ethics of keeping a dog outside

[wildernesslodgelover]

I would never have an outside pet. I feel that it is to easy to forget about them as they are out of sight.

This is just my opinion. I feel that dogs are part of the family and need to be part of the family in the home.

Won't your little dog bark if someone comes around? I have a chiuahua and a golden retriever. They both bark if anything unusual happens

I respect your opinion (and the respectful way you voice your opinion.) Again, since I am *only* on 1 acre, I really don't think they can be forgotten about, just like my horses cannot be forgotten about. I understand that you do not "know" that about me. That is why it is hurtful to me when people attack me and say they just know I will return these dogs. They don't know me, and are assuming that I would do something that I am so adamantly oppsed to.

LOL...does my chi bark? heehee...is a pig's a$$ pork? Yeah, she barks...but only when someone knocks or comes into the house. I want dogs as a visual deterrant as well as to bark.

Thank you!

 

[disneystacy]

Stroppy? Aren't you the one making fun of my yard? ahahaha, how dare I have only a measly acre. hahahaha....

So everyone here only lets there dog outside for 4.5 minutes? Suuuure....

I am a native south floridian ...I know all about Bufo toads, which is why I mentioned them...again, in a previous post that you must not have read.

My dogs go outside to do their business, hang out on my deck, run around and play and come inside when we go out or at night. Safe and sound....just like your chihuahua I imagine, why not the same treatment for these new dogs? Oh thats right....they have a job to do. Why not let the chihuahua live outdoors? I have a chihuahua and they do plenty of barking. I always know when a visitor is approaching. I also wouldn't put it past my chihuahua to attack someone who was hurting me or my kids. Problem solved. You said yourself no wild animals or any danger. Let the Chihuahua do the job.

BTW - how are rescue workers or the pound workers going to let you know if the dog barks alot or if they like to stay outside? You are really asking alot thinking they can forsee what these dogs will be like outside of the shelters.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

My dogs go outside to do their business, hang out on my deck, run around and play and come inside when we go out or at night. Safe and sound....just like your chihuahua I imagine, why not the same treatment for these new dogs? Oh thats right....they have a job to do. Why not let the chihuahua live outdoors? I have a chihuahua and they do plenty of barking. I always know when a visitor is approaching. I also wouldn't put it past my chihuahua to attack someone who was hurting me or my kids. Problem solved. You said yourself no wild animals or any danger. Let the Chihuahua do the job.

BTW - how are rescue workers or the pound workers going to let you know if the dog barks alot or if they like to stay outside? You are really asking alot thinking they can forsee what these dogs will be like outside of the shelters.

You don't think different animals have different jobs? Are you against animals having jobs? Those damn seeing eye dogs...they must be stopped!!!


Don't worry, while you and I are discussing this, there are plenty of dogs being euthanized. Dogs that never got the chance to live outside *or* inside. I am sure that makes you feel satisfied. You can keep dreaming of a world where puppies and kittens frolic amongst unicorns under rainbows. I the meantime, I'd like to rescue 2 dogs!

 

[CathrynRose]

My thoughts:

How do you know, your dog will even be 'guard like'? I have a pit bull - and many, many people get these dogs to be intimidating guard dogs, and frankly they're not good at it. They like people too much.

There are an over abundance of pit's in shelters, and many of them come in because the owner didn't get the vicious mean thing, they were looking for, KWIM?

My personal opinion is this - the best way for a dog to guard you, is to be part of your pack. Not their own pack outside.

I know you mentioned your other dog is scared of dogs - what happens with you let the little guy out to pee? Are you sure if you got a puppy, that your CHI would still be scared?

You could get ONE puppy, an intimidating looking breed, and keep him in your house.

 

[luvmyfam444]

Dogs belong outside in my opinion. I think its great you wanna save some - just don't go get them from that woman.

 

[luvmyfam444]

I'm 60 years old and when I was growing up (in the northeast) NO ONE kept their dogs indoors.. Of course they had very well insulated dog houses, areas of shade to keep cool in the summer, etc.. My dad always had hunting dogs - and of course they lived outside.. They didn't get sick, didn't freeze to death, and were just as happy as any "indoor" dogs you would come across today..

Over the course of time, it's the owners who have made most dogs incapable of having a healthy, happy life outdoors (with the exception of very small toy dogs).. I would choose a hearty breed - either pups or adult dogs who have always lived outside - and not give it another thought.. As long as they are in a contained area with the proper needs in place, I don't see where it should be cause for concern..

(Flame suit on.. LOL..)

I TOTALLY agree with you - so no flamin' here. If I wanted another "member" of the family I'd have another child

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Hi Cathryn!

I have stated several times on this thread...they don't have to be really "guardy" (LOL, is that a word?)...just bark when someone comes onto the property...and maybe *look* tough. Many times a would be burgurlar will simply pass by a house with dogs in the yard, just because it is not worth the trouble...the "what if" factor. They don't know if the dog is mean or not.

Yeah, my chi is not going to be thrilled with it. But having a dog INSIDE the house...that is a definite no go.

 

[Momvic5]

I think that any two dogs that are going to be loved and cared for will be happy inside or out and will adjust just fine. When I was a little girl, I did not know anyone who had an indoor dog. Everyone had a dog, but they were all outside dogs who lived in dog houses. I have lived in the southern part of Texas my whole life. The heat, humidity, and mosquitos are terrible, but with clean water, shade, shelter, and heartworm preventative, dogs do just fine.

Today, everyone I know has indoor dogs, but they are outside most of the day. Most people work, and instead of leaving them crated all day, they put them outside - even during the dog days of summer! Dogs survive and are happy.

OP- I think that if you find two dogs that you feel are a match, they will adjust to their environment. Most dogs, whether they are inside or outside, bark and alert their owners of anything or anyone out of the ordinary. Our dog who was in our backyard alerted our neighbors of a stranger hiding behind their shrubs in their front yard. I think most dogs do this naturally. I think that once you find two pets you love, they will be happy and adjust to their environment.

 

[CathrynRose]

Hi Cathryn!

I have stated several times on this thread...they don't have to be really "guardy" (LOL, is that a word?)...just bark when someone comes onto the property...and maybe *look* tough. Many times a would be burgurlar will simply pass by a house with dogs in the yard, just because it is not worth the trouble...the "what if" factor. They don't know if the dog is mean or not.

I understand. You've got a good point. Charley just looking out the window makes people walk faster.

Well, don't get a Pit then. They don't bark enough, either.

I swear, we must've had Charley for a few months before he barked. We thought maybe his vocal cords were removed or something - honestly. They're a breed that the phrase 'bark is worse than their bite' would not ring true.

Let me ask you this - would you still interact with them, though. Playing and such? ANd they basically would just 'live' outside?

 

[luvsJack]

We have always had "inside" dogs and "outside" dogs. At the moment we have three that live outside. All are very much a part of our family, they just happen to sleep in their dog houses instead of our beds. Actually the outside dogs are just as spoiled, if not more so, than the little fellow that lives inside.

The oldest is a black collie mix female dog that my fil gave to dd when she was about 3 (she is 11 now). This dog is probably all we will ever need in the lines of protection. She would lay down her life for dd and sleeps outside close to dd's window every night. NOTHING comes into our yard without Sugar letting us know about it or without her sending it on its way. (and if the weather is getting bad, I have to PULL this dog inside and then she is very unhappy until she can go back out--just find it hard to believe that I am mistreating this dog by letting her be where she loves to be)

You can get dogs that will be "on guard" and will let you know if someone comes into your area and will protect the area without getting a breed that is considered dangerous or a dog that is dangerous. From our experience, it just takes a dog that loves your family and wants to protect you and I think that certain breeds are more likely to be that way.

 

[Momvic5]

We have always had "inside" dogs and "outside" dogs. At the moment we have three that live outside. All are very much a part of our family, they just happen to sleep in their dog houses instead of our beds. Actually the outside dogs are just as spoiled, if not more so, than the little fellow that lives inside.

The oldest is a black collie mix female dog that my fil gave to dd when she was about 3 (she is 11 now). This dog is probably all we will ever need in the lines of protection. She would lay down her life for dd and sleeps outside close to dd's window every night. NOTHING comes into our yard without Sugar letting us know about it or without her sending it on its way. (and if the weather is getting bad, I have to PULL this dog inside and then she is very unhappy until she can go back out--just find it hard to believe that I am mistreating this dog by letting her be where she loves to be)

You can get dogs that will be "on guard" and will let you know if someone comes into your area and will protect the area without getting a breed that is considered dangerous or a dog that is dangerous. From our experience, it just takes a dog that loves your family and wants to protect you and I think that certain breeds are more likely to be that way.

My thoughts exactly!

 

[java]

Yep I missed the post about you already having an alarm and that there was the robbery on your street. So I understand your concerns.

I'll just share my outside dog story and why I am a touch against it. In California-my step mom had 2 beautful big dogs. They were outside dogs.
And they were poisoned. Someone threw poisoned meat into the yard and both dogs died.
Freaks.
So while I have a bizarro outside dog story that taints my views on the subject- I still can understand why you want two
.
I think if you believe the dogs would be comfortable outside than go for it.
(also wanted to add that when my MIL was in florida she stole someone's dog from their yard- they had the dog outside with no water. It was 103 outside. No shade for the dog. And she says it was outside alone for a week with no food or water
So she took it.
The owners never came looking for it. My MIL the 70 year old dognapper.

Good luck and I hope you are safe.

 

[disneystacy]

You don't think different animals have different jobs? Are you against animals having jobs? Those damn seeing eye dogs...they must be stopped!!!


Don't worry, while you and I are discussing this, there are plenty of dogs being euthanized. Dogs that never got the chance to live outside *or* inside. I am sure that makes you feel satisfied. You can keep dreaming of a world where puppies and kittens frolic amongst unicorns under rainbows. I the meantime, I'd like to rescue 2 dogs!

There are also dogs who are adopted from shelters and abused. Are fighting dogs or bait dogs better than being euthanized? Sometimes being euthanized is better than being abused.
Shelter and rescue groups set standards for the best kind of home and keeping dogs only outside to "guard" is not the best home, especially for a shelter animal that has probably had a rough start to life to begin with.
If your scenario was so great rescue groups would be chomping at the bit to place dogs in your home. Why aren't they?

 

[locolala]

I know the local shelters here won't adopt out animals to people who intend to keep them outdoors. Unless it's a horse, of course, because keeping a horse inside is just silly. Anyhow, make sure that you're not violating an adoption contract by having your dogs outside. We have 3 barn dogs at the barn I lease at. They all have access to a shed and a stall, and if the weather gets really bad (above 100 or really snowy) they can go in the barn owners basement. Do you plan on installing an invisible fence or building a fence around your entire property? They have the invisible fence at the barn and are restricted to a certain area. They can't go in the fields or ring, but can be in and around the barnyard. Good luck with your search!

 

[snarlingcoyote]

There are also dogs who are adopted from shelters and abused. Are fighting dogs or bait dogs better than being euthanized? Sometimes being euthanized is better than being abused.
Shelter and rescue groups set standards for the best kind of home and keeping dogs only outside to "guard" is not the best home, especially for a shelter animal that has probably had a rough start to life to begin with.
If your scenario was so great rescue groups would be chomping at the bit to place dogs in your home. Why aren't they?

Because they'd rather kill dogs than let them go to homes that are not what they consider the ideal.

They kill feral cats, kill those unlucky enough to be terrified (bad temperament), kill those that belong to the wrong breed, and would rather kill than place an animal in a home that isn't exactly what they think is best.

Stop the killing! ENOUGH. We wouldn't kill a human child because we couldn't guarantee him/her a perfect home, why are we killing domesticated animals for the same reason?

 

[snarlingcoyote]

We have 3 barn dogs at the barn I lease at. They all have access to a shed and a stall, and if the weather gets really bad (above 100 or really snowy) they can go in the barn owners basement. Do you plan on installing an invisible fence or building a fence around your entire property? They have the invisible fence at the barn and are restricted to a certain area. They can't go in the fields or ring, but can be in and around the barnyard. Good luck with your search!

You know. . .three isn't that many for a barn. You could maybe add more if you got in contact with a group near you that does TNR.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Oh thats right....they have a job to do. Why not let the chihuahua live outdoors?

BTW - how are rescue workers or the pound workers going to let you know if the dog barks alot or if they like to stay outside? You are really asking alot thinking they can forsee what these dogs will be like outside of the shelters.

Some dogs have been bred for centuries to DO a JOB. Working dogs are not called that because they originated in blue collar neighborhoods and herding dogs are not called that because they like to run in herds like the buffalo! The Shetland Sheepdog was originally called a "toonie" dog and they were bred to live alone on little islands in the Scottish locks and in the Shetland hills and guard sheep 365 in snow and ice and sub-zero temperatures. German Shepherds were bred as utility dogs, but primarily to guard livestock, nowadays they're mostly bred for their intelligence and drive to do work. If you have a German Shepherd, and you do NOT give it a fulltime job to do, it will find one for itself!

And yes, a good rescue/humane/shelter worker with years of experience working with and training dogs CAN give you a pretty good notion of which dogs would best be suited for what. Dog psychology isn't that complicated, really, I promise! Go volunteer at a rescue that does a lot of dog adoptions for a few days. Some of those people are real dog whisperers!

 

[snarlingcoyote]

PSA: If you want to know why I'm so passionate about the No Kill Movement.

There is a bible, of sorts. I don't guarantee it will convert you, but it will try!

The book is Redemption by Nathan Winograd. It is an amazing book that may just inspire you and change your views. I was No Kill before I read it, but now I'm a of the movement.

 

[scuba]

This is interesting, dog rescue centers won't allow you to adopt dogs to live outdoor but anyone can have a baby, local families toddler here apparently drank chemicals related to methanphetimine production....I digress

Wildernesslodgelover, go ahead and get the Dogs, only you know if you can love and treat an outside dog well. We have always had outside dogs Our sheppard collie mix lived to be 13 years old, and she was very well trained, after recieving Ginger from the county pound as a puppy, she was sent to obidence training, we own 4 acres, all completly fenced in with the nearest next door about 60 yards away.

Since that time our back yard has become some type of a recieving home for folks moving into apartments or cannot take care of their dogs anymore. We had 2 80lbs or so yellow labs, Maggie and Haley, Maggie Died a year ago. She was 10. We recieved those 2 dogs as adults and they never recieved training therefore it would be ridiculous to bring Haley and or maggie inside at the time. We have a well managured Back yard with an inground pool so we are always outside during the summer and we maintain a hot tub in the winter so Haley is never ignored. The neighboor kids love her.

Haley has a never closed fenced in Kennel with an insulated dog house, she has water warmers and the whole keenel is covered, WE use heat lamps and ceramic heaters in the mid 30 to low 20 temps and when it gets colder here in Ohio we simply set up a bed in the garage.

In the country neighboorhood we have recently had a rash of robberies, riding lawn mowers and the such, Our house has yet to be hit. I read here somewhere wher burglers are just going to poision or kill the pet but the truth of the matter is is it's a deterent to theft and most robbers would elect to steal from a house that doesn't have a dog..........

To each there own, I wouldn't lose 1 minute of sleep because someone doesn't agree with you...I recently learned that from this very message board.....Lastly I never got the impression from your original post that you would simply stick your dogs in the back yard and ignore them, or tie them up, or that you wanted them as a guard dog as Opposed to a pet....I also read a post where someone felt that your idea wasn't palusable.....her suggestion was to get a good natured medium sized dog for inside......There is nothing to guarantee a good natured dog either. I have family that have purchased dogs from breeders, breeders who claim to have champion blood lines...Blah, Blah, Blah. I agree that that is indeed a start to get a dog that historically comes from a breed that indeed is good natured but that doesn't guarantee anything......Do what you will, Folks who say dogs are happiest inside know no more than folks who think dogs are happiest outside....Unless your dog talks and expresses his feelings. My Dogs seem just fine outside, Just because they are outside doesn't mean that they are loved any less. maybe more because of all I have to do to keep them comfortable out there.......One other thing, someone said something about wild animals? I own an 80 lb Lab...what kind of wild animals do you have in your town

 

[snarlingcoyote]

One other thing, someone said something about wild animals? I own an 80 lb Lab...what kind of wild animals do you have in your town

I started thinking about my own GSD and my Border Collie mix. I think, maybe, a cougar could take 'em. Maybe. A bear definitely.

Past that. . .I have this image of Ranger/Ninja/SEAL type Racoons now indelibly burned into my brain. . .