Why do people have such a problem with others that leave their dogs outside?

Question

I have an outside dog, a Belgian Shepherd mix. He loves being outside and hates being indoors-- even if we're inside. We have a doggy door for him. He'd rather be outside with the mini goat (I know, they're odd friends). He has trees covering an acre yard so there's few spots without shade, a six-foot fence with all the gates locked, a short, clean stock tank that has an automatic filler, and a dog house.

So why is it so bad to leave him outside all day? Why do people insult others that leave dogs outside while they're not home? Do people not understand that for the most part, dogs like having space to run instead of being cooped up inside?

Nandina-- there's a difference between not and the summer. And it's 12 degrees in the lower parts, I just moved to Camp Verde and it's a lot cooler here. Trees cover the yard, and we're right by a creek. So it's not that hot at all.

Okay so if I hear right "outside dogs" mean the ones that aren't taken care of? Like, opposite of my setup? And yeah I see the suburb point...stealing would probably be a bigger problem because I know a lot of suburb people that have little dogs.

I think my problem is when I mention my "outside dog" everyone ASSUMES that my dog is in a bad situation. They think that I must be a girl with a chihuaua in the heat of the summer on the pavement or something. People assume that because I have my dog outside I must be a horrible owner.

Again, my dog chooses to be outside-- this weird guy would rather be lying in a patch of sun than unside in the AC. Again, we have a dog door.

Yeah, the only worries I'd have would be someone hurting the dog. He's pretty friendly, anyone could come up to him. But, it's a small town, we're out of the way, and the fence is pretty tall. And the dog is big-- most people would be afraid of him.

The neighbors are too far apart to hear him if he does bark, which is rare. He's strangely quiet.

Whippet-- Yeah, the goat is great. She's a mini, she loves to run around with the dog. And when I'm out in the pasture working, the dog will come up and lick the horse's nose, also an odd pair of friends :) We found this dog at the pound and he's amazingly friendly with all the other animals. Even loves the ferrets!

I hate when people don't take care of their animals. I've seen so many people that keep their dogs outside with no shelter and that leave their horses in tiny stalls all day (which also drives me NUTS) with no shade and barely space to turn around.

Answer 1

While your dog seems to have an ideal situation to meet his needs, understand that not ALL owners are as dedicated to their dog's wellbeing.

My former landlords left their 2 dogs out 24/7. No They had an oil drum on its side for 'shelter' and they had electric fence collars for the dogs. They had a 'crabbing' type bucket they filled once every 2 weeks with fresh water, and they litterally tossed a scoop of food on teh ground for the dogs once a day.

This was ALL the interaction with the dogs. They didn't go to the vet- in fact the male was still intact b/c neutering was "too expensive."

They were 2 years old and didn't know "sit" or "stay" etc. In fact, the dogs learned to RUN THROUGH The electric fence to get away - they'd harass neighborhood cats, raid trashcans and generally cause a ruckus. Why? Well they didn't KNOW better- they were lawn ornaments.

Here's the sad part- my landlords are not one-of-a-kind. In fact, this attitude is pretty common!

I commend you for taking such excellent care of your dog. You obviously love him and understand his needs!! And you obviously understand that each dog is an idividual; some function like yours and others like to be inside with people, etc.

Well done for you on taking such good care of your critter.

Unfortunately the vast majority of people with outdoor pets do NOT take such good care of their pets.

Answer 2

Your situation is a lot different than probably 50% or more of the people here that leave their dogs outside. Most live in a city or suburb where the dog could become a nuisance to the neighbors when you are gone by barking or maybe jumping the fence and messing in the neighbors yard. Or maybe kids tease it through the fence, making the dog mean or distrustful of kids. Where I live the threat of a coyote, bobcat, or rattler getting a dog left outside is high! I am aware of dogs from Standard Poodles down to little Bichon Frise's being attacked in their yard and even with the owner right there.

There is also the danger of theft.

It just isn't the safest thing anymore to leave a beloved pet in the yard in one's absence.

Answer 3

Your dog is lucky.He has a door,so he can come in if he wants.He's not tied up,and he has a companion.He sounds af if he has a very nice life.I think that when people are complaining about dogs outside,that thay are generally talking about dogs that are chained all the time,or in small pens.They're never allowed in the house, they have no doghouses,no bedding,no shade and get no attention.I know that's what I'm talking about when I use the term "outside dogs." Life in an acre of fenced land with food,water and companionship is vastly different than life on a 6 -foot chain with nothing to do and no one around to give you any attention.

Answer 4

In the setting you just described, I have no doubt that your dog is happier outdoors. First of all, you have a doggy door for him, so that means he can come inside at times. He has an acre to romp in and a bud to romp with. I don't see anything bad about it at all! I had two german shepherds in the past. One was like you described, mostly wanted to be outside, one liked to be inside a lot. I think most people that are opposed to dogs being outdoors dogs are thinking more about dogs that are left in small yards without companionship and associate with their people mostly just when fed. Or they are chained to an area where they can circle a dog house and that is pretty much their life.
Your home sounds like heaven to a dog! Your dog has adequate water, shelter and, hey, I am jealous! ; )

Answer 5

Nothing wrong with it at all. We have an almost 100lb male Pitbull that absoultly hates being indoors. He is perfectly happy being in his 12x12 kennel equipt with an x-large dog house, fresh water and food daily. He also gets daily walks and 'free' time to run in the yard for several hours a day with our other Pitbull with whom he has become best friends. Having an outside dog is a personal decision often made by the animal itself! There are alot of dogs that dont like as you say being 'cooped up inside' constantly. As long as the dog still obtains routine vet visits and gets required vaccinations,and is secured in a yard or kennel to avoid being injured while running free, I dont see anything wrong with having an outside dog. It dosent make a person a bad pet owner. People need to worry about the 'outside' pets that are left outside out of pure neglect and ingnorance....not responsible pet owners.

Answer 6

Technically yours is not strictly an Outside dog, it is an Inside/Outside dog that has the choice.

Outside only dogs left alone and not trained or kept busy are usually the ones that continually escape or bark night and day or become a problem to the neighbors.

In the past my Borzoi preferred being outside because he got hot, but he went to work with me and to shows and events on weekends and he came inside in the mornings and evenings to eat and socialize.

But I did not call him an outside dog, he was a house dog that got hot easily LOL

And a goat is a fine friend for a herding breed. My Sheltie loved my cat.

Answer 7

You seem to be a responsible owner: your dog is provided with shelter, water and security.

A LOT of outside dogs belong to irresponsible owners who don't provide the above, or let their dogs run loose in the neighborhood, or both.
Loose dogs are a nuisance and danger to themselves and others. Unfortunately there are more irresponsible owners than responsible ones, so you probably get a "knee-jerk" reaction from people who don't know you.

Couple things you might keep in mind though. If you're not home, you don't know if your dog may be annoying neighbors by barking nonstop (some dogs left home alone do that). I'd be afraid also that someone could harm your dog (there are a lot of sickos like that).

Answer 8

Generally a dog that lives outside in a run or tied up.. It's a ' out of sight, out of mind ' type thing.. Dog lives in the backyard and basically rots out there.. No attention, no walks, no play time, not at all included in the family.

If you are providing those things, and you aren't tying your dog up, and your dog prefers to be out there.. And he is getting away from the sun if he needs to, he has good shelter that protects him from the elements, and bugs and everything else.. And if you bring him in when the weather gets dangerously cold.. It's not a bad thing.. It's just neglectful to get a dog and toss them in the yard and not pay any attention to them, walk them, and include them in your life in some way..

Answer 9

Most people who leave the dog outside aren't paying attention to the dogs' needs. They also aren't considering what can happen to the dog outside all day. Obviously, you have and you sound like you live in the country, so it's different. In suburban areas, leaving a dog in the yard risks him getting out and hit by a car, stolen, attacked by other dogs who jump the fence, poisoned by mean people, tormented by kids, or the dog turning over his water bowl and then not having water, getting too hot and not having shade, and basically not having anyone check on him every once in awhile. There are so many terrible things that can happen to them. Just because they like being outside all the time doesn't mean that's the best place for them. And not everyone has a lot of space for dogs to run. So they have to protect their dog from other people, dogs, and cars that could hurt them.

Answer 10

If your dog is comfortable and safe out there, then I have no problem with that at all. The only problem I have with outdoor pets, is they are too easy for irrespnsible pet owners to forget about. I work in rescue and we get neglected dogs in all the time. 90% of them are outdoor dogs. When dogs are outside, it is so much easier to forget to feed them, to provide vet care, to not notice that they are getting eaten alive by maggots, etc. A lot of times, outdoor dogs are not as safe. They get out of the yard, or become frusterated due to lack of socialization because their owners neglect them and it's those dogs that usually end up biting.
On the average, outdoor dogs are forgotten and neglected. There are some pet owners that can have an outdoor dog and treat them wonderfully, and those situations are totally fine by me. I just know that it is rare.