What is your opinion on a dog kennel for the spring/summer months? We own our home, but don't have a fenced in yard and plan to move next year. We have a 6+1/2 month black lab and are expecting baby in July. I'd like to get a big kennel for the dog to go hang in outside during the warmer months (he would still sleep in our house at night). My husband thinks it would be mean to put the dog in a kennel. What is your opinion?
2007-03-15 11:28:48 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I'm sorry, I mean, we are expecting a human baby in July!
2007-03-15 11:33:14 · update #1
Dog is six and a half months old, not years old. He's less than a year old.
2007-03-15 11:34:22 · update #2
He would do fine outside and would still be fine to sleep in the house as well we do the same exact thing with one of our dog's
2007-03-15 11:34:39 · answer #1 · answered by admsf 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dogs enjoy being outside during the nice weather. Just make sure the kennel is big enough for him. And don't just throw him out there with some food and water and expect him to be happy. You still have to take him for walks, play with him, love him. I know too many people that get a kennel for their 'outside dog' and they end up forgetting all about their dog, and never pay any attention to it. But you sound like good owners, and I don't think that will happen to your dog. So I think it will work out fine. Good Luck!
2007-03-15 18:38:11 · answer #2 · answered by Stark 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's all a matter of the time the dog will spend in the kennel. given he will have plenty exercise (and for labs that IS plenty, espcially this age: 60 min every day!) and he spends also lots of time with the family either playing indoors or out, or just being close to people, i think it should be ok. the dog shouldn't necessarily connect the baby to him having to stay outside, as it could make him jealous, so i'd start using the kennel asap (maybe gradually increasing the time he spends out there)
feed him in the kennel, give him toys and chew things in the kennel to make it a "happy" place for him. but please make sure he gets enough exercise, both mental and physical before and/or after he's in the kennel, because i assume there won't be much he will be able to do in the kennel.. but then he shouldn't mind at all (he's be sleeping or just hanging out in the house as well...)
2007-03-15 18:38:53 · answer #3 · answered by Monica 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its not cruel really, but the dog would be bored! And uncomfortable. The puppy doesnt want to be in a cage outside, she needs some space! You can buy a build-it-yourself dog run otside, those only take like an hour to set up, are fairly sturdy (I have a husky-lab myself), and give the dog room to run around a bit (mine is about 10'by 5'). Then maybe put the kennel in there, or just off to the side so she can still have the comfort of her "den". Good luck!
ps. dog runs arnt too pricey either!
2007-03-15 18:36:07 · answer #4 · answered by allie 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do you think the dog will hurt the baby? Why do you want to put your dog outside? You can't put the dog out and not train him then suddenly bring him in in the winter months and expect him to know not to go in the house and how to behave in doors again. I still don't understand why the dog has to be put outside. Maybe you need to find a good home gor the dog if you will no longer have time or room for him.
2007-03-15 19:50:49 · answer #5 · answered by Di 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your 6+1/2 month pup is like a 3 yr old child. They need you to guide them to what is right and wrong. In my opinion, putting a pup out in a kennel that has so far lived with you in the house is cruel and neglectful. That is like dropping your baby off at the sitter every day because you don't want to bother with it. (just my personal opinion)
As a responsible pet owner, you should not have the dog if after this time, you want to cage it ALONE in the back yard. Sorry, I think hubby is right.
Besides, how long would you like to have to stay out in the hot sun with a fur coat on?
2007-03-15 18:37:39 · answer #6 · answered by mom tree 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you mean that all of a sudden your going to put the dog outside for the day chained up to a dog house than I think your husband is right it is mean. If your talking about for a few hours a day then I don't have a problem with that. My dogs are outside in nice weather for a hours a day each day. I have invisible fencing and they stay right in the yard!
2007-03-15 18:49:51 · answer #7 · answered by ♥Golden gal♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he has been inside for the past 6 years I agree with your husband. When I had my daughter my dog was 5, he got along great with the baby if that is what you are worried about.
2007-03-15 18:32:37 · answer #8 · answered by shorty 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have to agree with your husband, sorry! Dogs don't want to be stuck outside and what if the weather changes? Are you gonna be able to go put it back in? Too, hot, rain, ect! I say if it's trained let it stay in the house, or crate it inside!
2007-03-15 19:46:07 · answer #9 · answered by Lisa T (Stop BSL) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say kennels are just fine outside. I put my dog n an inside kennel when no one is home so I say go for it!
2007-03-15 18:37:31 · answer #10 · answered by yourcool79 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋