Outside vs inside dogs

[Arizona_928]

Just had an interesting conversation with a vet student. I guess the opinion was that my outdoors dog shouldn't be an outside dog. Argument was 1st abusive to the animal, 2nd it's bad for him(valley fever ect), and 3rd he's only going to live 3-5 years(that argument was also supported by the fact he's not neutered?!).

I would normally dismiss it as pure snowflake-ness, and considering they were studying at Midwestern, doesn’t really have that going for them as a quality institution (they are not even accredited; the vet program that is). However it had me thinking,any merit to these wild claims?
Bear is turning three in a week, and is healthier then me.

[Skytrooper]

I chose to go with invisible fencing. That way I can let them out to run and play. I have 3 acres enclosed with the system with woods a creek and all kinds of wild critters. They do come in for the night.

[vash]

My dog prefers to hang with us. Perfectly housebroken, so he lets himself out.

When we're home he's nearby. When he gets tired he heads off without us and goes to his bed.

You walking Bear daily? Or does he just hang outdoors?

[ckelly78z]

My Aussie patrols the farm with no fences, or chains, and keeps the chickens, and barn cats in line. He knows the property lines, and will appropriately notify anyone that crosses them. He is actually in the house far more than he is outside, and very healthy.

I wouldn't consider having an outside only dog.

[porsche tech]

I like having Bosco inside following me around and laying at my feet!

[vash]

Bosco is a great name! Cute dog.

Bosco would be a coyote turd around here if left outside over night.

[billybek]

We had a white GSD growing up that would only come inside if it was extremely cold out.

She ate table scraps and canned dog food supplemented with dry dog food and some game meat.

She lived until almost 16 years.

[javadog]

There's no question that dogs would prefer to be with their owners. I think it is cruel to have a dog and limit it to living outside. Let the dog live in the house and allow it to go outside as much as it wants to.

[wdfifteen]

Dogs are social animals. They don't like to be alone, so leaving him out by himself for long periods is abusive. It would possibly result in behavioral problems.

[Arizona_928]

I spend all my down time in the garage and he joins (sleeps in the corner) with me there. In the summer he'll sleep in the house all day, and off outside at night. I think he enjoys it as he'll play with the birds.
Winters are pretty mild here and he'll come in when it's too cold for me. I house broke him as a puppy, but I think he likes it outside more.

I run him around 2 + a week as time permits, then he passes out on the water trough. I tried to get him used to a dog house, but he wasn't keen on it at all.

[wdfifteen]

^^
Sounds like he's living the life! Good for you.

[RKDinOKC]

My 3rd Golden makes a great foot warmer. My first new her boundries well and I could let her out in the front yard as well as the fenced back, she wouldn't leave the yard. My second not so much. The Dalmation next door taught her several houses in each direction was their yard. The only problem they caused was in the spring they would dig up toads in the neighbors flower beds. Current Golden hasn't learned her boundries yet or digging up toads. She does remove the rodents, reptiles, and insects though.

She asked to go out one evening after dark a few weeks ago. Heard some weird noises. She was not barking and not growling, and making sounds I hadn't heard. Went out and she was just sitting in the back yard looking up. A great horned owl was on a brick stockade fence post hooting. They were having some kind of conversation back and forth. She usually barks and jumps up at the squirrels and opossums. After several minutes exchange the owl flew back up to the top of the cottonwood in my back yard and my golden came trotting back to come in the house. It seemed like a pretty serious discussion. Maybe about hunting rights or maybe what the owl would like her to leave for it.

[ted]

absolutely outdoor pets experience many more life shortening dangers than indoor pets.
c&p
Pet health. Outdoor dogs can escape from the yard, facing danger in the form of traffic, poisoning, or fights with other animals. Chronic health problems can develop from cold or heat exposure. Because outdoor dogs are less socialized, they are more likely to be given to shelters. In addition, outdoor dogs are more likely to be put down.
Behavior problems. Dogs that are outside pets are more stressed and develop behavior problems such as barking, digging, escaping, and being overly aggressive. This makes them harder to train and easier to give up.
Outdoor options. Dogs need exercise. The best way to get them outside is to be outside with them, walking or playing. If you leave your dog outside for short periods, make sure to provide a safe, escape-proof shelter, shade, and fresh water. Never chain your dog. Remember that dogs with heavy coats don't do well in the heat, and short-coated dogs do not do well in the cold.

[Reiver]

Have always had two dogs...mostly inside...never any anxiety crap...they have a buddy.

[Craig T]

If you're going to leave him outside, at least get him a female pack mate. The worst thing you can do to a pack animal's psyche is leave him alone for any significant length of time. Most dogs see it as a form of punishement. Also, a bored dog will develop bad destructive habits when looking for ways to amuse himself.

If you can afford one dog...You can afford two.

[porsche tech]

Originally Posted by vash

Bosco is a great name! Cute dog.

Bosco would be a coyote turd around here if left outside over night.

Bosco would be alligator bait here...big lagoon on the other side of the fairway. Did Off Leash training so I knew he'd come when called (and he does). He stays pretty close when we walk and I leash him around lagoons.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by Reiver

Have always had two dogs...mostly inside...never any anxiety crap...they have a buddy.

Originally Posted by Craig T

If you're going to leave him outside, at least get him a female pack mate. The worst thing you can do to a pack animal's psyche is leave him alone for any significant length of time. Most dogs see it as a form of punishement. Also, a bored dog will develop bad destructive habits when looking for ways to amuse himself.

If you can afford one dog...You can afford two.

Same here. Two at a time. Since my wife works as well, the dogs are penned during the day.

No issues.

[varmint]

When you adopt a dog you’re getting a family member.

[mepstein]

I think this pic explaines the way our animals live. :-)

[Rikao4]

certain breeds are 'outside dogs' if their raised with livestock their meant to protect..
Pyrenees is one of them..
some friends have them..
one has place with goats..
dog was raised with them, he's a handful if they try to keep him inside..
as his pack is outside and need him..
the other Cujo was raised inside..
good luck keeping him out...
as he will crash a window if need be..

GS are social ..
bring him in..
or dog door..
or like Craig suggested..
a buddy..
but please do more than feed & water..


Rika