Outdoor Dog vs. Indoor Dog

[Aquatic_blue]

We've had outside dogs. They do okay if properly housed. Certain breeds like livestock guarding breeds and those that need to be acclimated to the outside temperatures do better outside, like hunting dogs. We no longer keep outside dogs.

A solitary dog outside is no way for a dog to live. They need company. They need their pack. A dog is the only species that will choose a human over their own kind for company. We have bred them for that trait, not all breeds, but many.

So pick your breed carefully if you desire an outside dog. Many of those breeds are less inclined towards human company, but they need a job.

I prefer my dog with me whether I'm outside or in. Hair, dirt, slobber, they all are a part of owning a dog. If you don't like that stuff you won't like dogs in my opinion.

Picking the best breed based on what traits you desire will make dog ownership an enjoyable experience. Pick the wrong breed, and you and the dog will be unhappy.

Yes, I am learning which breed is a crucial part of this for sure.

Truthfully, you got me - I am a cat person. We used to have two cats and my husband let me without telling me he was allergic...8 years later he was getting so ill and I didn't know why. He got to the point he couldn't even pet them so he couldn't hide it anymore. Yeah, I am pretty ticked off about it when I think of it. We also hit hard financial times and I decided to rehome the cats =(

So, if we got a cat or dog..well, that decision is easy...it would have to be a dog. I am scared of dogs - got bit a lot when I was a kid. I am fine if I get to know the dog and their mannerisms. It is scary to me that they feel harder to read than a cat. My husband loves dogs and my oldest has wanted a dog for years so it is complicated and it isn't a decision we will probably fully make until we are 100% sure about everything since we don't want to make another mistake like we did with the cats.

 

[janiedoe]

Wow, 21 years old is really something! I am sorry to hear about your loss =(

I can imagine a pond would be messy with dogs that enjoy it =P haha.

Thank you so much. It was rough losing my Truman. And yeah, who would think that boxers would enjoy swimming so much? Lol.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Yes, I am learning which breed is a crucial part of this for sure.

Truthfully, you got me - I am a cat person. We used to have two cats and my husband let me without telling me he was allergic...8 years later he was getting so ill and I didn't know why. He got to the point he couldn't even pet them so he couldn't hide it anymore. Yeah, I am pretty ticked off about it when I think of it. We also hit hard financial times and I decided to rehome the cats =(

So, if we got a cat or dog..well, that decision is easy...it would have to be a dog. I am scared of dogs - got bit a lot when I was a kid. I am fine if I get to know the dog and their mannerisms. It is scary to me that they feel harder to read than a cat. My husband loves dogs and my oldest has wanted a dog for years so it is complicated and it isn't a decision we will probably fully make until we are 100% sure about everything since we don't want to make another mistake like we did with the cats.

You would probably be best suited to an easy going and wanting to please breed like a golden retriever. Dogs aren't for everyone. Some will take advantage of a person who doesn't understand their language. I think if you can understand a cat, a dog should be pretty easy too.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I think Indoor dog/outdoor dog depends entirely on what type of dog you get, where you live and your lifestyle.

We have 2 dogs at the moment. They are large breed dogs - a 5 year old German Shepherd and a 13 year old English Setter. the shepherd is over 110 pounds and the setter is about 60 pounds. We live in the country on 25 acres, most of it old pasture and hay field.

At night, they sleep in the house because I don't like them barking all night while I am trying to sleep. Recently we have been locking them in their kennels at night because the old dog has taken to peeing in the house during the night..

Have you had the old English Setter to the vet lately? Incontinence could be a sign of kidney issues, especially at this age. I encourage you to have this checked out before it reaches a point of no return.

 

[Aquatic_blue]

Assuming you want a pet dog, I believe they should be primarily indoors - the dog will be happier for it, because they want to be with you. Working dogs that need to be outdoors should be provided proper shelter in order to do their jobs (with adequate shelter).

To address some of your concerns, this is how I handle it:
- I absolutely do not leave dogs in the yard. My current lot isn't fenced so that's not feasible here, but even with a fence, dogs are great at getting themselves into "stuff" so I always supervise them. Example: I was staying at my parents house at one point and my mom put my little dog out in the yard without telling me for several hours - the dog found and ate a palm seed that ended up impacting her small intestines and costing us almost $2000 in surgery and vet bills.
- I don't let my dogs sleep in our beds or anywhere near the bedroom (only exception so far is our newest dog, with severe anxiety, so we let her sleep outside the door for a few weeks, then gradually moved her away so now she's downstairs). They're also not allowed on the furniture. They have free access to about 1/3rd of the house which includes the living space we frequent the most. They also have their own doggie bedroom with multiple beds and all their toys. 2 of the dogs use the bedroom (the 3rd does not, as she can open the door!)
- I don't keep water in the house as 2 of 3 of my current dogs are super messy drinkers. We have it on the porch and the dogs are let out to drink. Their food bowls all have placemats so there's very little mess with food.

Thanks for sharing =)

 

[Aquatic_blue]

Thanks!!! =D

 

[Aquatic_blue]

Thank you so much. It was rough losing my Truman. And yeah, who would think that boxers would enjoy swimming so much? Lol.

You're welcome. I can believe it! My neighbor has about 4 boxers and he says the dogs keep trying to get in his duck pond lol.

 

[Aquatic_blue]

You would probably be best suited to an easy going and wanting to please breed like a golden retriever. Dogs aren't for everyone. Some will take advantage of a person who doesn't understand their language. I think if you can understand a cat, a dog should be pretty easy too.

Yes, for sure. A golden retriever or a labrador retriever would probably be good family companions. I think maybe I feel they are harder to read maybe because I am more nervous around a dog than a cat. Cats usually like me lol. I am afraid dogs don't like me sometimes, but if I feel suspicious to them it makes sense. It is something I am progressively working through. One day I would like to see my family happy with a dog or two =) and I figure if investing our time into successful training then there isn't much to worry about.

 

[Aquatic_blue]

I didn't realize this thread would get so many responses! Thank you, everyone, for your valuable input! It was fun hearing about all of your dogs, too! Many things to consider =)

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yes, for sure. A golden retriever or a labrador retriever would probably be good family companions. I think maybe I feel they are harder to read maybe because I am more nervous around a dog than a cat. Cats usually like me lol. I am afraid dogs don't like me sometimes, but if I feel suspicious to them it makes sense.

If you're nervous around dogs it makes them nervous too, which is possibly why you're getting mixed signals from them. Add that to a nervous dog and you'll get a bad result.

In your case it might be easiest to start with a puppy or very young dog, since that should be easier for you to deal with and puppies are more malleable in dealing with people. I agree that something like a retriever or lab might be a good choice, as they're generally very friendly dogs.