dogs staying outside?

Question

i am thinking of letting my dog stay outside during the day while i am at work, so she doesnt have to stay indoors in a hot house. i am only gonna do it for the summer. i am going to buy a big kennel and run with proper base so she will be safe. do you think this sounds like a good idea, and will she adapt to it ok.

p.s we have a new dog arriving in a couple of weeks so she will have a friend.

thanks for you answers. the garden is secure, and the kennel will be padlocked so she will be safe.
she will only be in there a couple of days a week, when either me and my girlfriend are both out. and she gets a good off lead run first thing in the morning to tier her out.
and can i just say she lives and sleeps in the house.

Answer 1

No. There are too many nutcases out there. I'd rather have the dog safe in the warm house. Even though the dog is secure, what if it barks all day? Knocks its water over? Someone slips it some poison? You read these answers long enough you realize what sick people are out there.

Answer 2

First of all you will have to introduce your new dog to your old dog properly don't just shove them together.
A run etc would be fine.
Make sure it is galvanized so it does not go rusty & all is secure.
Your dog should be fine with it.
For a couple of days put him/her in it but pop out frequently so it knows you are coming back & that it has not been forgotten or it could get a little depressed being a house dog then all of a sudden being put outside.
But apart from that your dog will love it.
Don't use gravel as a base as if they do anything on it its hard to pick up.
it is better to use flag stones which you can buy second hand. Mine stay outside through the day except one below is my site so you can have a look @ the run etc.
I got my run made from local guy just make sure you describe well. also consider this. Do you think when you open the gate to the run will they run out??? if so get the door/gate to open in towards them so you can get through & they dogs have to move to let the door open, thats what I had to do until they got use with it then you can change it if you like.
it the dogs shed etc, get a bench made so they are not lying on the floor, just a simple wooden frame with floor boards is what I done making sure all screws were in tight & not sticking up & then got old piece of carpet & put that down & an old duvet for extra comfort.
I didnt fill the entire shed with a bench I halved it

Answer 3

So long as the garden is completely secure & she has food, fresh water & shelter it will be fine.
The only problem might be if she barks a lot while you are out. Your neighbours may complain to the local authority.
Do not thther the dog but rather leave her in a good sized run, preferably with a roof of sorts. Even a wire mesh roof will do as it will keep out cats & birds that may tease & annoy the dog.
You seem to have thought it through quite well. Better to be outside in a secure run than shut inside the house all day with no fresh air.

Answer 4

It's always best for the dog to be inside, but if you provide it proper shelter and make sure that you lock it up, it should be ok. You run a higher risk of the dog getting out and getting run over, or running away, or getting stolen, and pests such as flees and mosquitoes are a real problem, at least here in Florida. Just make sure that the dog is safe and healthy. Check with your local Humane Society to see what the local laws are. Some places require different types of shelter. You don’t want to get fined or have your dog taken from you.

Answer 5

I think its a good idea, but i wouldnt go and put your dog out there for 9-5 straight away, it will probably have to be broken in to the idea, start trying itout for an hour then the next couple of days 2 hours, hopefully by the summer your dog will be enjoying this extra bit of freedom that youve given it x

Answer 6

I commend you that you have given consideration to the dog and provided him with a double insulated dog house. It is always good to see people care for their dogs properly if they are going to keep them outside. However, consider this...would you want to be put outside alone at night even though you are in an insulated dog house? Or would you rather be in the house with the warmth, love and attention of your family? Please be kind and bring your dog inside with you. My dog is taken out first thing in the morning to pee/poo and then we put down a dog training pad (available at Walmart and most pet retail stores) in the case that he should ever have to go when we arent home during the day and as soon as we come home we take him out to pee, bring him back in for his supper, and then take him on a stroll to poo. It's good exercise for us and for him. We've never had an accident in the house either. You will find the best schedule that works for you. Dogs bladders mature and he will or should be able to hold it while you are at work. Again, if he has to go he can always be trained to go on the pad. And if you can purchase him a dog coat for when you walk him because dogs get cold too. There are all kinds available out there in stores like PetSmart, and also online if you do a search for dog coats or dog jackets. Best Wishes!

Answer 7

Check with your local Animal Control office before you set anything up to make sure you're in complaince with your local laws and ordinances. Example: some areas prohibit you from keeping the dogs outside if they bark all day; some require that you provide the dogs with water bowls that cannot spill and can be refilled "on demand" if the dog runs out of water.

Answer 8

all our dogs spend time outside in the run,with access to the kennel plenty of space and make sure she has plenty to keep her occupied, and her water is in the shade in an untippable container, and make sure the 2 dogs get on well before leaving them,as there will be no escape if they decide to scrap.do a few trials when you are at home.

Answer 9

I have four dogs, all of which stay outside. I do however have a room in my house where they are allowed to stay if the weather becomes to bad for them outside. I often bring them inside one at a time to spend time with the family. My dogs seem to be happier outside. 2 of them were bought for indoor dogs, but once we started letting them out they wanted to remain outside. My dogs are free to go over the yard. I do not have a fence or a chain that holds them. My yard is about 42acres. Your dog will benefit from the fresh air of the outside, and I'm sure the friend will make him very happy.

The only thing you may want to worry about is, if your dog is not use to the heat, you may want to just let him out for a few hours everyday until he becomes accustomed to it.

Answer 10

it may be ok but there is the problem that she will probably get fleas and then if you have a good and truthful neighbor (unlike me) who will let you know if the dog barks all day. i can't leave my dogs out for a small amount of time because they bark at every noise. the barking might bother people who work nights or all home all day. just make sure she has water and shade and some toys.