Can my dog sleep outside?

Question

I'm getting a dog but the only problem is that I'm not completely sure if I would like him to stay outside. HIs doghouse is a shed and my dad is going to install some airconditioning. Is that okay?

Answer 1

If I wasn't willing to share my home with my dog I wouldn't get one!!!

Answer 2

An airconditioned dog house?

Wow.

WIthout knowing what climate you are in and if you're planning
on doing this year in/year out - or just occasionally, its hard to know.
It also makes a difference what the breed type is.

However, dogs are pretty hardy critters. They can survive short
periods in sub-zero temperatures, certainly below freezing, and
they can survive in desert conditions ... for SHORT periods of time.

However, they thrive at the same temperatures as human ... which
is convenient.

So - do not leave a dog in a place where they are likely to be
exposed to temperatures that you would feel uncomfortable in
for over 2 minutes. Its to easy to forget they are there and
come back to your car with a dead dog.

There is one exception to the "same as humans" rule - most dogs
are wearing fur coats which have considerably different properties
for disappating heat when wet than human skin does.

If you wash your dog in warm water, don't do it for very long.

The reason to have a dog house is because the dog LIKES it
outside - not because its a place to put him. Way too many people
leave their dog out continuously which, at best makes them
anti-social and at worst is fatal.

OK ... so now you've gotten me thinking about what an air
conditioned dog house should be ... if you're going to do that,
make sure that it isn't left on too cold. That is, the A/C probably
shouldn't turn on until the temp is above 72.

Also, while you're going all-out ... make sure the dog has
clean fresh water.

Answer 3

I tend to feel that when you have or get a dog they should be part of the family. Would your dad put your younger brother or sister outside to sleep with some AC? I am thinking not...so why put the dog out there. Can't you get a nice bed for your dog and let him sleep there. Out dog has a bed in our room and he stays there all night. When they are left outside you not only make them feel like an outsider to the family, but you also leave them open to bad storms, wild animals (including skunks and other rabies carrying animals), and the cruelty of other people that might be out and about over night.

Not the best option. If your dad insists the dog must stay out at night then don't get one.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Wow you don't say how hot the outside is. If it needs to have airconditioning installed it must be very hot. I would want my dog to be as comfortable as I am. Remember that dogs live in packs and would want to be with you all the time. I have 4 large dogs and they all stay in with me. They have a doggy door installed so they can go out to do their businesss when they need to.

Answer 5

your dog should be fine. Just make sure that if you are putting a gate around his place, make sure that you use ceder mulch. It will help keep away the bugs. If you have a HH Greg around you, they have a air conditioner that is also a heater. And in North Carolina they sell for 100.00. That way you can use it in the winter. Check out the dog house on the net to make the best decision for you new friend. If you live in a neighborhood, you may want to start him out slowly so the barking will not bother your neighbors. Also, make sure that he does have shelter, fresh water and food so that you don't get a visit from animal control. And don't worry about the AC, my dog has one too. My dog house is beige with a couple of windows and a door for me to walk in and clean, and we used laminate flooring to make sure that we can go inside to clean if there are any accidents. If you are not using any sprays for fleas, use Advantix. It works great with Ticks too.
Good luck to you and your friend. But let him come inside and visit often.

Answer 6

Get him a room in the house or just put him in a doghouse. Better to put him in a room locked. Putting him in a doghouse can make alot of noise and calls the neighbours outside

Answer 7

Rachel P. If the dog gets used to the shed from day 1 that will be ok. Dogs are smart, they know how to get their own way with their owners. You need to make sure he doesn't get too hot or too cold.Good Luck!

Answer 8

I would be sure to check the average temperature of the dog house. You can just put a regular thermometer in there (put where the dog can't get it of course) and just check on it regularly. For something a little easier to monitor you could get one of the remote thermometers where you can set the display inside of your house but have the sensor out in the dog house.

Answer 9

I don't see why not!

Its better to make him an outside dog from the start then babying him inside then when he grows up kicking him out..because then they feel as if they've done someting wrong. He will be okay as long as he stays watered and fed..and you should let him out once a day to play and run around

Answer 10

My dogs sleep inside and outside, I have a door which allows them their choice. They usually will end up inside close by their humans. That said, you never said were you live and what type of nighttime critters live around you. We have skunks, possums, and raccoons. Dogs are very protective of their "property". Obviously we all know what the end result of a dog and skunk will be, but raccoons have very large claws, and I have had to separate my dogs from a potentially bad situation with raccoons, and raccoons with babies.

Answer 11

Air Conditioning? For a doghouse? And they say it's the British crazy about their pets