My puppy is four months old and for now I leave her in a crate when I am gone (even though I really don't like it). I make sure to be gone no more than three hours at a time. I'm with her for most of the day. I have a dog door, but I know it will be a while before I can give her free reign in the house.
I live in the desert, and winter days are nice here. Usually in the 60's or 70's. I have a nice backyard with two covered porches. Right now I feel Abbie is too young to leave alone outside, which is why I crate her. What I'm wondering is, at what (approximate) age do you think I should be able to leave her outside alone?
2007-12-02 18:36:46 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
She is 22 lbs now, and the vet thinks she will be between 40-50 pounds. And by desert I mean Arizona. I live in the city, not "out in the desert."
2007-12-02 18:44:59 · update #1
It's hard to say without knowing Abbies personality. Alot of puppies are born and raised outside. As long as there isn't anything she can get into that may harm her...she'll probably be fine. Just make sure she isn't a digger. You wouldn't want her to get out of the yard. Perhaps, try keeping her outside while you're at home...just to see how see reacts. She may whin or bark. I'd feel safe leaving any puppy outside for long periods of time at 6 mo. Although, a 22lb. puppy is pretty big. Just make sure she has plenty of food and water. You know her better than any of us. And you sound like a great 'mommy' to her. Best of Luck!
2007-12-02 18:48:51 · answer #1 · answered by Char 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say read more about crate training, it is good for more then just house training. If you hardly ever leave her alone for more then three or four hours on her own, she will be fine and most likely sleep. I say read more, because denning is a normal instinct for dogs, and lower dogs in the pack accept this routine. She may actually be more anxious about being home alone if she is active and awake, not relaxing in her den/crate and this can lead to more issues down the road. Also, outside dogs can be hurt by other neighborhood animals, or even stolen by thieves. By not letting her out in the yard when you are gone you will not see her develop barking or digging problems, or chew up things in the house. I only concurred my dog's separation anxiety and dominance problems after he learned the crate was his safe place, and I was the alpha in our house, and he was fine alone. Top dogs come and go as they please, lower dogs stay and wait :) Just like in the wild. Google crate training before you choose a yard life for your dog, even if only three hours a day.
Best wishes to you and your dog!
2007-12-02 19:18:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Christy,
She's old enough now to leave out as long as you make sure that the shade is working OK and there is plenty of water. Make sure the yard is properly secure - dogs are very good at digging and climbing (oh, and leave some toys for her to play with).
However, when the summer comes you will need to make additional cooling facilities outside - like makebe a cooling fan or an air conditioning unit in a kennel type building where she can go and cool off.
2007-12-02 18:44:17 · answer #3 · answered by Scoundy 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A lot of that depends on her size. If she is a large dog, you can leave her outside at 6 months. If she is a small dog (under 20 pounds) I would not ever leave her outside alone in the desert because of the wild animals like foxes or coyotes that would love to have her for a meal. Also large raptors like hawks, owls, and eagles have been known to carry small dogs away. But if she is a large dog, let her go out at first when you are at home and if she does okay you can leave her out alone.
2007-12-02 18:42:50 · answer #4 · answered by nesmith52 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i have a 2 year old dog i never let him outside alone if u live in the desert arnt there wild animals that's can sneak in and hurt her ..when u leave the House put her in a room with water and toys and a bed and put a doggie gate on the door . and get those sheets and train her to pee on them,
2007-12-02 18:44:52 · answer #5 · answered by dajani_dina 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
start letting her go outside by her self while you are at home,and peep out at her to see how shes doing ,if she likes toys put some out side for her. she sounds old enough to be out side but you should fence in the back yard for her ,even and older dog can get hurt left unattended.good luck
2007-12-02 18:48:07 · answer #6 · answered by dbrmssy38 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probally 6-8months ,depending on what kind of dog she is. You could always get your backyard enclosed ,so that it's got a top on it.
2007-12-02 18:41:48 · answer #7 · answered by latachia_2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
leave her crated..or leave her out it your home alone. never leave a dog unattended outside. they can escape. at any age.
2007-12-02 18:44:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO NO NO NO dont leave it alone! Leave it with a friend especially if it is hot it will fry!
2007-12-02 20:43:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
in his another house on the roof or in the garden of house!
2007-12-02 19:33:22 · answer #10 · answered by twal faris 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋