we are getting a new puppy and are undecided wether to keep him outside in an adequate kennel and run. HELP !?

Answer 1

Hi, dogs are highly social creatures and while it is perfectly Ok physically to keep larger breeds outside, provided they have somewhere to shelter, they will need increased socialisation. Unless you have other dogs, you and your family are the rest of the pack. Dogs crave affection and physical contact. They also need to play with the rest of the pack. A dog that lives inside receives constant bonding with the pack. Especially if it sleeps in the same room as a pack member, preferably the dominant member.

Answer 2

Some people don't have their pets in the house at night and that's fine but you need to think about the breed you want. Some breeds do very well outside, those with thick coats like Akitas, Husky's, Alaskan Malamutes etc and will be fine with a good kennel and maybe run. Others wouldn't do so well because they need more human contact. If really depends on the breed and whether you can make the adequate provisions.

Don't listen to people that say it's mean to have a dog outside. Some people let their dogs lick their faces and all that type of nastiness, in their bed and allsorts but you have to do what is best for you and your dog.

Answer 3

As mentioned by others it does depend on the breed but more importantly, the reason for getting the dog in the first place...if it is a guard dog to protect your property by providing an (intimidating?) presence outside then keep outside in a kennel. But if your dog is intended to be a family pet then he/she will not become the affectionate loving pet you want him/her to be if kept outside.

ps, a run is never an excuse for not adequately exercising a dog. I have a collie cross & he needs 3 walks a day, totalling 2-3 hours per day.

Answer 4

There are certain breeds that may actually have a preference for being outside, but that does not mean they should also not come inside. Moreovoer, all pets should be indoor/outdoor dogs and let them decide. For instance, an Alaskan Malamute would rather be outside in the winter (it snows where I live) than niside. Providing a safe fenced in area is not bad because it can allow, assuming the dog is not a barker, the dog to be outside on nice days when you have to run an errand or while you are getting ready for work etc. Also keep in mind that some dogs do not want to be outside or want to be with their people inside to protect them.

That being said, if you have a run, the dog still requires exercise in terms of walk, obedience trianing and lots of interaction with the family. The run should not be a place where the dog sits 24/7, but a place for the dog to get extra outside and exercise time during times that you are busier (i.e. getting ready for work, painting a room, running out for a QUICK errand on a beautiful day).

Answer 5

Hi,
You must be thoroughly confused by all these conflicting answers.
Over the years I've done both.
Dogs that have lived in the house are a delight (after they've been house trained!) and have become a vital part of our family.
By the same token, I've had dogs that have lived outside in their own well-made, cleaned and maintained kennels. Given care, attention and regular walks, they have been every bit as content (maybe even more so) than their house-bound pals and have still been loyal, trustful family members.
I do not accept the 'its cruel' comments that some respondents have made but you must make your own decision.
Best wishes

Answer 6

What? Why do people bother getting dogs only to keep them outside in a kennel? If you are getting a dog bring him into your house. As it is a puppy will need a LOT of looking after and a LOT of cleaning up after. Dogs require a lot of affection (from puppyhood and into adulthood) so unless you are planning to spend your days outside in the kennel with him I would suggest you scrap the kennel idea. Animals need to be treated with respect and they need to know that they are one of the family. If this all seems like too much then I would suggest you seriously think about whether having a dog is right for you or not. I don't mean to sound harsh but you need to think about the dog - that dog could go to a home where it could spend most of the day in a kennel or it could go to a home where it could spend all day indoors with people. If I were a dog I think I'd know which one I'd prefer!

Answer 7

Hi,
Well, I would say that your puppy will require human contact.
Not stuck in an outdoors kennel.
My mate Stitchy the Jack Russel lives in the cupboard under the stairs, and is most happy with the arrangement.
My previous dog, Gandolf the boxer, had his own bedroom when working ex-pat in the Mid-East, flew him home and he demanded his old kennel outdoors during the summer, as he loved the heat, and looning around. (Went to sleep at 18 yrs)
However, it seems unsuitable to keep a dog outdoors in the UK.
A nice indoor basket, an old blanket to snuggle into, fresh water & grub twice a day, plenty of walks for exercise, and to do the neccessary, and all is well.
You will have a freind for life.
All the best,
Bob.

Answer 8

To put a puppy outdoors away from you and your family will not do anything good for the important social-skills development that puppies need in order to become good, friendly companions as adults later on. I personally do not believe in the concept of "outside dogs," and frankly would like to see legislation that forbids it. But aside from my two cents on that matter, I think you can have the best of both worlds if you really want it -- keep your dog indoors with you on regular basis and definitely have him/her sleep indoors at night, but build him/her an outdoor run (or fence your yard) so the dog can safely get exercise and sunshine for short periods during the day, weather permitting. My dog is an indoor dog, but he also very much enjoys sunning himself on warm days, so we make sure he has a safe environment to do that. Oh! One last thing to consider -- I see some people keeping their dogs in unroofed runs and I just wanted to caution you that the small size of puppies, if left in an unroofed run, can make them vulnerable targets to birds of prey. Yes, for real.

Answer 9

i would go ahead with the kennel and run for him to have time to himself in the day or for when you are unable to take him with you ie appointments etc a dog loves company so bring him in in the evenings spend as much time wth him during the day as you are able but i can assure you if you need to go somewhere he cant he wont thank you for locking him in the house/the car besides he will want to mark his territory let all the neighbourhood wildlife know he lives there and this is better done outside than in

Answer 10

got 2 dogs,one 9 and 1 13 months,bought a large kennel for the youngest who will happily sit outside all day,if it rains she gets in the kennel on her bed,the older one just cries or barks all day,its a great idea to put them outside while young so they get used to it,its not cruel and you can always let them in for a while at night,its like saying whats the point of having kids and working and sending them to school all day.enjoy your puppy and take him for long walks he'll love you forever.