How cold is too cold to leave the dog outside?

Question

I have a 95 lbs choco lab who stays in the garage or back yard depending on whats going on outdoors. He went to the dog pound 3 weeks ago and ended up with kennel cough, so I have been keeping him in the house until his round of medicine is over.
He has chewed up everything in the house including my brand new shoes which I have only worn once and a rug, some mail etc.....
In Illinois its about 60 degrees and the wind is about 30 miles per hour today (very windy) so I brought him in and he stays in the utility room which is about 20x30 feet next to the kitchen.
My friend thinks I should leave him outdoors because he says its not cold and he is used to it out there.
Should I put him back in the back yard with his garage or let him lay here and chew up everything? He destroyed my shoes while I was in bed sleeping or cooking lunch.

No need to feel bad for the dog. He is in the rural area where everyone has outdoor dogs. Our dogs, german shepherds, labs, and retrievers guard the farms ammonia tanks and barns to keep the meth addicts out of our farm chemicals. They dont kill, but they do bark and chase off people who try to steal from our tool sheds.
Dogs here heard cows, chase the combines, squirrels and mice.
They love to lay on the porch and in the garage and my particular dog loves liver treats and hot dogs.
He was turned in by a lady who lives about a mile away after he ran off. Her dog was in heat and I only found this out today from a neighbor.
My dog has never been abused and he is the most beautiful stoic choco lab you have ever seen. He just caught a cold from a 48 hr stint in the pound.
We arent city slickers here. We are rural and live in a world where dogs are supposed to be. They dont all live in houses in the city. Thats just ridiculous.

Answer 1

It is not too cold to leave your dog outside as long as he can get out of the wind. Labs do not have a thick coat like the northern breeds but they do have an insulating layer of fat under their skin. As long as he has a doghouse to get out of the weather, smaller is warmer, he should be able to handle all but the coldest days of winter. Everyone who answered this question before me babies their dogs too much. How do you expect him to guard the ammonia tanks from in the house? He is one of the fortunate dogs who have a job to do.
The best treatment for kennel cough is to breathe fresh outdoor air.

Answer 2

It depends on the breed. Some breeds are adapted to the cold and prefer it. Husky, Elk Hound, mostly any dog that has a furry coat. But house dogs will not be able to endure very cold weather for very long. Longer than humans no doubt.
So you can mix some time outside with time inside. The dog will let you know when he wants to go out and when he wants to come in.
The behavior stuff is a whole other issue. Don't crate, that is only for house training and only for two weeks top. Your dog will be frustrated and misbehave if he is crated.
You need to get a book about dog training. Not how to avoid the real problem by shutting him out or crating.

Answer 3

I understand the kennel cough thing. He is chewing because he is acting out. Like children. Know this, the more you put him out the worse the behavior will become. If it's too cold for you, then it's too cold for him. Especially when he has a respiratory issue. Get him his own chew stuff. Balls, ropes, etc. Not fake shoes and stuff that will only confuse him. Don't allow him to chew up stuff. You are the owner. Correct him. He needs to know the boundaries. Positively. He will try to please. He just needs to know what you want. Don't be angry. They pick up your vibe more than we know. And have consistency. Good luck.

Answer 4

Well, Do you go to animal shelters, Pounds, kennels, Etc.? Because Kennel Cough is only transmitted from another animal to another by contact. If you went to a Kennel and had contact with a dog Carrying Kennel Cough, then you may have gone home and given your dog Kennel Cough. Also does he see other dogs? Like for play or goes on walks.

Answer 5

I just have a few points to make...

1) No dog should be left outside for an exceeded amount of time maybe a couple hours max, unless its outside playtime or walking or something like that.

2) They have coats to keep them warm, they love to run around in the snow, but not for too long.

3) Why dont you keep him in the house with the family, theres no point of having him if your not going to treat him like family.

4) It's not his fault for the chewing, you were dumb enought to leave the shoes and rug where he could get it, so he chewed them.DONT BLAME THE DOG. Try buying him a kong and put some peanut butter in it, along with some other neat toys. Take him to petsmart with you and let him pick.

Answer 6

try taking him to pet co and pick him a toy he likes, try the kong with some peanut butter inside. dont leave a dog outside, your friends is talking nonsense, dogs are never used to living outside alone. It really sounds like he needs a toy to chew on though. DOgs like being around dogs or humans. Not the washer and dryer.

Answer 7

There is nothing wrong with a dog being outside as long as it has shelter. Sounds fine to me to be in the utility room. In saying that I live in QLD Australia. My dog prefers to sleep outside.

Answer 8

I really think your dog needs to be trained. I don't think it's a good idea keeping it in the garage or outside by itself. It must not even be around you a lot. Poor thing, it probably needs more attention.

Answer 9

short hair is good for several people, others, not. it depends what u look like

Answer 10

Obviously you love your dog but they are social creatures by nature. They don't enjoy being alone. Please find a local dog trainer who can help you teach your dog to behave in the house. You'll never regret the time you put into this training.