Dog owners......HELP!!!!!!

[GoofyBaseballMom26]

All my dogs have been primarily outdoor dogs and they are happy as clams! Now if the weather is really bad and it's really cold, they both have a bed indoors but they know if they are indoors that they HAVE to stay on their beds. They do not have the run of the house and don't get on the furniture at all. Both of the dogs I have now were strays and they are a thousand times better off living outside being my pets than the way they were.

If you live in a reasonable climate, have a fenced in back yard and he has a dog house, if your family loves him and plays with him.. I would think he would be very lucky and happy to be a part of your family.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Understanding that I have three rescue dogs that live on my sofa (and I bought sofas to match the dog hair) I will say: depending upon the climate you live in, being outside during the day but in at night would be the best option. How about a basement, or even the garage? My reasoning is: your neighbors do not want to be woken up by a barking dog during the night. He might be very quiet now, but as he gets used to you and begins to love and trust your family, he will feel it is HIS DUTY to protect you and your property. Thus, barking.
Then he'll get bored and start digging in the yard when left alone. When not entertained, they will entertain themselves. This is not bad dog behavior, it is boredom.
My last rescue had virtually no personality when we got her. She was very quiet and docile. 6 months later, her true personality appeared as she gained confidence. She is a love bug!! She follows us from room to room. She is delighted with her toys, her bed, her food, and her "sisters". But left outside she would dig her way to China.

Sorry so long... this subject is one dear to my heart. If your children give the dog enough attention and you don't abandon him in the backyard alone, then I think it is better for him to have a home than be traumitized again by sending him to a shelter.
thanks for listening.

AGree completely with this! You've only had him a few weeks; he is learning who he can trust and who his family in. He is scared of being beaten again! It is VERY likely this dog will soon become a "typical" dog and bark at strange noises, defend your house, chase things, try and dig holes, etc. Dogs who are outside usually are bored and lonely and resort to things like digging, escaping, destroying landscaping and siding on the house, and barking like crazy. Not all, but many. There is no way you can tell now that he will never do that - you just have to give him time =)

(Winston loves being outside but if left to his own accord out there, he WILL get out of the fence and he WILL dig a hole into the neighbor's yard. He gets bored and creates his own fun! Much like a two year old!)

 

[mommyto3]

To answer the question on our climate....we live just north of Houston, Tx. Doesn't get very cold here.

That makes sense about his TRUE personality not coming out yet.....we have had him only 2 days. But so far no barking or digging. Would getting another dog help with him being outside? Would coming in at night REALLY make that much of a difference? Wouldn't that just make him want to be inside all the time? Sorry for all the questions, never owned a dog before.

Thank you for all the replies.

 

[Sherri]

Can he be a mascot for the firehouse? It seems like he would always have company and it is warmer then being outside.

 

[TroyandDabs]

First let me say ... I mean no one any harm with the following comments.

As the owner of two wonderful indoor dogs, I kept getting upset as I read all the posts about how all dogs should be indoor dogs. (Then I calmed down as I started reading posts towards the second pages.)

What did dogs do when they roamed in packs and they weren't domesticated? They were outside! They've survived centuries being "outdoor" dogs.

You and your husband need to come to an understanding. Lay down the ground rules with him and the kids.

Your new puppy will need exercise. If a pup is exercised he will have less of a tendency to be "bored" enough to find ways to entertain himself with digging, chewing, etc ... So, who is going to have the responsibility to make sure that he's been walked or that he's had a good game of fetch?

Your pup will also need to be socialized with other people as well as other animals. We take our pups to the dog park at least 4 times a week. (and have met some wonderful new friends)

You also have to lay down the law as to who is going to pick up the poo. It's a nasty job, but someones got to do it.

You will also need to consider basic obedience classes -- not for him, but for YOU -- You'll be surprised how much you will learn! It actually brought me closer to my pups.

If the whole family can come to an agreement ... then you have a wonderful new pet. Trust me, there will be growing pains, but they're worth it!

 

[Chattyaholic]

I don't think there is anything wrong in having an "outdoor dog." It sounds like the dog will be much better off living in your back yard than he was on his own, or with his former owner if they abused him.

We live on a farm and have a Chocolate Labrador, she has a pen outside by the pine tree (with a dog house with a large, thick layer of cedar bedding). She is out during the day when DH is around and we do let her in the garage in the winter when the weather is super cold.

We tried having her be an indoor dog but she would NOT house-train.
Occasionally she does come inside, but ONLY if DH KNOWS for SURE she has "done her business" first!

Good luck with the dog, if you decide to keep it.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

One of the first RULES of dog ownership is that it should not be a surprise and should have been discussed prior to accepting the dog.
So now we have strike one on the dog.

You are clear you do not want a dog, really...your family has gone against your wishes, strike 2.

Now you will be locked in a power struggle with your kids & DH which is not fair to do to a dog.

Dogs have issues, cost money, need to be trained, fed, watered, exercised, they bark, dig, escape, get hurt, sick, etc....
Add on top of this this dog has behavior issues from abuse and probably has needs you cannot meet by having it as an outside dog.

I know your family wants a dog but really examine what is best for this dog not for your family.

 

[TiffinyKC]

I'll just say that I have a dog who was a pet rescue dog and he's been great. Somehow they seem to know when you've "saved them" and they adore you for it.

I say go with the flow, but yet hold your ground with the household rules. He may be really easy to look after. Also, depending on the mix, boxers aren't big shedders either, maybe you won't have much shedding issues if he ends up inside.

One other thing. Look into some dog obidiance classes at a PetCo or PetsMart or something. If he ends up in your house he'll be properly trained. Plus, that would give your kids some responsibility by helping to train him.

Enjoy....that's what pet ownership is for.

 

[horseshowmom]

Sorry so long... this subject is one dear to my heart. If your children give the dog enough attention and you don't abandon him in the backyard alone, then I think it is better for him to have a home than be traumitized again by sending him to a shelter.
thanks for listening.

I agree with this. Most dogs that go to shelters don't get adopted and are put down (not counting no kill shelters). We have two dogs who live in the house and two who live outside. If it's going to be very cold outside at night, we put Gypsy and Rixie in the laundry room overnight. Otherwise, they're happy outside (and they do get plenty of attention).

If it were just me, probably every animal on the place would live in the house, but it's not just me, and I have to be understanding of how my DH feels. Over the years we've adopted many, many strays, and I can't bring them all in the house. Realistically, they're much better off now than they were (and are all actually very happy animals now!).

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

Just because a dog is kept outside does not mean he is being abused. It sounds like you have found yourself a perfect dog. As long as you can give him loads of attention, food/water, and a warm bed, he will be fine.

I agree with this.

 

[Jeanny]

two words:

Dyson Animal