Poll for dog owners!/ Update post #137

[ToddyLu]

Our Jack Russell is allowed everywhere. Sleeps with us at night, has areas about the house to lay around. She is sleeping on the chair beside me tonight as I type. She is treated like a human most days. I remove hair regularly and actually kiss and love on her all the time. She loves ice cream and we will share that sometimes, too. She is the only dog that I have ever let lick my spoon--yeah, I know it creeps DH out...used to creep me out ,too...but this little one is different somehow. I think it is the fact that I always wanted a child and we are childless so she is treated with care and spoiled.

She does not wear clothes...except for the Santa suit at Christmas. DH and I have a car seat for her in each car that she really likes.

 

[StitchFanZ]

Our dogs are allowed anywhere but not on the furniture since they shed a lot.

There are a lot of outdoor only dogs in our area who are extremely happy but they are an exception to the rule as they are truely working dogs. They live on cattle and sheep ranches and spend their days riding around on the backs of four wheelers, trucks, and tractors. They are trained to help with the animals and they spend their days with their owners or ranch hands. They are very content to sleep out on the porch or garage when they get home and watch over their property. I think this is one area where outdoor only makes sense.

 

[phragmipedium]

My lab and big lab/hound mix have free reign of the house while we're home - beds, furniture, whatever they want. They're part of the family, and yes they do shed, but it's just part of having shedding dogs in our opinion, and none of our furniture is so nice that we're very protective over it. Marley in particular thinks he's a person and likes going where we go, including the couch. They are very loving and affectionate dogs and would hate to be outside all the time. They go out to do their business and play a bit, but will come lay by the door shortly, ready to come back in. Some dogs might be happy as mostly outdoor dogs, but mine would not - they want to be where we are.

I voted for free reign because of the above - while we're home, they can go anywhere they want. When we go to work and they're home during the day, sometimes they get anxious or bored and will get into things, so I do baby-gate the entrance to the kitchen/basement and shut bedroom doors. They hang out in the living room on the couch while we're gone. Daisy was totally crated during the day while she was a puppy, because I came home to too many books pulled off the bookshelf and torn into a million pieces all over the room, etc. They're both too grown up for that now, but Marley has a quirk of pulling wrapped loaves of bread off the counter, carrying them to his bed and just laying with them. And he gets into the bathroom garbage, etc. They have lots of toys, but they just get curious and bored and labs like to chew, so minimizing their access to parts of the house just minimizes potential destruction.

We also learned really quickly with Daisy that if she was chastised when we came home to destruction, it just made a vicious cycle where she got nervous when we left because she expected to be in trouble when we got home, so she would destroy something if it were left out...a remote, a book, a DVD. When I stopped reacting at all to anything that got torn up when I got home, she totally relaxed and I very, very rarely come home to anything chewed on, even a tempting newspaper left in a recliner or anything like that. It's been a long time since she's gotten into anything in the living room during the day, even if we weren't great about dog-proofing and picking things up before we left. Now when I leave for work they're both laying on either end of the couch, and when I come home for lunch they're usually in the same spot.

When we're home, though, they never try to get into things. The worst that happens is if I'm napping on the couch, Marley sometimes seems to forget I'm home and will march into the living room with a tissue from the bathroom garbage, and settle down with it between his paws to chew on it. When I say his name, he looks at me with a very startled expression and I can tell he forgot I was there!

 

[Skywalker]

Hi, OP here. Thank you so much for contributing to the poll/discussion!

Yes you answered the poll "right", lol. Most of you are agreeing with me.

Here is the situation. My husband was raised with keeping dogs outside, in their dog houses at all times. So when we got our first two dogs together it was a real struggle but he did finally see my way that they should be inside with us.

However, he set strict rules (they are only allowed in two rooms with tile floors, not on the carpeted rooms, no family room, no bedrooms, no furniture). I agreed to that because I felt it was a compromise but I always felt bad that the dogs were in the house but not able to right with us.

Those two angels are both gone now , and we have just adopted a new puppy. Husband wants the same rules as before, but it just bothers me and I really want him to be able to come at least into the family room with us, where we spend the most time.

He insists still that dogs belong mostly outside, and that allowing them in the house is acceptable but not all over the house and not on furniture. He also INSISTED that most dog owners would agree with him. I told him no I bet most would agree with me, that their dogs are allowed to just live free in the house and sometimes cuddle up on beds, furniture like how we had our dogs when I was a kid.

I am going to show him all of this so he can see that he is, in fact, in the minority on this issue.

I am not backing down though, this dog is a real suck and a real cuddler and I'm going to bat for his right to be by my side where he belongs!

I will suggest the compromise of allowing the little guy at least free rein of the first floor which is where the family room and our bedroom is but no going on the furniture or beds.

I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I can't vote in your poll because none of the options apply in our situation.

We have an 11-year-old Chocolate Labrador and she is primarily an outdoor dog, but not by choice. She refused to be housebroken when she was a puppy, and even now if we let her in the house she will have an accident on the carpet if we let her in for too long a time so we don't let her inside very often.

She has a pen outside by the garage, with a well-insulated dog house and DH keeps a thick layer of cedar wood chips on the floor of it for her to sleep on. He has plywood boards against the outside of the pen by her dog house to keep the wind off it. She has a self-feeder for her food, and a heated water dish so she is quite comfortable.

She is let out of the pen daily, when DH is out and about, some days she's out most of the day. She goes in the truck with DH a lot, so she does get a lot of attention but just is not an "indoor" dog. When we got her we had every intention of having her in the house so it was very frustrating that she would not "take" to housebreaking.

During the winter when the temperature gets too cold outside we do let her sleep in the garage at night. She has a thick cloth bed to sleep on in there.

I don't feel there is a "right" or a "wrong" if a dog is an indoor dog or an outdoor dog, except of course in the case of a small dog. Michigan winters would not be kind to small dogs left outside I don't think. It's whatever is right for your own family though. Your decision and yours alone.

And those that make a general statement that no dog should ever be left outside obviously have never been on a farm. Many farm owners have outdoor dogs. And some say if you have an outdoor dog how much time can you really be spending with that dog? Well, for families where the kids are in school all day and both parents work outside the home the same thing can be said about them. If you're out of your home for 9-10 hours during the day, and you sleep for 8 hours, and you have school functions to attend, meetings, etc. in the evenings how much time are those families spending with their indoor dog? It can go both ways.

We used to put our pop and beer in the garage to have it be icy cold without a refrigerator when we lived in Michigan! Is your garage heated?

I disagree about people working/activities and such being the same as leaving a dog outside all the time. When you are home, you may not be playing with the dog, but you are there with them. You must realize it's not the same to be in the same room with the dogbut not interacting, compared to having them shunned to the outside alone.

 

[luvsJack]

We used to put our pop and beer in the garage to have it be icy cold without a refrigerator when we lived in Michigan! Is your garage heated?

I disagree about people working/activities and such being the same as leaving a dog outside all the time. When you are home, you may not be playing with the dog, but you are there with them. You must realize it's not the same to be in the same room with the dogbut not interacting, compared to having them shunned to the outside alone.

But living outside does not have to be defined as "shunned to the outside alone" either. Our dogs are happy outside together and HATE coming inside. Why would I make them miserable by deciding they should be with me all the time. DD takes time to play with our dogs each day and on the weekends she and dh take up a huge amount of time with the dogs. In fact we just came in from playing in the snow with the collie mix (she likes to chase the snow and snow balls--we don't have but a little but she is enjoying it)

The little guy inside doesn't like the cold and stays inside. He will go out to use the bathroom and right back in, but in the warmer weather he likes being outside and stays out all day sometimes on pretty days that there is no chance of rain.

I just don't get why this is always such a debate. Dogs really can have different likes and dislikes just like people and if a dog enjoys being outside -- why give the owners such a hassle about it?

 

[MIGrandma]

But living outside does not have to be defined as "shunned to the outside alone" either. Our dogs are happy outside together and HATE coming inside. Why would I make them miserable by deciding they should be with me all the time. DD takes time to play with our dogs each day and on the weekends she and dh take up a huge amount of time with the dogs. In fact we just came in from playing in the snow with the collie mix (she likes to chase the snow and snow balls--we don't have but a little but she is enjoying it)

The little guy inside doesn't like the cold and stays inside. He will go out to use the bathroom and right back in, but in the warmer weather he likes being outside and stays out all day sometimes on pretty days that there is no chance of rain.

I just don't get why this is always such a debate. Dogs really can have different likes and dislikes just like people and if a dog enjoys being outside -- why give the owners such a hassle about it?

Some people just do not understand, do they? People are pretty judemental when they say it's wrong to have an outdoor dog. Myself, I think whatever is right for the dog and their owner. Not saying one way is wrong and the other way is right. Some people say if you're going to have an outdoor dog, why bother? Well, the same thing could be said if you're going to be working all day and leaving the dog in the house alone, why bother?

 

[luvsJack]

Some people just do not understand, do they? People are pretty judemental when they say it's wrong to have an outdoor dog. Myself, I think whatever is right for the dog and their owner. Not saying one way is wrong and the other way is right. Some people say if you're going to have an outdoor dog, why bother? Well, the same thing could be said if you're going to be working all day and leaving the dog in the house alone, why bother?

Exactly! I would hate having a big dog stuck inside all day! But, ds has a pit bull that does just that and is happy. Everyone should just do what they feel is right for them and their dog.

 

[robinb]

I am not backing down though, this dog is a real suck and a real cuddler and I'm going to bat for his right to be by my side where he belongs!

Since you felt so bad about the way you treated your previous two dogs, you should have worked on getting your DH to agree with your terms BEFORE you brought another dog in the house. I'm afraid that your DH may be just as stubborn with this one. IF you are able to convince him to allow the puppy in the family room make sure that he is on a leash at all times until he is housebroken so he can't wander around and find a place to do his business in the house. Good luck.

 

[kayla87]

Since you felt so bad about the way you treated your previous two dogs, you should have worked on getting your DH to agree with your terms BEFORE you brought another dog in the house. I'm afraid that your DH may be just as stubborn with this one. IF you are able to convince him to allow the puppy in the family room make sure that he is on a leash at all times until he is housebroken so he can't wander around and find a place to do his business in the house. Good luck.

I agree with you.

If my husband and I had such different opinions on our dogs, we would never have got dogs.

People can't be swayed about their opinions on this issue. Heck, our decisions even differ from what our dogs experience when they visit grandma's. Our dogs sleep downstairs, and they aren't allowed on our bed any time (they can be in the bedroom during the day if they choose though). When they are at grandma's, they sleep in bed with them (two dogs, 20 and 40 lbs!). They try to guilt me about stuff like that (and food stuff), but they are our dogs and I'll be the one deciding how they live with us. Even if I disagree with how other people raise their dogs, I can't be the one to tell them what to do.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

I just don't get why this is always such a debate. Dogs really can have different likes and dislikes just like people and if a dog enjoys being outside -- why give the owners such a hassle about it?

Becasue MOST dogs (not all) would love to be inside with their owners and not be an outside dog. Becasue people who buy these "guard dogs" to leave outside to guard the house that the dog can't even go into or now want to protect he is going to protect his yard.

 

[Angelhalo]

I'm awaiting another update Skywalker I can't wait to hear what happens now.

If my partner wanted to keep a dog outside all the time, or never allowed to be near us inside, I'd rather not even have one, as I would see no point in it.

 

[Disney Doll]

No longer ahve a dog but when I had ted, he had free run of the house, all rooms. He was not allowed on the furniture and he appeased us by not doing so when we were home. Howver, more than once I came home to the rocking recliner rocking and Ted sitting next to it going .

 

[tomthebarncat]

family member and we treat him as such!! What is the point of having a dog if it lives in the yard? get an alarm system if the reason is security issues. I do not know anyone who does not treat their pets as family members and frankly, I don't want too!

 

[hiwaygal]

I just don't get why this is always such a debate. Dogs really can have different likes and dislikes just like people and if a dog enjoys being outside -- why give the owners such a hassle about it?

Becasue MOST dogs (not all) would love to be inside with their owners and not be an outside dog. Becasue people who buy these "guard dogs" to leave outside to guard the house that the dog can't even go into or now want to protect he is going to protect his yard.

To some extent you are both right.

We had a dog once who was a stray and she HATED being confined to the house. She had things she had to do! Even after she had pups, she didn't want to be too bogged down with them!

But, the problem arises when people get dogs and simply chain them up outside with NO interaction or anything. These dogs are known to become vicious and problematic. And a lot of people do just ignore them. To a lot of people, dogs are not 'family members' but just another thing that they had to have but soon get bored with. Those poor dogs usually end up in shelters or worse.

Yes, there are dogs who want and need to be outside and working. And there are dogs who want and need to be with their human pack. People do have to do what is best for their dogs and themselves...as long as they are really doing what is best for both!

 

[Magalex]

My following opinion is from adopting an older dog, reading & attending obedience classes & also volunteering at the local humane shelter. The dogs need rules & boundaries just like a small child. Rooms are limited, no furniture, & no sleeping with dogs. My 7-9 yr old brittany spaniel is very happy with these rules. We do buy the big fluffy doggie pillows for him. He just melts on to his pillow. He does have one piece of furniture(an old small couch) in the computer room. No one sits on it anyways. I have seen dogs being returned to the shelter or given up by the original owner because the dog became the boss of the furniture or in the middle of the night for the first time in 5 yrs the dog became jaunted from sleep & bit the person while sharing the bed. This doesn't make a dog bad but makes it an animal. Now a sweet dog sits behind bars because someone didn't set up some simple rules. When I volunteered at the humane society I heard so many people feel insulted just because a trainer or a shelter worker try to suggest some limitations. No one was suggesting not to make a dog a family member or limit affection. Just be aware that family member has sharp teeth.

 

[labdogs42]

As for the indoor/outdoor thing, it really depends where you live, too. It is much more common to have outdoor dogs in the south, where it is warmer all year. Up here in PA, it is much less common to have outdoor dogs because of the seasons. So, I try to keep that in mind when responding in "absolutes" about having outdoor dogs.

Mind you, I grew up on a Christmas tree farm and we did have two outdoor dogs. They lived in the barn and we brought them in only on the coldest of winter nights to sleep in the basement. I would never have an outdoor dog now, but these dogs lived long and happy lives outside. They had free run of the farm and a big pile of blankets and doghouses in the barn to snuggle into.

One thing I do NOT agree with is having a dog chained or tied up outdoors. buy a chain link kennel run or get a fence if you want your dog to spend a significant portion of its time outdoors, but please don't chain your dog up unattended. Tie-outs can have their uses, but not for all-day, all the time containment of an animal. That is where I stand.

OP, I'm sorry that you and your DH don't see eye to eye on this issue. What breed of dog do you have? That would factor into my decision as well. Some breeds are more able to adapt to an outdoor lifestyle and some absolutely can not be kept outdoors!

 

[debf]

Both of my dogs are crate trained. However, we are now letting them have free reign of the downsairs when we go to work or out for the day. It took us a while to get to this point. They have chewed many shoes, put 5 holes in my carpet and they chewed the island in my kitchen. When we are home they pretty much go where they want and they get on the furniture. They are only about 15 lbs each. They are a huge part of our family and I love to snuggle with them on cold days.

 

[luvsJack]

Becasue MOST dogs (not all) would love to be inside with their owners and not be an outside dog. Becasue people who buy these "guard dogs" to leave outside to guard the house that the dog can't even go into or now want to protect he is going to protect his yard.

Well, my dogs are in no way considered guard dogs. They are pets. But they are outside pets. Just like when we get dd a horse next month, it will be an outside pet. With a barn and a way to get out of the weather, just like the dogs have.

If you wish to have all of your pets inside that is great for you and I don't have an issue with. My problem is why so many act as though they have an issue with those of us who allow our animals to live outside.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

However, he set strict rules (they are only allowed in two rooms with tile floors, not on the carpeted rooms, no family room, no bedrooms, no furniture). I agreed to that because I felt it was a compromise but I always felt bad that the dogs were in the house but not able to right with us.

It's probably a subject from another thread. (And it just so happens I have one going! )

But I have just one question.

Who died and left him in charge?