enough food and nutrients to keep it healthy ( so you will cut down the visit to the vet and save cost).. always bring your dogs out for a walk everyday to help the dog destress and give it the exercise needed.. dogs needs lot of attention.. so if you spent a lot of time with him, then maybe you can keep the dogs outside... do let the dogs in once in a while.. but train him well, so he will not create a mess in the house...
i live in a apartment, so my dog sleeps with me at night, watch tv with me and we play hide and seek in the house.. she's well trained so you never give us any problem except the barking, but that can be solved.. having a dog in the house, sometimes is more fulfiling for me and more comfortable foe the dogs.. by the way, my mum used to hate dogs too. and now the dog is her best companion...

Answer 9

I don't think they can feel like they are a part of the family when they are left outside. I feel that a doggie door would be great so that he can come and go in and out as he wants. I can't stand it when I see a dog on a chain in the yard!!! I know that's not your case or what you said, but it makes me so angry when people don't even have a fence and keep the dog tied up all day on a chain!! I think it should be against the law.

Answer 10

Would you like your "family" to leave you in the yard even thought you had your own place to get in out of the rain? Dogs are social animals and should be a part of the family INSIDE and not left out like a yard ornament. Your parents need to give the dog to someone who will treat in properly - as part of the family.

Answer 11

As long as it has food, water and shelter for the elements, it should be fine. Depending on the dog as well. I personally wouldn't leave a short haired dog outside, however, I personally own 4 huskys who are outside 100% of the time (Even when it hits -40 as they whine to be outside when you do bring them in) and two chows, who are inside at night and about 2 hours during the day (they are sucks)