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Author
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Topic: Opinion on Outdoor Dogs
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koni
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posted June 09, 2004 06:18 PM
Hi, I was wondering how people felt about outdoor dogs. Are people for it or against it? Let me know what you think ![[Confused]](confused.gif)
Posts: 22 | From: Ca | Registered: Jun 2004
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DaxAriel's toy
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posted June 09, 2004 06:38 PM
I live in Canada. Here an outdoor dog might be subject to minus 40C to plus 40C. If it not fit for man - its not fit for man's best friend.
There are many dogs that handle this well with the proper kennels, outdoor enclosures, etc. I think you are from California so with you it might be more of a heat issue.
But I ask you - how much time do you spend in your yard - so how much time will your dog get.
For my babies - I will never lock them out of my house as they have the keys to my heart!!!
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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Rio's mom
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posted June 10, 2004 07:34 AM
I've never understood the "outdoor" dog concept. But that is probably because, for me, having a pet is really adding a living creature to my FAMILY. How could I isolate a family member? Not allowing them to take part in the daily routine? The mundane things in life like doing laundry, cooking a meal, watching tv? (No, my dog doesn't do laundry, or cook. But he does hang out with me when I must do those things)
From a zoological POV- dogs are pack animals and thus have a basic need to be with their pack (you). If you have multiple dogs that are all kept outside that may solve the pack problems-but then what do they need you for? And what do you need from them? If you are looking for a best friend that lights up when you come in the room, a trusting confidant, a best friend, then, I believe you must let them in your home and heart.
Posts: 14 | From: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: Mar 2004
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LoveNewfies
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posted June 10, 2004 08:42 AM
My Newfie is the only dog in my house and does deserve the company of her "pack". Not to mention that she is just soooo sweet I want her with me all the time!!
As with Doglover, we also have some pretty extreme cold in the winter- as well as pretty high heat in the summer. I know the dogs in the neighborhood that are 'outdoor dogs' would certainly rather be in with their pack.
I look at my dog as a companion that I love to be around as much as she wants to be with me. I couldn't bear to keep her isolated like that, so, that said, I am against it.
Posts: 18 | From: NH | Registered: Jun 2004
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sgour
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posted June 10, 2004 12:48 PM
My boxer's are my babies, and they go where I go. For them, any extreme conditions (hot or cold) are hard to handle. It would seem to me that if a dog was only to be kept outside, that unless you spend several hours a day outside, it would not get the love or attention it needs.
Posts: 51 | From: South Bend, IN | Registered: May 2004
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lou3
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posted June 10, 2004 04:59 PM
i have three dogs that are permenantly outdoor dogs. For some breeds its more suitable (border collies for instance). I think people have their reasons for keeping their dogs the way they do. I certainly couldnt have five dogs - three of them rather large - in my flat, and my girls like their kennels. As long as the dog is happy and well cared for i'm happy.
Lou
Posts: 461 | From: uk | Registered: Nov 2003
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ellierat
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posted June 10, 2004 05:49 PM
I have 3 Labradors, 2 outside, 1 inside, (daytime only). There is nothing wrong in them being outside, I love them dearly, just because they live outside doesn't mean it is cruel in any way. After all they are bred for it, that is why they have fur, and a higher temperature than us. But I must admit in winter, like now, when there is frost they have all got lovely waterproof coats, with lambswool inside.
Living on a hobby farm, I am outside most of the day, so they get heaps of attention, and lets face it, at night we are all asleep anyway.
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I love my labs.
Posts: 880 | From: australia | Registered: Feb 2004
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irishknight
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posted June 10, 2004 09:51 PM
It also depends on how you plan on keeping them/it outside. Growing up we only had outside dogs chained to a dog house. What a horrible exsitance, and they seemed to be a little on the aggressive side. No that I am all grown up and have my own "under my roof rules" my kids(dogs) live inside. We have a hobby farm and a doggie door and are blessed with being able to be home most of the day. So they are in and out.
Do you plan on more than one? Since they are pack animals they really do need company, if living outside.
Posts: 9 | Registered: May 2004
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irishknight
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posted June 10, 2004 09:54 PM
oops I also meant to add, what is the purpose of the dog. Is it going to have a job, ie livestock dog? or a family pet? If family pet I really recommend having it inside.
Posts: 9 | Registered: May 2004
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koni
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posted June 11, 2004 10:30 AM
Well everyone has their own idea i suppose. For me, my puppy will grow up to be an outdoor dog, but also a family dog. Living in a garage and a backyard, yet in the winter my dog will be able to live indoors, in a certain area. I agree with Lou, that as long as the dog is happy.
Posts: 22 | From: Ca | Registered: Jun 2004
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foxypaws
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posted June 24, 2004 02:52 PM
There should be no such thing as an "outdoor dog". No member of any family should be left outside all the time. And a dog is a true member of your familly
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julies@foxypaws.com
Posts: 4 | From: dallas tx | Registered: Jun 2004
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Elite
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posted June 24, 2004 04:06 PM
I disagree Julie...but maybe that's because my uncle raised sled dogs. All those huskies lived outside. But I guess there's kind of a difference there. Sled dogs aren't pets, they are working dogs. A musher will occasionally keep one or two of the dogs in their house, but rarely are the entire teams kept inside. And that's the way it should be.
Also, my older pit/lab spends proably the majority of her life outside, because she likes it that way. Also, wework, and might as well keep her where she wants to be. She comes inside at night, or when we're home. But she really prefers the outdoors (more things to bark at).
So I basically aproove of keeping *some* dogs outside. Now, I'd NEVER leave a pug outside as an outdoor dog, but a dog that was meant for it? Sure.
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~*Elite*~
"You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'My God, you're right! I never would've thought of that!'"
--Dave Barry
Posts: 164 | From: Colorado | Registered: Mar 2004
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shadow007
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posted July 01, 2004 02:45 PM
I have a 7 month old Labrador mix and he stays with me most of the time indoors and out. Although since he is a new dog he likes to roam around the house when I am trying to go to sleep and since I do not know what his intentions are I have him sleep outside by the back door. When I leave for work he stays outside. I have a nice large covered pation which I am sure he thinks is his special own dog house.
When I come home from work there he is waiting and happy to see me and everyone knows that is the greatest feeling a person can have ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Posts: 2 | From: Oregon | Registered: Jun 2004
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cowgurly02
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posted July 05, 2004 11:35 AM
There's nothing wrong with keeping a dog outdoors. My family owns three dogs, and living on a farm they are herding dogs. They have never set foot in our house and they are happy. They have dog houses outside and in winter when it's cold they sleep in our heated barn.
Posts: 3 | From: Alberta, Canada | Registered: Jul 2004
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