Keeping dogs outside

larrlin24

I'm in the process of moving and our new house doesn't have anywhere for both of my dogs to be inside. I'm planning on building them an area in the garden that's fenced off and buying a large shed that they can take shelter in. They're going to be full time outdoor dogs as this is what works best for us, but I want them to be safe and happy. They're used to being indoor at night and when it's cold, but that won't be possible when I move so I'm trying to plan things in advance. Is there a certain shed I can buy that is insulated? Or will a normal garden shed be okay for them as I'll obviously be putting their beds in with tons of blankets etc. I want them to be cool enough in the summer, and warm enough in the winter. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Nody

Why exactly can't they sleep inside in the hallway, kitchen or living room (as example locations)? The reason I ask is because changing it completly like that is likely to cause problems in and of itself beyond the move (new location, new smells, not feeling secure and now add in being kicked out from what they are used to) on top of the costs etc.

larrlin24

Nody wrote: »

Why exactly can't they sleep inside in the hallway, kitchen or living room (as example locations)?

Because I have indoor cats and they don't really get along. In the house I'm in now, the cats have their own room at night and so do the dogs, but that isn't possible where we're moving so it's just best for everyone if the dogs are put outside in their own area!

Graces7

many dogs kept like this get stolen, apart from what the poster above said.

if i did this with my two they would bark allthe time

dogs need more than a shed and blankets. they don't always get that in rural areas they are chained up in yards.

larrlin24

Graces7 wrote: »

many dogs kept like this get stolen, apart from what the poster above said.

if i did this with my two they would bark allthe time

dogs need more than a shed and blankets. they don't always get that in rural areas they are chained up in yards.

Sorry but I have no choice but to keep them outside, so I'm posting this to ask for advice on how to keep them as happy and as safe as possible. This is my only option, unless I give them to a new home which obviously I do not want to do. They're used to being outside in their own area for most of the day and they're quite happy, but they come in at night. Like I already said, this won't be possible where I'm moving.

Nody

What breed of dogs are they (i.e. huskies can handle things very differently then a pug etc.)?

cocker5

OP,
Im assuming from your post "full time outdoor dogs" this means they will not be allowed in the house at all really?

If this is infact the case Im just going to come right out and say it whats the point in having them so? Dogs need their family (humans) not just the company of another dog. Infact my dog prefers humans to other dogs most of the time. They need love, socialisiation, attention, affection, communication, a sense of belonging etc and they def wont get that being "full time outdoor dogs"..

and to be honest you menetioned your moving house, and sticking them outisde 24/7.... id say they are gonna love that and will no doubt bark like crazy all day everyday.

If your reason for banishing them 24/7 to outdoors is down to a cat then Id be rethinking the whole set up....

Personaly I wouldnt let indoor cats dictate my home....

Poor dogs will suffer because of the cats... let the dogs sleep in the kitchen and the cats in another room (or sitting room etc).

Dogs make great garden decorations in some peoples eyes but in reality its no place for a dog 24/7 outdoors with little interaction. its cruelty.

My two scents



Edited to say.. you asked how to keep them happy??? let them sleep indoors, you do have a choice, there are ALWAYS choices.

cocker5

larrlin24 wrote: »

Because I have indoor cats and they don't really get along. In the house I'm in now, the cats have their own room at night and so do the dogs, but that isn't possible where we're moving so it's just best for everyone if the dogs are put outside in their own area!

Best for who? not the dogs anyway.....

larrlin24

cocker5 wrote: »

OP,
Im assuming from your post "full time outdoor dogs" this means they will not be allowed in the house at all really?

If this is infact the case Im just going to come right out and say it whats the point in having them so? Dogs need their family (humans) not just the company of another dog. Infact my dog prefers humans to other dogs most of the time. They need love, socialisiation, attention, affection, communication, a sense of belonging etc and they def wont get that being "full time outdoor dogs"..

and to be honest you menetioned your moving house, and sticking them outisde 24/7.... id say they are gonna love that and will no doubt bark like crazy all day everyday.

If your reason for banishing them 24/7 to outdoors is down to a cat then Id be rethinking the whole set up....

Personaly I wouldnt let indoor cats dictate my home....

Poor dogs will suffer because of the cats... let the dogs sleep in the kitchen and the cats in another room (or sitting room etc).

Dogs make great garden decorations in some peoples eyes but in reality its no place for a dog 24/7 outdoors with little interaction. its cruelty.

My two scents



Edited to say.. you asked how to keep them happy??? let them sleep indoors, you do have a choice, there are ALWAYS choices.

They will be getting attention, love, socialisation etc. There's always someone home. They're walked daily and get plenty of affection. Like I already said, they're used to being outside in their own area during the day, so they don't bark like crazy. Hardly banishing them to the outdoors now am I. I'm trying to make sure they have plenty of shelter and a nice big place to run around. Surely that's better than keeping them indoors all day long like most people. Not sure what all the hostility is for. I'm not letting my cats dictate my home, but they're indoor which won't change so this is the only solution I can think of.

andreac

What breed are they?

andreac

Why can't dogs stay in one room and cats another at night? Surely you have more than one room in your house?

ShaShaBear

larrlin24 wrote: »

They will be getting attention, love, socialisation etc. There's always someone home. They're walked daily and get plenty of affection. Like I already said, they're used to being outside in their own area during the day, so they don't bark like crazy. Hardly banishing them to the outdoors now am I. I'm trying to make sure they have plenty of shelter and a nice big place to run around. Surely that's better than keeping them indoors all day long like most people. Not sure what all the hostility is for. I'm not letting my cats dictate my home, but they're indoor which won't change so this is the only solution I can think of.

Nothing wrong with keeping your dog indoors all day long once they are walked.

If I put Shadow outside for longer than half an hour, he'd cry to get back in! There's only so much cat-chasing and grass-sniffing he can do before he wants back inside to cuddle up on the couch.

You'd have to spend a lot of time outside to give them the level of human interaction they need to be happy if they are never inside.

cocker5

larrlin24 wrote: »

They will be getting attention, love, socialisation etc. There's always someone home. They're walked daily and get plenty of affection. Like I already said, they're used to being outside in their own area during the day, so they don't bark like crazy. Hardly banishing them to the outdoors now am I. I'm trying to make sure they have plenty of shelter and a nice big place to run around. Surely that's better than keeping them indoors all day long like most people. Not sure what all the hostility is for. I'm not letting my cats dictate my home, but they're indoor which won't change so this is the only solution I can think of.

Sorry OP but you said they would be full time outdoor dogs... thats suggest not allowing them into the house at all?

If this is the case well then well yes you are banishing them.

Maybe there is someone home most of the time... but thats no use to the dogs when they are in "their own area" all the time. looking in the house from a "dog pen" is no life.

who doesnt like who??

Ie dogs chase the cats etc? can you not try and socialise them so they learn to "tolerate" eachother, it doenst have to be one extreme to the other.

What breed of dogs?

You say your cats are indoor and thats not going to change, well you are letting them dictate... let them become outdoor cats for a while.

No sure why you so dead set on the dogs getting turfed out

larrlin24

Guess I'll have to find another solution. Thanks for the replies!

robocode

larrlin24 wrote: »

Guess I'll have to find another solution. Thanks for the replies!

This can be a pretty hostile forum when you mention dogs being outside OP. My guy is outside during the day while we work (like most of the world, but even that gets some hostility online, I'd love not to work and be home with the dog all day!) but he is inside then all evening and sleeps indoors.
Initially we were going to have him sleep outside but we are lucky in that we have a utility room that has now become his bedroom. Re your initial question about insulation, I've heard a lot of people mention straw, but I haven't tried it

larrlin24

robocode wrote: »

This can be a pretty hostile forum when you mention dogs being outside OP. My guy is outside during the day while we work (like most of the world, but even that gets some hostility online, I'd love not to work and be home with the dog all day!) but he is inside then all evening and sleeps indoors.
Initially we were going to have him sleep outside but we are lucky in that we have a utility room that has now become his bedroom. Re your initial question about insulation, I've heard a lot of people mention straw, but I haven't tried it

Thank you for the kind reply! I'm sure your dog is very happy! They actually have straw in their current kennel and it's worked extremely well for us so I'll keep that in mind. Thanks again!

RosieJoe

Can you not put a bit off effort in to socialise the cats & dogs? I'd be surprised if you cannot get them to live in harmony.

If that fails, I'd personally crate the dogs indoors over night rather than put them outside.

andreac

Theres nothing wrong with dogs being outside at all, but it can be quite a transition when dogs are used to being inside. Some breeds are not meant to live outdoors and you wont say what breed you have.

Most dogs stay outdoors for at least some part of the day while their owner is at work etc, which is fine. But you have said they wont be in the house at all due to no space, but surely you can put the dogs in one room at night and the cats in another, whats wrong with that idea?

Graces7

op it can be done. I have 2 cats, 2 dogs, and they cannot coexist.when i moved here, the layout o the house meant separation was hard.

now the dogs sleep in the spare room, leaving main house free or the cats and when cats, who live with me upstairs(i have to rest a lot) ii escort them downstairs and out. they are comically skilled now at lying in wait outside the door and zooming in before collie can blink

it is worth it believe me. no way could i house these dogs outside. took some thought too

Graces7

RosieJoe wrote: »

Can you not put a bit off effort in to socialise the cats & dogs? I'd be surprised if you cannot get them to live in harmony.

If that fails, I'd personally crate the dogs indoors over night rather than put them outside.

believe me in some cases this cannot be done. wee dog is fine with the cats b ut collie is a different matter altogether.

but meaningful separation can be achieved.

Graces7

t

andreac wrote: »

Theres nothing wrong with dogs being outside at all, but it can be quite a transition when dogs are used to being inside. Some breeds are not meant to live outdoors and you wont say what breed you have.

Most dogs stay outdoors for at least some part of the day while their owner is at work etc, which is fine. But you have said they wont be in the house at all due to no space, but surely you can put the dogs in one room at night and the cats in another, whats wrong with that idea?

no way would i leave my dogs outside when i am out. in farming country apart rom the risk of theft

andreac

Graces7 wrote: »

t


no way would i leave my dogs outside when i am out. in farming country apart rom the risk of theft

Yes, that's you Graces, im talking about in general.

A lot of people can and do leave their dogs out in the garden during the day. I know i can leave mine out for a few hours if i go out and there's no problems.

Tranceypoo

larrlin24 wrote: »

Thank you for the kind reply! I'm sure your dog is very happy! They actually have straw in their current kennel and it's worked extremely well for us so I'll keep that in mind. Thanks again!

Just on the straw subject, my in-laws dog (who I have posted about previously) was getting a lot of ticks as he was sleeping on straw in his shed, last summer I switched him to a proper dog bed, blankets on top of a bed which was lifted off the floor and the ticks all but disappeared, he still gets the odd one maybe he's just prone to them, the vet did say it wasn't really to do with the straw but I'm not convinced, plus straw can make them itchy, I wouldn't recommend it, vet bedding and proper blankets are better I think.

larrlin24

Tranceypoo wrote: »

Just on the straw subject, my in-laws dog (who I have posted about previously) was getting a lot of ticks as he was sleeping on straw in his shed, last summer I switched him to a proper dog bed, blankets on top of a bed which was lifted off the floor and the ticks all but disappeared, he still gets the odd one maybe he's just prone to them, the vet did say it wasn't really to do with the straw but I'm not convinced, plus straw can make them itchy, I wouldn't recommend it, vet bedding and proper blankets are better I think.

Oh wow I didn't know that. Interesting info, thank you! I'll look into what's best.

For the people asking, I have a collie and a jack russell. The reason I can't have them inside with the cats is because the layout of the new house is all open plan except for a very small utility room and a small toilet. There's nowhere to keep them separate unfortunately. I appreciate the replies from people who are trying to understand my situation. I'm not doing this to be cruel to the dogs, I just can't see any other way around it. I thought a nice big shed in the back garden with their own area would be okay for them as they enjoy being outside but I guess I was wrong. Wasn't expecting so many hostile replies to be honest.

Tranceypoo

larrlin24 wrote: »

Oh wow I didn't know that. Interesting info, thank you! I'll look into what's best.

For the people asking, I have a collie and a jack russell. The reason I can't have them inside with the cats is because the layout of the new house is all open plan except for a very small utility room and a small toilet. There's nowhere to keep them separate unfortunately. I appreciate the replies from people who are trying to understand my situation. I'm not doing this to be cruel to the dogs, I just can't see any other way around it. I thought a nice big shed in the back garden with their own area would be okay for them as they enjoy being outside but I guess I was wrong. Wasn't expecting so many hostile replies to be honest.

From your original and further posts, the impression was given that the dogs are used to being inside and now are being moved to a new house and being left outside all the time, that's the picture I got anyways and I do think it's unfair on them, many dogs are happier outside, many dogs have never been given the option of being inside sadly (my in-laws dog is a case in point, he is a big hairy collie but he would love to be inside despite never being allowed in!), but moving them from inside at night to outside at night doesn't seem fair, could they not sleep in the utility and the cat have the rest of the house, or vice versa? I just think they might start barking at night time when they're not in the house, it might change their behaviour etc, I don't know I'm not an expert, when we moved house with just 1 dog and 1 cat, we tried to keep the disruption to their 'routine' to a minimum, having said that, our cat and dog got on fine so it wasn't an issue but if I'd had to separate them then so be it but I absolutely would not have put my dog out in the shed (which is insulated and heated by the way).

I think maybe you could come up with some other options for the dogs, especially the jrt I would imagine he/she would really feel the cold outside even in a shed with bedding and a collie to cuddle up to.

Kukey

If your dogs sleep together, I would put a large kennel in the shed with a plastic
dog bed in the kennel with vet bedding.Duvets,pillows etc get damp whereas the
vet bed stays dry and is nice and cosy for the dogs.

Knine

larrlin24 wrote: »

Guess I'll have to find another solution. Thanks for the replies!

You could use a heat lamp to keep them warm in really cold weather or for winter nights. Would this be an option for you?

The Bishop Basher

larrlin24 wrote: »

Oh wow I didn't know that. Interesting info, thank you! I'll look into what's best.

For the people asking, I have a collie and a jack russell. The reason I can't have them inside with the cats is because the layout of the new house is all open plan except for a very small utility room and a small toilet. There's nowhere to keep them separate unfortunately. I appreciate the replies from people who are trying to understand my situation. I'm not doing this to be cruel to the dogs, I just can't see any other way around it. I thought a nice big shed in the back garden with their own area would be okay for them as they enjoy being outside but I guess I was wrong. Wasn't expecting so many hostile replies to be honest.

You know your own dogs OP and only you can decide whether they'll be ok sleeping outside. It sounds like you really want to do the best for them and there are plenty of ways to provide them with good shelter outdoors. Hope it works out for you.

tk123

OP just buy a load of these :P (they have cheaper ones but I like the picture in that one better). My two are indoors - the 4 year old would go mental if he was left out but my pup would be in her element lol - she loves to be out sitting on her chair! I'd be wary of buying a shed etc/spending too much money in case they don't use it or take their time getting used to it - maybe get a crate/crates to have on standby in case it takes longer than expected to get them used to sleeping outside.

hollytrees

Larlin, I think they will be fine outside, it's better they are put out now when the temperatures are increasing. I remember asking the vet about them sleeping in the shed and he said it was fine as long as they weren't in a draft. mine are in concrete shed so I'm not sure how warm wooden one would be. I also use fleece blankets and they all sleep in one bed.

Mine also are outside during 2 full days I'm working. Apart from those times they are in the house or we are out and about on walks or playing.

I've been meaning it put lock on shed although they cause such a racket if anyone goes in I'm sure we would hear them!

boomerang

OP I applaud you for keeping both cats and dogs, and not choosing one over the other. A lesser owner would rehome either the dogs or the cats. You're in a tough spot but doing your best to make it work. Fair play.

Zapperzy

tk123 wrote: »

OP just buy a load of these :P

I have an image in my head of my fella half stuck in the wee cat door having tried to chase the cat through it

I would put a dog kennel inside the shed and put a plastic flap on the shed door so they can come and go during the day. I'v seen nice insulated dog kennels on donedeal, I'd love to get one myself as our 6 year old wooden one is starting to look a bit worn. I second vetbed as bedding, it's warm, it'l keep them dry and it's easy washed and dried.

If they're going to be outside all year round I'd look into getting plugs installed in the shed and buying an infared lamp. I'm not sure if it's possible but can you wire a lamp up to a thermometer to come on when it dips below a certain temperature?

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

cocker5 wrote: »

...its cruelty...

Wow... just wow...

I guess my dogs never got love, attention, shown effection or cared for as they are "outside" dogs... I don't understand this mentality at all.

OP is doing his/her best in their situation and shouldn't be judged by anybody here who holds a different opinion on how to treat their pets.

Un Croissant

This forum is amazing sometimes. I'm sure that if the OP posted about having to squash his dogs into a small utility room due to the open plan nature of his house this place would go equally mental.

OP I honestly cant see too much of an issue with a properly constructed, secure, insulated shed for them.

cocker5

Amaya Sweet Mint wrote: »

Wow... just wow...

I guess my dogs never got love, attention, shown effection or cared for as they are "outside" dogs... I don't understand this mentality at all.

OP is doing his/her best in their situation and shouldn't be judged by anybody here who holds a different opinion on how to treat their pets.

Dont quote two words of my post and leave out all the other revelant words its very misleading and incorrect..... my actual post was the following:

Dogs make great garden decorations in some peoples eyes but in reality its no place for a dog 24/7 outdoors with little interaction. its cruelty.

what i actually said is "full time outdoor" 24/7 dogs, penned in is cruelty and I stand by it.

I never said dogs who sleep outside = cruelty.

Dogs who have a pen and spend 24/7 outdoors and are never allowed in is cruelty... this whole crap of sure ill send sometime outside with them is nonsense you'd wnat to be spending 4/5 hours outside each day with them for them to get everything they need...

Outside dogs 24/7 (ie never allowed inside) = glorified garden decoration = cruelty.... get a stuffed dog instead

tk123

Zapperzy wrote: »

If they're going to be outside all year round I'd look into getting plugs installed in the shed and buying an infared lamp. I'm not sure if it's possible but can you wire a lamp up to a thermometer to come on when it dips below a certain temperature?

I'd say so? We have a fan heater in our shed that kicks in when the temp drops below a certain level (you set the level).

cocker5

Amaya Sweet Mint wrote: »

Wow... just wow...

I guess my dogs never got love, attention, shown effection or cared for as they are "outside" dogs... I don't understand this mentality at all.

OP is doing his/her best in their situation and shouldn't be judged by anybody here who holds a different opinion on how to treat their pets.

Yes your probably right if you left them outside 24/7 in a pen and never allowed them inside your home then yes they didnt get proper love affection attention, Im glad you realise that now next time maybe you can right your wrongs


Never said dogs wouldnt be cared for... again rambling nonsense I said they wouldnt have the interaction and family bond dogs crave.. they are social creatures, all they want is to be with their families.. not locked in a pen 24/7 in the garden looking in

Flippyfloppy

OP regarding your original question about the insulation of the shed, it might be an idea to go the whole hog and get a concrete shed constructed and insulate that. It would be secure and not too cold during our sometimes cold winters, and not too hot during the summer!

The thing with wooden sheds is that they can get weathered, develop leaks and need replacing/maintenance down the line. I think you can possibly buy steel insulated sheds also. I would think insulating the building would be better than relying solely on blankets , heat lamps etc. while of course these could be added

thehouses

Some crazy responses here! I have seen Kingspan insulated kennels on donedeal, some build them to be a full size garden shed. That or a shed built with blocks would be good, I don't like timber sheds or kennels as they need extra maintenance and can be chewed.

Lemlin

cocker5 wrote: »

Never said dogs wouldnt be cared for... again rambling nonsense I said they wouldnt have the interaction and family bond dogs crave.. they are social creatures, all they want is to be with their families.. not locked in a pen 24/7 in the garden looking in

That's a very "urban" response. We had terriers when I was growing up. They rarely entered the house. I grew up on a farm though where work was constantly outside so the dogs got plenty of interaction.

My own dogs spend time inside and outside. I feel that's best for them. I wouldn't agree with a dog being inside 22/23 hours a day either, particularly in this good weather.

I still know plenty of local people with dogs who would never enter their homes but get plenty of interaction on their farms.

gramar

I'm amazed at some of the responses on here. There must be some dogs with a room to themselves and 4 poster beds. Dogs weren't born to live in houses.

There is nothing wrong with keeping a dog outside. In this case there are two so they have company. Once they have a reasonable amount of space and a decent kennel that's dry and orientated away from prevailing winds they'll be fine. If you build one, a pallet is a good way of raising it from ground level to keep them warmer.

If they have social contact and get the love and affection and walks they need then there is no reason why they won't be the same happy dogs when they're outside. Now is the time to do it before they get used to being inside the new house. If they are put straight outside from the start they won't mind.

cocker5

Lemlin wrote: »

That's a very "urban" response. We had terriers when I was growing up. They rarely entered the house. I grew up on a farm though where work was constantly outside so the dogs got plenty of interaction.

My own dogs spend time inside and outside. I feel that's best for them. I wouldn't agree with a dog being inside 22/23 hours a day either, particularly in this good weather.

I still know plenty of local people with dogs who would never enter their homes but get plenty of interaction on their farms.

Maybe an urban response but many many dogs live in urban areas.. in small pens down the back of an average sized 3 bed semi garden.....where people do not spend lots of time outdoors but in fact inside watching TV etc.... doing house chores...kids stuck infront of ipads / ebox etc its a fact of urban modern days life regretably.

Dogs who are living on farms etc are a different story alltogether, someone works on the farm daily, usually more than 2 dogs etc, so you cant really compare farms and urban living with regard to dogs lifestyle.

gramar....

Just to point out my dog doesnt have a four poster bed... just some vet bed and a plastic dog bed..... although he would like one... maybe i should invest! He currently sleeps in our kitchen but we do have a spare room... so maybe ill move him in there with a four poster bed.... and maybe his own xbox too...

Your still missing the point... nobody said a dog sleeping outside was wrong.. BUT having a dog sleeping outside, in a pen, 24/7 never being allowed inside the house (in other words left in a pen until (if) they get walked) isnt right by any standards

Graces7

gramar wrote: »

I'm amazed at some of the responses on here. There must be some dogs with a room to themselves and 4 poster beds. Dogs weren't born to live in houses.

There is nothing wrong with keeping a dog outside. In this case there are two so they have company. Once they have a reasonable amount of space and a decent kennel that's dry and orientated away from prevailing winds they'll be fine. If you build one, a pallet is a good way of raising it from ground level to keep them warmer.

If they have social contact and get the love and affection and walks they need then there is no reason why they won't be the same happy dogs when they're outside. Now is the time to do it before they get used to being inside the new house. If they are put straight outside from the start they won't mind.

no four poster beds here but safety. sure they have their own room. dogs were born to be companions for most of us here

Graces7

andreac wrote: »

Yes, that's you Graces, im talking about in general.

A lot of people can and do leave their dogs out in the garden during the day. I know i can leave mine out for a few hours if i go out and there's no problems.

no such thing as in general

ThirdMan

You can keep your dogs outside if there's no other option. But you have to appreciate that it's not the best option for them. Make sure you have appropriate shelter and warm bedding. Insulation and a special lamp/bulb are also things to consider.

You say that the cats and dogs don't get along. Well if that's the case then I don't see how you're ever going to have the dogs inside. And if you can get them to get along then why not go the whole way and have them live together? I'm not trying to catch you out. I'm just trying to help you arrive at the best solution.

I know from experience that best intentions are not enough in these situations. You say you'll spend enough time with them in the garden, along with their daily walk, but it won't work out that way. Sometimes it's just too cold, wet and boring to be standing outside punching in time with your dog. It's fun hanging out with your pet when you're doing it at your leisure, but it's a chore when you're only doing it because it needs to be done. You'll know from living with dogs that the best and easiest way to spend time with them is having them inside. They love just lying around, relaxing.

You need to be honest with yourself about how this is going to work. If the dogs are going to be outside 24/7 then you will not be caring for them properly. Plenty of people do it, and years ago it seemed like everyone used to do it. But our understanding of dogs has come on leaps and bounds in recent years and decades. Being on their own for so long is not good for them.

You're going to have to face up to the cat/dog issue. That is the root of your problem. Can the cats go outside for a few hours each night while the dogs are inside? That's not a great solution to be honest, but you need to work something out.

Also, it will effect your dogs behaviour. No doubt about that. I was on holidays for two weeks last summer. My brother, who loves dogs, fed and walked him. But in reality he was on his own for 22 hours a day. When I came home he was different. He seemed timid and didn't want to come inside. I had to drag him in to bed where normally I can't get him out. It took him a few days to get back into the swing of things, but then he was back to his normal, happy self. But that was only because his old routine returned and he was back indoors. In your case the old routine will be gone, permanently. I'm not sure what I'm gonna do the next time I go away but I won't be leaving him on his own, that's for sure.

Plenty of people have their dogs outdoors and it works for them, but I'd argue that's because they've grown up that way and they spend plenty of time with their owner. Your dogs sound like they're going to be outside all of the time.

Best of luck with whatever you do. You sound like you want the best for them.

Theanswers

Dog's sleeping outside will cause them no bother. I know plenty of dogs whom sleep outside and are quite happy. Many wouldn't even want to enter the house.

As long as someone gives them attention, works about outside daily they will be happy.

andreac

Graces7 wrote: »

no such thing as in general

Huh? Yes there is. I was saying a lot of people would leave their dogs out during the day in a garden, thats in general.:rolleyes:

cocker5

andreac wrote: »

Huh? Yes there is. I was saying a lot of people would leave their dogs out during the day in a garden, thats in general.:rolleyes:

I really wish they wouldnt... its faaar too dangerous with dog theifs etc.
My guy is in the kitchen quiet happily sleeping all day (well 3 days a week the other two he's up in his grandparents running around on an acre)...

I would NEVER leave him alone in my garden even though its very secure and on a cul de sac so not much traffic.....

Main reason is I would be terrifed he would be taken.. and secondly I would hate him barking all day annoying my neighbours - not thats he is a barker but if left alone i reckon he would become one.

borderlinemeath

gramar wrote: »

I'm amazed at some of the responses on here. There must be some dogs with a room to themselves and 4 poster beds. Dogs weren't born to live in houses.

Your joke about dogs having a room to themselves is COMPLETELY at odds to what a dog actually wants. Human company. They would be pretty unhappy in a room to themselves.

Dogs became domesticated as companion animals. There's a world of difference. The whole point of dogs being inside with their humans is the companionship and social interaction they get with their family, and they can get that outside too, once their human family is with them. I have no objections to outdoor dogs, once they get their socialisation needs fulfilled during the day. My own dogs spend a huge amount of time outside - with me.

There is nothing wrong with keeping a dog outside. In this case there are two so they have company. Once they have a reasonable amount of space and a decent kennel that's dry and orientated away from prevailing winds they'll be fine. If you build one, a pallet is a good way of raising it from ground level to keep them warmer.

Dogs don't necessarily get by on having another dog as a companion. While two dogs can entertain themselves and tire each other out to a degree, they would far prefer their human family to be there. Sometimes two dogs can be double trouble, encouraging each other to dig, or damage or will rile each other up with barking.

If they have social contact and get the love and affection and walks they need then there is no reason why they won't be the same happy dogs when they're outside. Now is the time to do it before they get used to being inside the new house. If they are put straight outside from the start they won't mind.

If they have the adequate social contact. Plenty of dogs don't. Many a dog I've fostered for my local rescue that didn't even have the most basic housetraining because they were never let indoors at all. I'm sure the OP is going to do his level best to ensure that they get plenty of attention to compensate for the upheavel. He wouldn't be on here asking for advice otherwise.

andreac

cocker5 wrote: »

I really wish they wouldnt... its faaar too dangerous with dog theifs etc.
My guy is in the kitchen quiet happily sleeping all day (well 3 days a week the other two he's up in his grandparents running around on an acre)...

I would NEVER leave him alone in my garden even though its very secure and on a cul de sac so not much traffic.....

Main reason is I would be terrifed he would be taken.. and secondly I would hate him barking all day annoying my neighbours - not thats he is a barker but if left alone i reckon he would become one.

There are some dogs that wouldnt be prime targets for thiefs, good luck trying to get in to my garden with 3 Rottweilers in it

I do understand that its a risk leaving them out. I was terrified my fella when he was a pup would be stolen so he was never outside in the garden as a pup.
Mine arent left on their own anyway for too long and thankfully my 2 older ones can be given the run of the house all day if ever needs be and they wouldnt do a thing.
The pup on the other hand is a diff story lol. But im rarely gone for that long so they wouldnt be outside for too long on their own and mine come to work with me too so again arent left on their own for too long.

gramar

borderlinemeath wrote: »

Your joke about dogs having a room to themselves is COMPLETELY at odds to what a dog actually wants. Human company. They would be pretty unhappy in a room to themselves.

Dogs became domesticated as companion animals. There's a world of difference. The whole point of dogs being inside with their humans is the companionship and social interaction they get with their family, and they can get that outside too, once their human family is with them. I have no objections to outdoor dogs, once they get their socialisation needs fulfilled during the day. My own dogs spend a huge amount of time outside - with me.



Dogs don't necessarily get by on having another dog as a companion. While two dogs can entertain themselves and tire each other out to a degree, they would far prefer their human family to be there. Sometimes two dogs can be double trouble, encouraging each other to dig, or damage or will rile each other up with barking.



If they have the adequate social contact. Plenty of dogs don't. Many a dog I've fostered for my local rescue that didn't even have the most basic housetraining because they were never let indoors at all. I'm sure the OP is going to do his level best to ensure that they get plenty of attention to compensate for the upheavel. He wouldn't be on here asking for advice otherwise.

So you've more or less agreed with me in everything that I said!