Dog won't sleep in new kennel

shamrock55

Just thought I'd use this thread instead of starting a new one. Mod note... Post split away from 9yr old thread
We took on a 2yr old cocker about 6mths ago, he was my sisters but she moved abroad and we took him on, he's been sleeping inside since then but we are currently refurbishing the house and herself wants him sleeping outside at night.
Anyway I got him a new kennel and lovely bedding but he just won't stay in it and starts howling and barking to come in, I have to get up 3 times a night and it's doing my head in.
There's no door on the kennel just a flap, should I put a door on it and just lock him in, it was lashing rain the other night and he was just sat outside his kennel like a drowned rat, he's a pure dope

cocker5

shamrock55 wrote: »

Just thought I'd use this thread instead of starting a new one. Mod note... Post split away from 9yr old thread
We took on a 2yr old cocker about 6mths ago, he was my sisters but she moved abroad and we took him on, he's been sleeping inside since then but we are currently refurbishing the house and herself wants him sleeping outside at night.
Anyway I got him a new kennel and lovely bedding but he just won't stay in it and starts howling and barking to come in, I have to get up 3 times a night and it's doing my head in.
There's no door on the kennel just a flap, should I put a door on it and just lock him in, it was lashing rain the other night and he was just sat outside his kennel like a drowned rat, he's a pure dope

.

Jesus op do NOT lock him in.. he will completely freak out and you’ll scar him for life - it will have to opposite effect he will never use the kennel if you do that

Secondly I have a cocker and can’t imagine him sleeping outside it’s faaar too cold for cockers in the winter to sleep outside.

My feelings aside .... you need to look at the following -

Where is the kennel? Near house beside back door? Can the dog see the house?

Is it raised off the ground? It should be?

You need to associate the kennel with positive things.. put some treats down the back for him... give him a stuffed kong inside.. out in some old blankets so it smells familiar

He’s been sleeping indoors for year it will be hard to change.. also winter is. It the best time to start

Tell your OH to have a heart .., his first owners left him.. now she wants him to sleep outside .. poor pet

Lots of confusing changes for him

cocker5

Sorry should read winter is not the best time to move him outside!

shamrock55

Thanks for the respnce, firstly his kennel is pretty much outside the backdoor it has lots f familiar blankets for him, I must admit the last couple of nights haven't been too bad but he still crys a whines around 5/6 in morn.
If I tell him go to bed he goes into the kennel but comes straight back out again, if I tell him stay he just stands there with his head half out the door
I know when I go in he just comes out, I think he's just sleeping on the cold paving all night, why in gods name won't he sleep in the lovely warm kennel with all the blankets

shamrock55

Just one thing that I've noticed about the dog now is when he knows it's coming close to bedtime and if you start to talk to him his eyes go all squinty, it's like he's trying not to see me and he thinks well if I can't see you then you can't see me and you can't put me out to bed, it's hilarious tbh 😂

DBB

shamrock55 wrote: »

he knows it's coming close to bedtime and if you start to talk to him his eyes go all squinty, it's like he's trying not to see me and he thinks well if I can't see you then you can't see me and you can't put me out to bed, it's hilarious tbh 😂

Squinting eyes displayed when a dog is feeling under pressure is one of a suite of what's called "calming signals", which are outward manifestations that the dog is feeling somewhat threatened and uncomfortable. So, whilst it might look hilarious to you, I regret to say it's actually his polite way of telling you that he really isn't comfortable about what's coming next. The dog is not trying to be funny at all, at all.
You're asking a lot of him op. He doesn't much care whether his kennel is "lovely" or "warm"... All he wants is to be inside, because that's what he's used to. I'm not sure how your sister did things, but if she kept him inside, then sleeping in the house is all he knows. To expect a dog to quietly accept a sudden and major change to his comfort zone is, for most dogs, too much to ask. So this distressed behaviour you're seeing now, and resistance to using a box that he presumably doesn't know the function of, was pretty much bound to happen. In fact, in a career of training dogs, I don't believe I've ever met one that has readily accepted being suddenly expected to sleep in a kennel when he's used to sleeping inside his home.
That's just the bald facts of the situation op. You've a few choices. Either grin and bear it (which will have potentially significant welfare implications for the dog, both physical and psychological), or let him back in the house (maybe you could use a puppy playpen at night if it's a case your partner worries about him damaging your new stuff), or let him go to an indoor-only home where he can continue the life he is accustomed to and not undergo the distress he currently is experiencing under this new regime that's not of his making.
For the sake of the dog, something's going to have to give here.

shamrock55

Thanks for your reply, I knew the squinty eyes was because he doesn't like what's coming alright, I'm just gonna have to persist a little longer with him, he doesn't seem distressed by it in any way other then bedtime, he's pretty much inside all day and evening anyway and is his normal self otherwise, surely there has to be a way of getting a dog who's used to sleeping inside to sleep in a kennel

DBB

I wouldn't expect him to show distress until the time comes to go out. Similarly to dogs who suffer from separation distress... They don't exhibit signs until the time comes for their owner to leave. Or a dog who's frightened of other dogs, won't show aggression unless there are other dogs about. Does this make it acceptable for them to be distressed when it comes to the crunch? Not for me personally, but it's up for you to decide what you're comfortable with. If you decide you're okay with it, then to be honest, you're just going to have to accept that you're putting the dog in a situation that distresses him, and you'll need to take whatever problem behaviours result from that.
If he's not enjoying being out at night, and assuming he's out there for a minimum of 8ish hours, that leaves a third of his day where he's feeling anxious/distressed. Many would argue that even if the stressor is not applied 24/7, that distress can bleed over into other troublesome, anxiety-related behaviours even when the stressor is not being applied.
It's up to you op. But I would encourage you to look at this problem from the dog's viewpoint, not just your own.

borderlinemeath

What has he damaged that has warranted the outdoor sleeping? I know you said that you're getting the house done up but unless he has been a tornado of destruction in your existing living environment, then I don't see the need to banish him outside.

What your asking of him is a massive upheaval OP. Firstly he loses his owner, now that he feels like he has a new n family, he's suddenly being banished outside to sleep. He's a companion animal and every time you out him out to sleep you're raising his anxiety levels.

Do you know that dogs have the mental capacity of a toddler? They can feel distressed, anxious, insecure and far more emotions than people give them credit for. If you're going to persist with distressing him every night, be prepared for him to develop some problem behaviours, maybe persistent barking - whatever about you, be prepared for your neighbours to complain. Maybe he'll start to chew or become destructive, or perhaps he'll develop a more serious case of separation anxiety. It may not be as simple as you think that "he'll get used to it".

FYI, I've 4 dogs sleeping in the house, before and after refurbishment. Zero damage done. The toddler child however has damaged way more than the dogs, and is way messier. Food for thought.

pegasus1

OP, you have highlighted the reason that animal welfare is so bad in this country.. The idea that dogs should be outside is outdated... but even that is a wrong assumption as animals that were domesticated aeons ago, used to all sleep in the home for protection from wild animals..
If the dog has started to destroy things when/if kept inside at night, then at least crate train and keep inside...
The main reason for refusing a dog a forever home from a rescue is on the principal of potential adoptee's not keeping the dog inside the family environment ie with you inside the house..
No house is too small.
It is not fair on him to be kept outside when he was used to the warmth and heat of being inside protected from the elements.
There is a law in Sweden which should be made EU wide, which is no dog should be left outside longer than an hour..or something to those words..
I have 3 dogs living inside, 1 large and two small, all rescues, and we had fostered another large one for 9 weeks, before finding a home in Sweden.
The only Damage done was a good few socks chewed in the past and some light scratches around door handles due to dogs opening the doors.

tk123

I hope live in the middle of nowhere OP or your neighbours will soon come calling - the dog 'wrecking the place' was exactly the reason our neighbours gave for turfing him out at night.. They also couldn't hear him barking at night but got many many complaints from people who could...

If I was worried about one of mine wrecking the place I'd crate them.. springers are pretty small (compared to my 2 retrievers) so you'd only need a small crate.. which you can have as plain with just wire or fancy with a wooden top to look like an end table etc etc as you want so it wouldn't look out of place in the tidiest of homes..

Varta

The main reason for refusing a dog a forever home from a rescue is on the principal of potential adoptee's not keeping the dog inside the family environment ie with you inside the house..

And this is the reason why rescue centres should be nationalised. The idea that all dogs should live indoors is just anthropomorphism. Dogs are healthy and happiest in the outdoors, once they aren't left alone for long periods. Plus many dogs actually prefer to sleep outdoors. By all means they should be brought indoors to spend time with their owners, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with a dog spending time alone in a decent garden space or sleeping in a good quality kennel. There are certain exceptions, such as some of the less robust breeds. And Sweden is a country with very severe winters, so it cannot be compared with temperate Ireland.

shamrock55

Thanks for the replys but you'd swear I was trying t kill him, cocker spanial dogs as friendly as they are were bred as hunting dogs not as indoor companions, they should be used to outdoor environment, I honestly don't think it distresses the dg as much as you say, what's the difference of sleeping in a warm kennel or warm house, he's sleeping on his own either way and both are warm, it's the diff environment that is the problem and I'm sure with some persistence and time he'll be sleeping like a baby in his kennel.
The only advice I'm getting here is keep him indoors, that won't be happening, I'm asking for ways to make it easier for him to transition that's all

Graces7

shamrock55 wrote: »

Thanks for the replys but you'd swear I was trying t kill him, cocker spanial dogs as friendly as they are were bred as hunting dogs not as indoor companions, they should be used to outdoor environment, I honestly don't think it distresses the dg as much as you say, what's the difference of sleeping in a warm kennel or warm house, he's sleeping on his own either way and both are warm, it's the diff environment that is the problem and I'm sure with some persistence and time he'll be sleeping like a baby in his kennel.
The only advice I'm getting here is keep him indoors, that won't be happening, I'm asking for ways to make it easier for him to transition that's all

Indoors he can smell and hear you.He is in your environment with his people . So he is not alone.

Outside he IS alone.

That is the difference.

Varta

Try leaving him outside during the day for an hour or two at a time with a nice bone tied to the inside of the kennel. This should stop him from associating the kennel with being out outside at night. Some dogs have a mind of their own though and it's hard to change them. I have a big old collie who has always refused point blank to sleep in a kennel but always wants to sleep outside at night. He has a great coat on him and is not bothered at all by cold weather. The problem I have is that I'm trying to keep him inside at night at the moment because he is very frightened of fireworks, and unfortunately they have already begun to go off. He starts agitating to go out at about 6am! The funny thing is he loves to come into the house at about 4pm and be with the family, but as soon as he senses that everyone is retiring he goes to the door and wants out. And you are right about cockers being bred for an outdoor life.

shamrock55

Varta wrote: »

Try leaving him outside during the day for an hour or two at a time with a nice bone tied to the inside of the kennel. This should stop him from associating the kennel with being out outside at night. Some dogs have a mind of their own though and it's hard to change them. I have a big old collie who has always refused point blank to sleep in a kennel but always wants to sleep outside at night. He has a great coat on him and is not bothered at all by cold weather. The problem I have is that I'm trying to keep him inside at night at the moment because he is very frightened of fireworks, and unfortunately they have already begun to go off. He starts agitating to go out at about 6am! The funny thing is he loves to come into the house at about 4pm and be with the family, but as soon as he senses that everyone is retiring he goes to the door and wants out. And you are right about cockers being bred for an outdoor life.

Thank you, and I'll try the bone thing aswell

Hoboo

Why anyone thinks a pack animal should sleep away from the pack is beyond me. It's up there with sending kids up chimneys.

Recliner

Just my 2 cents, but even the statement that ye "took him on" gives me the feeling that it wasn't for the love of the dog. I agree that it's not right to try to change things too much for him. He's not a dope. You don't seem to have much empathy for him and neither does your OH. Would ye not think of trying to get him rehomed somewhere where he'd be wanted?
Our dog is a huge part of our life. I'd be horrified if my OH decided she had to sleep outside. My OH would be put outside quicker.
I know some will accuse me of being a bleeding heart but I don't mind.

Gravelly

Hoboo wrote: »

Why anyone thinks a pack animal should sleep away from the pack is beyond me. It's up there with sending kids up chimneys.

Ah, here. I'm a fan of a bit of the oul hyperbole myself, but that one's a small bit overcooked.

borderlinemeath

shamrock55 wrote: »

Thanks for the replys but you'd swear I was trying t kill him, cocker spanial dogs as friendly as they are were bred as hunting dogs not as indoor companions, they should be used to outdoor environment, I honestly don't think it distresses the dg as much as you say, what's the difference of sleeping in a warm kennel or warm house, he's sleeping on his own either way and both are warm, it's the diff environment that is the problem and I'm sure with some persistence and time he'll be sleeping like a baby in his kennel.
The only advice I'm getting here is keep him indoors, that won't be happening, I'm asking for ways to make it easier for him to transition that's all

You're completely missing the points that posters have made regarding the dogs mental well being. Yes, cockers are hardy little dogs and we're originally bred for hunting but the vast majority of hunting dogs have been bred and are used to only sleeping outdoors and have never known a "pet" life like your dog has. Besides the fact that little or no cockers do gun work anyway as the vast majority don't have the temperament for it. Years of breeding purely as pets and as a puppy farm favourite, many have developed inherited behavioural issues anyway.

You didn't answer my question by the way. What damage has he done to the existing living environment that warrants him to be turfed out when it's refurbished? Or is "herself" just working off a hunch?

shamrock55

The dog hasn't done any damage in fairness, we getting new flooring, couches etc, don't want him on them, he has a fair mess made to our old couch alright though and treats it like his own, he sleeps on it on his back with his 4 paws in the air for christ sake, we've carpets upstairs and have to constantly hoover, we had to put a child gate at bottom of stairs which is a pain in the ass

shamrock55

Plus he's not being turfed out as you put it, he has a brand new kennel, families blankets, food water and toys all with him, I only want him out when rest of us are in bed

Recliner

shamrock55 wrote: »

The dog hasn't done any damage in fairness, we getting new flooring, couches etc, don't want him on them, he has a fair mess made to our old couch alright though and treats it like his own, he sleeps on it on his back with his 4 paws in the air for christ sake, we've carpets upstairs and have to constantly hoover, we had to put a child gate at bottom of stairs which is a pain in the ass

So he was relaxed and happy enough to sleep in a vulnerable position, you have to do a bit of extra hoovering and you've had to put in a child gate, don't understand how that's a pain in the ass. Could ye not just keep the doors into the hallway closed?
And the only solution seems to be to dump the poor dog outside. If there's ever kids in your future, they'll potentially cause a lot more mess. Honestly, for the dogs sake, would ye not consider rehoming. If carpets and furniture are a higher priority to ye, it might be the best thing. Not everyones a dog person and that's OK.

DBB

shamrock55 wrote: »

Plus he's not being turfed out as you put it, he has a brand new kennel, families blankets, food water and toys all with him, I only want him out when rest of us are in bed

None of those things matter to him op.
That's why he's causing trouble when you put him out.
He's just doing what countless dogs do when they're stressed about being on their own, in this case all of a sudden.

tk123

Recliner wrote: »

So he was relaxed and happy enough to sleep in a vulnerable position, you have to do a bit of extra hoovering and you've had to put in a child gate, don't understand how that's a pain in the ass. Could ye not just keep the doors into the hallway closed?
And the only solution seems to be to dump the poor dog outside. If there's ever kids in your future, they'll potentially cause a lot more mess. Honestly, for the dogs sake, would ye not consider rehoming. If carpets and furniture are a higher priority to ye, it might be the best thing. Not everyones a dog person and that's OK.

+1

I have twice the fur (probably more as they're bigger), a gate up 9 years now and runner mats now to prevent slipping.

How can a dog who is inside what 16 hours a day (minus whatever for walks) only do damage and drop fur for 8 hours at night when he's asleep?!

DBB

Varta wrote: »

And this is the reason why rescue centres should be nationalised. The idea that all dogs should live indoors is just anthropomorphism. Dogs are healthy and happiest in the outdoors, once they aren't left alone for long periods. Plus many dogs actually prefer to sleep outdoors

There's a reasonable amount of research done on the whole area of welfare and happiness of dogs that live inside vs outside. The available evidence goes overwhelmingly against what you say here.

Recliner

tk123 wrote: »

+1

I have twice the fur (probably more as they're bigger), a gate up 9 years now and runner mats now to prevent slipping.

How can a dog who is inside what 16 hours a day (minus whatever for walks) only do damage and drop fur for 8 hours at night when he's asleep?!

In fairness, our one has total run of the house, which we're OK with. Everyone who visits knows the hair situation here! But the enjoyment and happiness she brings us far outweighs a bit of extra hoovering. Even when we go away, we find her hairs and we just think of it as her still being with us. I'm actually cringing here writing this, I probably sound like a nutter to someone who isn't a dog person, but I've probably been called worse.

emeldc

shamrock55 wrote: »

Plus he's not being turfed out as you put it, he has a brand new kennel, families blankets, food water and toys all with him, I only want him out when rest of us are in bed

Can you not confine him to the utility room or something at night time. What damage could he do there. Have you no bond with the poor dog. Don't you care that he's unhappy and stressed out to be outside at night when he's allowed inside all day. Seriously, maybe you should consider re-homing the dog with someone who can look after his needs before their own.

angel eyes 2012

shamrock55 wrote: »

Thanks for the replys but you'd swear I was trying t kill him, cocker spanial dogs as friendly as they are were bred as hunting dogs not as indoor companions, they should be used to outdoor environment, I honestly don't think it distresses the dg as much as you say, what's the difference of sleeping in a warm kennel or warm house, he's sleeping on his own either way and both are warm, it's the diff environment that is the problem and I'm sure with some persistence and time he'll be sleeping like a baby in his kennel.
The only advice I'm getting here is keep him indoors, that won't be happening, I'm asking for ways to make it easier for him to transition that's all

I'm sorry, I have to say it, I feel really sorry for your dog. And laughing at him and calling him a dope is quite unsettling. Our dogs are rescue dogs with the associated issues that comes from being mistreated in their previous "homes", if my husband even suggested putting them outside for a few hours (he wouldn't even consider this), he would be the one kicked out in the garden! There was a doggie left outside in a garden near us howling and crying all night. I couldn't get asleep worrying about him. I was afraid to do anything about it as I thought the owners would make the dog's life even more unbearable. I wasn't aware of the Swedish approach, which is so positive to hear.

Anyway emotions aside, bear in mind that dogs left in the garden have been dognapped and drugged in the past so burglars could access property unimpeded. A dog is significantly more of a deterrent to a burglar inside a property than outside. Please do not give a bone to a dog. Dogs have suffered blockages in their digestive tracts, choking, cuts and wounds in the mouth and tonsils. Most of the time dogs will digest them perfectly fine, however it can be deadly for the dog and can result in costly vet bills.

borderlinemeath

shamrock55 wrote: »

Plus he's not being turfed out as you put it, he has a brand new kennel, families blankets, food water and toys all with him, I only want him out when rest of us are in bed

To him he is being turfed out. As you say, he's used to the run of the house, sleeping on the couch and then suddenly now, at night, he's excluded and put outside. There's strange noises, strange smells, and he's not got the security he was previously afforded. And as you say, for no good reason - he hasn't damaged anything - he's just being a dog.



Try crate training or confining him to the kitchen or utility. And as another poster said, god help you if you have kids if you think a dog makes a mess. You'll have stairgates everywhere, child locks on kitchen and bathroom cupboards, and the most apt description of your home will be that it constantly looks like you're the victim of a burglary.

L1985

Hi OP. TBH I think some of the sentiments here are a bit much. We have 3dogs and 2 sleep outside and not a bother on them. They are sleeping in an outhouse that used to be a dwelling house and have duvets and beds etc. They sleep separately and are in with us until bedtime.our dogs are v v well looked after and only time locked in is at night. My advice is-try get him in and out during the day, feed him in there put a favourite toy in there etc. He will start associating it with positive rather then negative. Also have a routine with him same time each night etc. Our collie asks to go to bed and if it's raining is v reluctant to get up in the morning. Giving her a treat when we put her to bed works as well but we do lock them in. She was nervy at the start and didn't like it but loves it now. We now have one small dog who sleeps in the sitting room and yes there is an issue with doggy smell that we didn't have when the dogs are just in in the evening.

Gravelly

I think the only solution is for the OP and his missus to move out to the kennel, and to let the dog have the house. You could come in every morning to cook him breakfast and clean the house, but you'd need to be out by 8, 9 at the latest. Anything else is pretty much child abuse.

Hoboo

Hoboo wrote: »

Why anyone thinks a pack animal should sleep away from the pack is beyond me. It's up there with sending kids up chimneys.

Why anyone thinks animals have to sleep inside a house is beyond me. A good kennel or shed is perfectly fine for them.

Op the opinions we will get in here are not even related to what you will encounter from normal people in everyday life who understand that dogs are dogs not babies. There are loads of very happy dogs that are never allowed set foot inside the house despite what you read in here.

Also there is no rule in Sweden about keeping dogs outdoors.

DBB

Evangeline Prehistoric Suspenders wrote: »

Why anyone thinks animals have to sleep inside a house is beyond me. A good kennel or shed is perfectly fine for them.

Op the opinions we will get in here are not even related to what you will encounter from normal people in everyday life who understand that dogs are dogs not babies. There are loads of very happy dogs that are never allowed set foot inside the house despite what you read in here.

Nox, there is a reasonable amount of evidence that completely contradicts what you and others are saying.
It all boils down to the old, traditional attitude of "animals don't belong in the house", which is supported only by anecdote and old wives' tales, vs what the huge raft of scientific evidence about dog behaviour and welfare gathered over the past couple of decades tells us about what actually makes dogs happy and content. I'm talking specifically about pet dogs here, though there is also a mistaken belief amongst many hunters that their working dogs would be somehow spoiled if allowed to live inside.
The "keep them outside" attitude is supported by anecdote, whilst the "dogs suffer (psychologically) if you keep them outside, particularly when they're not used to it, and if being outside causes them to be more separated from their humans than they're happy with" approach is supported by peer-reviewed scientific research, and expert opinion.
In my opinion, people are really, really poor at identifying when their dog is stressed. Even here, the op has laughed off the stress signals his dog is giving off, and has referred to his stressed dog as a "dope". Ive met veterinary professionals who don't recognise stress signals from dogs. Lots of them. So, when people say that dogs are perfectly happy to live outdoors, which contradicts what has been empirically measured via research, it looks to me like they're not actually reading their dogs very well, and the "he's perfectly happy" line is a mistaken assumption.

I take grave exception to you asserting that the posters here are not "normal", and I'm pretty sick of you posting here to express this. If you don't like the forum, don't bloody well post here. Ya know? I know the attitude here doesn't suit you, but in fact, most of the "abnormal" posters expressing their opinions here are far closer to the truth (as supported by research) than you are.

em_cat

Evangeline Prehistoric Suspenders wrote: »

Also there is no rule in Sweden about keeping dogs outdoors.

You might want to put a bit of research into the new legislations, Sweden has very clear rules about where and how pets are kept and clarifies a distinction between pet and livestock.

OP, it would seem to me that neither you or your OH really want the dog, in this case it would be best to have it rehomed.

A huge amount of people end up spending years of their lives and money addressing the fear and distress that is caused by what you are asking for tips on.

Cherry Blossom

Aliya Early Swatch wrote: »

Op the opinions we will get in here are not even related to what you will encounter from normal people in everyday life who understand that dogs are dogs not babies. There are loads of very happy dogs that are never allowed set foot inside the house despite what you read in here.

Aliya Early Swatch, implying that the regular posters of this forum are not normal is offensive and I'm going to construe it as personal abuse. Every time you come in to this forum you dish out this personal abuse and disdain for pet owners while failing, as in this case to provide advice yourself of any kind to anyone. Maybe it's time you considered that this forum is not the place for you. Tread carefully, this is your last warning.

shamrock55

Recliner wrote: »

So he was relaxed and happy enough to sleep in a vulnerable position, you have to do a bit of extra hoovering and you've had to put in a child gate, don't understand how that's a pain in the ass. Could ye not just keep the doors into the hallway closed?
And the only solution seems to be to dump the poor dog outside. If there's ever kids in your future, they'll potentially cause a lot more mess. Honestly, for the dogs sake, would ye not consider rehoming. If carpets and furniture are a higher priority to ye, it might be the best thing. Not everyones a dog person and that's OK.

I have kids and they love the dog so I don't want to get rid, instead of telling me how to live my life maybe give some positive input to my question

shamrock55

Evangeline Prehistoric Suspenders wrote: »

Why anyone thinks animals have to sleep inside a house is beyond me. A good kennel or shed is perfectly fine for them.

Op the opinions we will get in here are not even related to what you will encounter from normal people in everyday life who understand that dogs are dogs not babies. There are loads of very happy dogs that are never allowed set foot inside the house despite what you read in here.

Also there is no rule in Sweden about keeping dogs outdoors.

I know, people in here are crazy sensative, I'm actually waiting for someone to tell me bring the dog into bed with me, this is a society thing and it's feck in nuts.
They are dogs not humans, I can still love my dog as much as anyone else but have him sleep in a kennel, for christ sake guys get a grip

Dubl07

shamrock55 wrote: »

Thanks for the replys but you'd swear I was trying t kill him, cocker spanial dogs as friendly as they are were bred as hunting dogs not as indoor companions, they should be used to outdoor environment, I honestly don't think it distresses the dg as much as you say, what's the difference of sleeping in a warm kennel or warm house, he's sleeping on his own either way and both are warm, it's the diff environment that is the problem and I'm sure with some persistence and time he'll be sleeping like a baby in his kennel.
The only advice I'm getting here is keep him indoors, that won't be happening, I'm asking for ways to make it easier for him to transition that's all

My late cocker was from a champion line of show dogs, not working dogs. He was whelped inside, weaned inside and slept inside. The two lines are entirely divergent - and in a hunting dog situation, he'd have been with other dogs in a well-insulated shed from weaning, not suddenly all alone in a little wooden box with a flap letting in unfamiliar noises and smells throughout the night. I'd regard your dog's current situation as inhumane if not downright cruel. If my significant other were to suggest such treatment of a pet, it's not the pet who'd be out on their ear.

Recliner

shamrock55 wrote: »

Recliner wrote: »

So he was relaxed and happy enough to sleep in a vulnerable position, you have to do a bit of extra hoovering and you've had to put in a child gate, don't understand how that's a pain in the ass. Could ye not just keep the doors into the hallway closed?
And the only solution seems to be to dump the poor dog outside. If there's ever kids in your future, they'll potentially cause a lot more mess. Honestly, for the dogs sake, would ye not consider rehoming. If carpets and furniture are a higher priority to ye, it might be the best thing. Not everyones a dog person and that's OK.

I have kids and they love the dog so I don't want to get rid, instead of telling me how to live my life maybe give some positive input to my question

Not telling you how to live your life at all, this is the animals and pets forums, I'm looking at it from the point of view of a pet owner who considers my dog to be a part of my family. I don't put my family outside in the night time to sleep. End of. I can't give you positive input to putting your dog outside because I don't agree with it. I've been very polite to you, I gave my opinion, that's all it was.

Gravelly

Dubl07 wrote: »

My late cocker was from a champion line of show dogs, not working dogs. He was whelped inside, weaned inside and slept inside. The two lines are entirely divergent - and in a hunting dog situation, he'd have been with other dogs in a well-insulated shed from weaning, not suddenly all alone in a little wooden box with a flap letting in unfamiliar noises and smells throughout the night. I'd regard your dog's current situation as inhumane if not downright cruel. If my significant other were to suggest such treatment of a pet, it's not the pet who'd be out on their ear.

You’re the second poster on this thread that, for no reason, boasted that you’d rather throw your partner outside than the dog. That amazes me that someone would rather the person they supposedly love be cold than a pet. I’m really glad I’m not married to either of you, you sound like you lack empathy.

DBB

Oh for the love of Baby Jebus.
OP, I don't see the point in keeping your thread open any longer. You've received plenty of advice on both "sides" , but quite frankly, you only seem prepared to take the advice you want to hear, which is not necessarily what a professional would advise. That might explain why people are, as you describe, "sensitive".
Good luck with your dog.
Thanks
DBB