Qualitymark wrote: » Depends on the dog. I used to leave my dog outside when I went to work, for a few months, then my neighbours told me she was barking and barking. Started leaving her inside, checked with the neighbours and they said no barks from inside. She just felt insecure and scared outside. Lots of other dogs are happier outside. The one thing dogs absolutely do need is interaction with their humans. A walk is important - the dog gets to sniff the social life of the area and mark its territory; I think dogs look on this as kind of "the hunt". Even a short walk is better than no walk. (It's good for humans too, especially if you can walk by water.) And every dog should be petted comprehensively at least once a day, with plenty of stroking around the head and neck in a calm, kind way. And play, of course.
Andy From Sligo wrote: I know you say theres a kennel where you are but when we get back to - degrees centigrade temperatures will it still be OK to keep dogs outside in that? I know they got coats to keep them warm but still ...
RonanP77 wrote: » There are over 70 trees in my garden to provide shade in the heat, when it gets too cold there are heavy blankets provided in the kennel.
tipparetops wrote: » I sometimes wonder why people have dogs as pets only to leave them outside at night.A dog wants to be part of your family, it does not want to be chained up outside or put in one of those crates.
RonanP77 wrote: » Another load of crap, if a dog has always lived outside and has never been in the house then it doesn't know any different. The main problem I have with your statement is the bit in Bold, you seem to be saying a dog that is kept outside will not be treated, or feel, like part of the family There are a lot of dogs that live outside that are perfectly happy, they aren't being ignored, abused or treated badly. I hate to see any animals in a house, I think it's dirty and it's not natural.
Cold War Kid wrote: » Treating a dog as akin to a person is silly IMO, but I hate the other, "hard", utilitarian attitude towards dogs too. For a domesticated dog, somewhere in between seems fairest IMO.
tipparetops wrote: » The problem with many dog owners is the dog they choose. Many people get inappropriate dogs as pets. wrong size, wrong breed. No dog wants to be outside at night, they want to be with their family inside. Sitting by the fire in winter, dogs love it. I have working dogs and would never leave them outside at night. They stay in the utility room at the back door.
RonanP77 wrote: » How do you know what a dog wants? As was mentioned earlier, not every dog is the same so they don't all want the same thing. I used to have German Shepherds and even when the back door was left open, they never showed the slightest bit of interest in coming inside.
RonanP77 wrote: » Another load of crap, if a dog has always lived outside and has never been in the house then it doesn't know any different. The main problem I have with your statement is the bit in Bold, you seem to be saying a dog that is kept outside will not be treated, or feel, like part of the family There are a lot of dogs that live outside that are perfectly happy, they aren't being ignored, abused or treated badly.I hate to see any animals in a house, I think it's dirty and it's not natural.
Andy From Sligo wrote: » are you the dog whisperer lol - you dont really know what dogs 'like best' or whats good for dogs and as others have said all dogs are not the same. its said that dogs are very faithful - I have seen dogs that have been abused still being faithful to humans, and some have been beaten and still will go up to their owners and wag their tail - that doesnt mean to say that the way they have been treated well - these poor dogs that have been outside in the damp and rain can end up with pneumonia and rheumatism in later life , so I dont agree that its the right things for dogs to be outside like this without ever being allowed into the house. Yes, I suppose if they are dogs that have been kept outside most of the time they could be classed as 'Dirty' with muddy paws and god knows what parasite and ticks picked up from outside - we have dogs that come into the house they are not dirty, they are always washing, dont pee up stuff, they are a bit smelly and malt quite a bit but I reckon if they could talk they would say they are more contented at being inside in the daytime and at night - they love being outside for walks but sometimes when they are in the garden they have enough, bark then we let them in and they shut up - so maybe their barking is saying 'let us in!'
Bongalongherb wrote: » Maybe a new law should be implemented for the half majority of adults in Ireland that purchase a dog to give as a gift, or the other sponge-brained folk that haven't the slightest clue how to look after a dog. A competence test should be included for every person before they can own or bring up a dog. Maybe then the animal shelters won't be full to capacity and also have to destroy some dogs. A bit of education to the sponges will help it all forward and hopefully extinguish the need for dog rescue centres. Even by half would be good.
Bongalongherb wrote: » hopefully extinguish the need for dog rescue centres. Even by half would be good.