My parents keep a Dalamtion outdoors, is she okay ?

Question

I hate to see my parents keep their Dalmation of 11 years outside. When it gets colder they keep her in a large heated building.

I have tried to convince them that she needs to come in the house to be with the family, but they say she wouldn't like it because she is use to being outside and has been for 11 years. Is this true ??????????????

She gets attention but not the attention that she deserves. Dogs long to be a companion and I just don't feel that she has been giving the life that she deserves. She and my female dog fought the last time they encountered each other, so I can't put her in at my house. Any Suggestions ??????????

This is my childhood dog and now that I have grown older I realize that she deserves better and I have cried b/c of the lack of attention i gave her when i was younger. I can't change the past, I just hope to improve what few years she has left. Do dogs remember past experiences ? I would hate for her to remember the past.

Answer 1

My father in law had a Dalmatian that just passed away and he stayed outside his whole life. They tried to let him in when it snowed and he ran outside as soon as the door was opened. Some dogs like to be outside. You stated that the dog received attention, so the dog is fine. As long as you never hit the dog or abuse him he will be fine.

Answer 2

As long as they provide appropriate shelter for her outside, it is alright to let a large dog stay outside. If she is left alone a lot of the time, then that's not good.

If you were cruel to her, she will remember it and probably not want to be near you. But if you were neglectful, I don't know, she may remember, but would be receptive to more contact if you are willing to give it. If you are really concerned about the amount of attention she gets, are you able to take her?

Also, 11 years for a dog that size is considered elderly, depending on her health she probably has 3 to 5 years left. If you were going to take over her care, now would be the time to do it. Just know that if she is an outside dog, then she is not housebroken and while you could housebreak her at this late stage, it may be difficult.

Answer 3

dogs pretty much live in the now. while she would remember abuse. She might be able to come inside...old dogs DO learn new tricks ya know!

chaining makes aggession. try before the 2 dogs meet again a good long walk(as much as the ol' gal can take). try some training if she is not. and if you having trouble, see about a trainers help.

if she can't come home with you then try to talk ur parnets about it. bring her in the parnets house after a walk see what happens...keep an eye on her like same room. so there are no messes in the house.
if you can keep her in the heated place and besure she has a dog house in there to...with lots of hay or warm blankets.

also feeling sorry for her while training her will not help the matter.= a weak leader.

don't be to hard on yourself atleast you realized its wrong for a dog to live a life on a chain.

Answer 4

I to have a problem with my paretns ethical call on where their unfixed cat with 4 kitten should sleep during the winter time. (Outside in a plastic tote filled with comforters in the garage).

I assume you are up north.

I understand completely where you are coming from. This is a sad situation thouh. You cannot do anything about it. It's your parents dog, they dont ant it indoors and thats the way it will stay.
The dog has heat food water, somewhere to stya.
The only thing I know to tell you to do is to come by more often and give the dog some attention.
good luck!

Answer 5

Dogs give love unconditionally, any past mistakes you may have made will not make any difference to her, she still loves you. As for being outside, as long as they give her additional food (they require more in winter to help keep them warm) shelter (the heated building is great) she will be fine. Try to make a point to spend some time with her if your parents can't, just leave your dog at home. Good luck

Answer 6

I hate to see a dog stay outside myself. But if the Dalmatian was outside for 11 years. There is not point to change it now. It it true she may not wants any change at all. Actually, in the old time, most dogs stay outside.