Out door dogs

[WhatsUpDuck]

I'd like to hear experiences with outdoor dogs. We got another dog. I wanted her for an outdoor dog. She is an antolian shepherd/ pyrenees mix (50/50). She loves being outdoors. We have our "family" dog who lives inside, but is trained to be on our property and run around. I know it's probably stupid, but I'm feeling guilty for getting ready to transition the puppy to outside except for night..Are your dogs happy outside? I'm overthinking this right?

 

[WingItRanch]

I think it depends on the scenario. I have the same mix but he's specifically a Livestock Guardian Dog and lives with the goats. He's never lived inside with people so it's all he's known. Trying to get him in a car for vet visits is a theatrical mess.

I've also never had an "outside" dog before him. I've only had pet dogs but this big guy has a job to do so I've tried to put it on the mindset of him being part of the Livestock.

Are you planning on separating the 2 dogs during the day? That, to me, would be tough if they're already bonded.

 

[WhatsUpDuck]

They won't be separated all day. Our other dog she spends a lot of time outside because she wants to and is trained to and doesn't leave the yard. They LOVE being outside and playing together. I'm worried that might defeat the purpose of having a working dog though.

 

[WingItRanch]

Is she going to be a working dog? Thinking she'll help protect the chickens? I think having a friend to play with is absolutely fine.

 

[WhatsUpDuck]

Yes she is going to be a working dog. My husband and I would like to get goats LORD willing this spring/summer. But for now I'd like her out patrolling our yard helping guard the chickens. I know it's not 100 percent. A side note they both really like our chickens and cats and are not aggressive.

 

[WingItRanch]

Yes she is going to be a working dog. My husband and I would like to get goats LORD willing this spring/summer. But for now I'd like her out patrolling our yard helping guard the chickens. I know it's not 100 percent. A side note they both really like our chickens and cats and are not aggressive.

I just started this endeavor myself! I got my first 2 goats a couple months ago. Then I got sick of bringing them inside every night to lock them away from predators and searched for a LGD. I got lucky and found a year old boy that grew up living with goats. He sleeps with them every night too.

If you want a true LGD for your goats (and chickens), you'll want her with them 24/7. I think getting her used to be being outside a lot is a good idea. Having her inside the house every night might cause trouble for you in the future, though... it'll be hard to change her routine up to have her sleep with the goats.

 

[2 Acres]

I think it depends on the scenario. I have the same mix but he's specifically a Livestock Guardian Dog and lives with the goats. He's never lived inside with people so it's all he's known. Trying to get him in a car for vet visits is a theatrical mess.

I've also never had an "outside" dog before him. I've only had pet dogs but this big guy has a job to do so I've tried to put it on the mindset of him being part of the Livestock.

Are you planning on separating the 2 dogs during the day? That, to me, would be tough if they're already bonded.

Food for thought....
https://www.butlereagle.com/20220510/middlesex-farmer-warns-neighbors-after-chickens-found-dead/