Is it okay to leave a dog outside on a lead for an hour or so w/o a fence?

Question

We have a 5 mo old Golden Retriever. We don't have a fence. And I think she gets bored in the house. So, I put her out everyother hour or so on the lead staked in the back yard. #1 is that okay... nice/mean? #2 our house is the first one when you enter our subdivision. does that look trashy? #3 how long can i leave her on the lead outside by herself? Thanks! We will be getting a fence in a couple of months. And if you're wondering if I let her out in cold weather I don't.... Only when it's nice I leave her out.

Answer 1

Sure, it is fine to let her out an hour at a time. Just never when you are away from home, and only when you can keep an eye on her..She won't mind until you get the fence in..
If won't look trashy if she is well groomed, and is on a nice line.
A horse lounge line is better than a chain or cable, as it won't risk cutting her, tangles less, and won't damage her coat. You can get the 25 foot line cheapest at WalMart or livestock supplies or on ebay..At WalMart they are about $12.

Remember that is friendly dog is much easier to steal when on a line..as they can't escape any thief..so being able to watch is very important..

Answer 2

I own a golden and you're right they do get bored, this is where a lot of destructive behavior comes from. For a golden as well as other breed of dogs - about 30 min - 1 hour of all out running exercise along w/ 2-3 good long walks a day will help to curb some of that bordum.

Putting your dog out every hour or so doesn't really help. Take your dog out to different places when you walk her, take her to a different park or places to play. That helps tremendously. Get some chew toys or toys that she needs to figure out - i.e. Kongs, or kong balls etc ones that she has work on getting the treats out. There are doggie puzzles also that will keep her bordom at bay.

Once you get a fence that will help yes but you still want to take her to places that are new - with new sights, sounds and smells. Try new hiking trails, jogging trails, a new route, take her into the city, or on a long drive one weekend and let her out to play at different places along the way.

Good Luck

Answer 3

I think staking the dog outside without supervision is a bad idea. Your dog could be stolen, poisoned, attacked by other animals, OR could break loose. Not to mention, she could get bored out there too and dig holes or other damage. Until you get a fence, you should keep her company and take her for several short walks to break her boredom. One thing I'd like to mention... ALWAYS keep your dog on a leash or lead. Never let your dog outside without one... even if you are right beside her. Dogs are unpredictable. Even the best trained dogs will chase something that catches their eye.

Answer 4

I too think it's ok for no more than an hour. If she is not sprayed then you may want to think twice and keep a very close eye on what's going on in your back yard!. If you have no fence than any dog can get at her. As far what the neighbors think, who cares!!! Even if it's cold out just as long as it above 32 degrees leave a pan of water for her, just make sure she can reach it. Golden's love to chew on their leashes and their leads so watch for her doing that on the run you use.
Golden's love being outside for long periods of time and they love the snow. My 2 will go out in the coldest weather and roll the snow and just lay in the snow and find the sun to just bask in. I get them in way before they would like but It's cold outside. I have an invisable fence and it works great on my boys.
I would suggest no lead shorter than 20 feet. You can get them at any feed store they are the ones for hourses. They are stronger than any you can get at a pet store and cheeper too.
Your a good Golden owner, so relax!

Answer 5

It's fine to let a dog get some fresh air during the day. Just make sure she has clean water. Also the best water dish to use outside is a metal bunt cake pan with a short pole through the middle. It will be held in place and you won't have to worry about her flipping it over every time you get her water. Don't know why, but dogs love flipping over their water bowl.

Answer 6

I don't think it is a good idea, I think that you should be outside with the puppy at all times. My main concern is the puppy could get hurt, my second concern is that it could get stolen.

I have raised several puppies and I have never had to leash them in the yard. It starts at an early age. If it is a runner you wont be able to that though. I started the day I got my puppies at very young ages and they wont even leave the yard. Of course they are never outside without supervision. Not even behind the 6 foot privacy fence.

Just safety cautions.

Answer 7

It is fine to leave your dog tied out for a couple of hours in nice weather. It is especially good when you need to clean house or something like that, that way the puppy isn't under your feet.
I'm sure you wouldn't leave her out with out water, but she needs a dog house too. I know it is silly if she will never be out in the rain or cold or overnight, but in the off chance that animal control drives by, and they see your dog tied out without shelter, they might fine you. You can try to convince them all you want that she is only out for a few hours every day, but so do others who leave their dogs out 24/7 when they get caught. Just for your own saftey.
Other than that, she will be fine. Personally, i don't like leaving mine tied out for more than 3-4 hours, yours is still a puppy, so I would go for less time tied out.

Answer 8

It isn't good to leave your dog tied up, since tying a dog up tends to make it aggressive. But if you're getting a fence put in soon, and if you don't leave the dog outside alone for more than an hour each day, it should be alright. Just make sure to take her on walks and, if possible, find a fenced area where she's allowed to run off leash and play fetch or something.

Answer 9

The temp is seventy 5 ranges for the time of the day and fifty 5 ranges at nighttime so not too chilly. besides, Labradors are used to the chilly snowy Canadian climate. She could be ok if she has a kennel or safeguard to go interior. purely determine she has a lot of water, and according to risk supply the neighbours a heads-up warning in case the canines barks all nighttime.

Answer 10

I don't see anything wrong in this. But keep a close eye on her. The leash should be 6' or longer. Watch her so that she doesn't get caught on something and strangle herself.

You might want to watch out for dog nappers if there is free access to your yard.

Can you use a child's play pen or build a small run until the fence is up?