Should dogs live in the house
 

I will be living with someone soon and we were discussing getting a dog. They insist the dog be in the house the majority of the time and I think the place for a dog is outside. Keep in mind this would be a lab or a similar size dog. Thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated. :)

Mostly inside. Dogs that are outside alone all day end up going spastic.

Inside is fine if you train them properly.
Labs and such do like sleeping inside but will demand to have plenty of outdoor space to play in.

Doghouses are for Husbands not dogs.

they smell outside all day.

:1orglaugh I will remember that.

Yes, but only if the dog doesn't turn your home upside down :winkwink:

The only important variable to this is social contact, unless "outside" is in an area with an unsuitable climate. Dogs are pack creatures, like us, and will suffer from having too little social contact with familiar dogs or humans.

I just ask that the damn things stay off the furniture haha. The dog will be happy no matter where it is as long as it can be dry, has clean water and food. Put the dog in the garage then it is both inside the house but outside "the house" that way you are both happy.

dogs inside is fucking disgusting
same with cats

i don't liek the idea of any animal that licks its own ass being inside a house

Small dogs only.. Bigger dogs should live outside THE CITY.

Put in a doggie door and let the dog decide:winkwink:

Mine is in the house, and is a Family pet. He goes on all the funiture where everyone else goes. It s a bit hard at first when they are pups, but after, it a life long comitment. Its just like having a kid :winkwink:

Dogs are social pack animals, they want to be with people. If you are the kind of person who thinks dogs should be outside only maybe you shouldnt get a dog.

HEHE. That's what I keep thinking about. But he says there is no point in having a dog if it will be neglected by being kept outside. Kind of like what Monkey was saying about social contact, etc..

JFK & MissEve hit the nail on the head...

just keep the rules straight...they know what's up, you human...they pet...with 2 huskies & 3 cats (and a 13 yr old...it's a commitment, ah but the rewards...



:)

The issue isn't whether dogs are "supposed to" live inside or outside, it's that they are pack animals. Dogs are more social than humans. They go crazy if left alone all the time. If you can't give them several hours a day of interaction, don't get a dog.

Unless you plan to be outside with them for several hours a day, don't make a dog live outside by himself. Don't lie to yourself and say you'll go out there and spend time with him enough to make up for it - as the weeks and months go by, you'll find yourself making excuses not to; it's too hot, too cold, you're tired, you're busy, it's boring, etc

It's so much better for both of you just to let him sit beside you while you watch TV or use the computer.

If you have several dogs, that solves the isolation problem, but then your dog will be more bonded to the other dog/s than you - which creates another set of problems. It's easy to train a dog to know the rules of the house, but hard to untrain the psychological symptoms of neglect. And any dog not properly socialized is potentially dangerous. Isolation = fear and aggression. Raising a dog is as serious as raising a kid, and if you don't take it seriously then there's a big risk of a bite/lawsuit in your future.

I think it all depend on the type of dog it is. Not the size.

Depends on the dog, the house, and the person you live with. I've had dogs inside and out.

I 100% agree, I've got 2 rotties in my apt in Downtown TO, these things go everywhere with me, no ifs ends or buts.


BTW hey MissEve, long time no see.

I think that dogs belong outside. The best you can do is get a big dog house, it might make them feel like they are inside.

inside.

dogs get all nasty and smelly outside.

Dogs belong outside and should have a nice doghouse ;) Dont want them stinkin up the house.

Hey I know humans that lick OTHER people's ass. That sounds more disgusting than licking your own ass. :1orglaugh

If humans could lick their own ass no doubt some people would.

But I can understand how some people don't like dogs inside. I wish my dog was outside more actually.

I'd like to add, the difference between dogs kept isolated outside, and dogs that live inside treated as part of the family, is always noticable.

My dog knows my name, several of my friends names, my kittys name, knows the name of his toys, knows the meaning of many common words (like 'park', 'walk', 'vet', etc) , and can respond to comments from humans that he has never even been trained to understand, all because he is learning by living with us. A dog stuck outside wouldn't have that opportunity. And this isn't some expensive purebred dog bred for high intelligence. He's a mutt from the shelter. He's probably on the lower end of the spectrum of natural intelligence for a dog. But he's been raised right.

Imagine a human child raised by wolves. Then imagine the same child raised by wealthy loving human parents. Then apply that concept to a puppy.

He is also wonderful at alerting us when someone comes near the door or windows. He barks and growls like he's possessed by the devil and is convincingly scary. He does it because he's loyal and doesn't want anyone hurting us. But as soon as we say it's ok, he's grinning and happy to meet whoever it is. We didn't teach him this. It's a benefit of being treated as part of the pack. What's a dog stuck in the backyard going to do? Guard the grass?

^^^^^
couldn't agree more

my dog stays indoors... sleeps on my bed too

DOMESTIC animal = inside

Inside, but not loose. Crate training is a MUST!


http://www.leerburg.com/housebrk.htm

http://www.leerburg.com/qahouse.htm

I keep both my dogs inside mostly.. less chance of shit happening to them etc..

Plus 2x 100 lb barking dogs are a great security system.