Outside, or in?

rshumway · 12-18-2006, 03:15 PM

Ok, i need help here. I have a 9 month old lab, male. He has been inside his whole life, and i had to move back in with my parents due to some things, and my dad is saying he has that "dog smell" I give him baths, and afte rhe is dryed, he still says" he is just a dog, and he needs to STAY outside. I thought that you couldnt just change the dogs living arangement like that. How can i explin to him that inside, and around ppl, is all he has known...... help plaese

britishbandit · 12-18-2006, 03:24 PM

I don't think he should be left outside permanently. The weather is sometimes really cold, or really hot. He is a pretty high energy breed, so more time out wouldn't hurt, but not constantly. If you do let him out for longer periods, you do need to watch him and play/interact with him. If he becomes bored, he may start digging, chewing on stuff in the yard and may even try to escape. He needs to be a part of the family too!

rshumway · 12-18-2006, 03:43 PM

i do agree, it will only be for a max, of 2 weeks, will he have a hard time adjusting? weather to being outside, or coming back in?

GSD · 12-18-2006, 03:47 PM

well he'll probabaly be confused as to why he's always outside, but sometimes I guess you have to do what you have to do. Where do you live? It is Dec. and if you're up north, even though its been relatively warm, its getting colder, especially at night. you'll have to keep that in mind when setting up his outside quarters. For 2 weeks though I think you Dad could let you keep him in a crate in the house and then take him outside to play and everything else you do. That will keep the "dog" smell out of the rest of the house and when you're gone the room you are in will clear out pretty quickly from any dog smell if he was kept in a crate.

rshumway · 12-18-2006, 04:14 PM

I live in SW FL. btw, thanks, ummm, not sure about the crate, but we'll see. He complians about the "smell" even tho i give him a bath, at least once a week. I have had dogs all my life, and they have always been inside dogs, no, the prob...not sure why, but i just hopes this doesnt and any stress or confusion to the dog. thanks

***Cassiepeia*** · 12-18-2006, 04:59 PM

Since it's only for 2 weeks I shouldn't think your dog would suffer much, if at all, from being outside. Just make sure he gets a lot of attention and has a nice sheltered, comfortable place to sleep (which I'm sure you will

).

Cass.

Beryl · 12-18-2006, 05:41 PM

I agree w/crating. You might also want to try some of the finishing sprays groomers use to mask the "doggie smell". Make a game out of it with your Dad and let him pick the fragrance he prefers. He may appreciate your extra effort to accomodate his wishes.

Your Dad might be "old school" and only used to seeing dogs outside in "dog houses". My mom was like that and loved observing dogs from afar -- just don't bring them near her. Fortunately, Dad was just the opposite so we had lots of compromising going on growing up in my house.

IceyBlueSibes · 12-18-2006, 09:13 PM

I agree. I don't think it should make a huge effect on him. He may be a little confused, but not to completely "ruin" him or anything.

Just keep food, shelter, and PLENTY of fresh water. I live in Southern FL too, so I know how the weather can be nice one day, and be hot the next. Fresh water is always a must. Keep toys outback for him to play with so he doesn't get bored. Boredome can lead to destruction; digging, tearing up plants, etc. I'd take him for walks during the day too, just to keep his mind satisfied. Labs are very intelligent, and highly active dogs, but can be TERRIBLY mischevious (just as any dog) if they are left to be bored and nothing to do.

You seem as though you are an extremely caring owner, and I'm sure you'll do everything in your power to make sure your pooch is well taken care of for the short time he has to spend outdoors.

I think he should be okay. A little confused, but he'll be fine. He'll have no time adjusting to an indoor life once again after those 2 weeks.

TinyAlbinoDancer · 12-18-2006, 11:19 PM

Also, do YOU notice a doggie smell constantly? Because it may be his diet is insufficient/poor. A poor diet causes a doggie smell.

mom2cocoa · 12-23-2006, 08:01 AM

I feel differently. No dog should be outside by themselves 24 hours. Other people can do horrible things to dogs that are outside all the time unsupervised. Besides, isolation outdoors is cruel to a dog.

Mufasas Mommy · 12-27-2006, 08:19 AM

Well, Mufasa stays outside during the day, with his best friend Nicholas. They can get inside to the basement through a doggie door, and they have fresh water and food accessable. Mufasa is out during the day while I work, and in when I am home. This gets most of his energy out, since he is FULL of it! Before where we are now, he would only get out on a leash, and he loves being outside. I crated him during the day, and I hated doing that to him. It helped with his potty training, but still, I think dogs should be able to play and exercise. Mufasa always has a "adult" supervising, as someone is always home.

Shelties · 12-27-2006, 01:21 PM

I generally don't believe in leaving dogs outside unsupervised...But I have a distance cousin that has this German Shepherd that lives outdoors, she's got a dog house that has a built in heater with nice doggy beds. She's never chained up or anything though, sometimes i feel bad for her that i'd go over to see her at least once a day to make sure she's ok...and she seems fine. So maybe you can get a dog house with built in heaters in them?....

Trelaig · 12-27-2006, 03:40 PM

Is he castrated? If he gets bored outside all alone without interaction, he will turn his thoughts to other pastimes and hobbies. Even with companionship there is a risk of him escaping and seeking out the local talent.

Either get him castrated or ensure he is secure. Castration is the best option.

Novel · 12-27-2006, 10:42 PM

I don't think that most dogs should be left outside 24 hours a day, although I do encourage alot of outside time for any dog, just for exercise. But, they need that ability to be able to be with their people. That said, there are some breeds that can handle less time with people than others. For example Weims are widely known for being velcro and can be psychologically damaged by being left outside. I've seen many labs that are a little undersocialized when left outside and I've seen some breeds like Pyrenees and Huskies that show no ill effects from being outside. It depends upon the breed, the individual dog and the conditions that keep it outside (i.e. is it's job to keep the sheep safe 24hrs a day or is it being neglected and forgotten outside).

12-18-2006, 03:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
rshumway Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0	Outside, or in? Ok, i need help here. I have a 9 month old lab, male. He has been inside his whole life, and i had to move back in with my parents due to some things, and my dad is saying he has that "dog smell" I give him baths, and afte rhe is dryed, he still says" he is just a dog, and he needs to STAY outside. I thought that you couldnt just change the dogs living arangement like that. How can i explin to him that inside, and around ppl, is all he has known...... help plaese
rshumway Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0

12-18-2006, 03:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
britishbandit Rottweiler Mum Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 4,185 Rep Power: 180	I don't think he should be left outside permanently. The weather is sometimes really cold, or really hot. He is a pretty high energy breed, so more time out wouldn't hurt, but not constantly. If you do let him out for longer periods, you do need to watch him and play/interact with him. If he becomes bored, he may start digging, chewing on stuff in the yard and may even try to escape. He needs to be a part of the family too!
	__________________ "No matter how little money and how few possesions you own, having a dog makes you rich." - Louis Sabin

12-18-2006, 03:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
rshumway Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0	yeah .... i do agree, it will only be for a max, of 2 weeks, will he have a hard time adjusting? weather to being outside, or coming back in?
rshumway Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0

12-18-2006, 04:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
rshumway Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0	I live in SW FL. btw, thanks, ummm, not sure about the crate, but we'll see. He complians about the "smell" even tho i give him a bath, at least once a week. I have had dogs all my life, and they have always been inside dogs, no, the prob...not sure why, but i just hopes this doesnt and any stress or confusion to the dog. thanks
rshumway Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0

12-18-2006, 04:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
*Cassiepeia* Chihuahua Mum Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NSW, Australia Posts: 8,281 Blog Entries: 9 Rep Power: 286	Since it's only for 2 weeks I shouldn't think your dog would suffer much, if at all, from being outside. Just make sure he gets a lot of attention and has a nice sheltered, comfortable place to sleep (which I'm sure you will ). Cass.
	__________________ Say NO! to animals in pet shops. Rescue a friend instead: Petfinder Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Book Club ~ Blogs ~ Art Classes ~ Woof Review As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

12-18-2006, 03:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
GSD Herding dogs Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: WI Posts: 1,147 Rep Power: 140	well he'll probabaly be confused as to why he's always outside, but sometimes I guess you have to do what you have to do. Where do you live? It is Dec. and if you're up north, even though its been relatively warm, its getting colder, especially at night. you'll have to keep that in mind when setting up his outside quarters. For 2 weeks though I think you Dad could let you keep him in a crate in the house and then take him outside to play and everything else you do. That will keep the "dog" smell out of the rest of the house and when you're gone the room you are in will clear out pretty quickly from any dog smell if he was kept in a crate.

12-18-2006, 05:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
Beryl Latte, Boo, & Phoxx's Mom Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,159 Rep Power: 92	I agree w/crating. You might also want to try some of the finishing sprays groomers use to mask the "doggie smell". Make a game out of it with your Dad and let him pick the fragrance he prefers. He may appreciate your extra effort to accomodate his wishes. Your Dad might be "old school" and only used to seeing dogs outside in "dog houses". My mom was like that and loved observing dogs from afar -- just don't bring them near her. Fortunately, Dad was just the opposite so we had lots of compromising going on growing up in my house.
	__________________

12-18-2006, 09:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
IceyBlueSibes Eyes = Mirror to the soul Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Jupiter, Fla. Posts: 7,831 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 276	I agree. I don't think it should make a huge effect on him. He may be a little confused, but not to completely "ruin" him or anything. Just keep food, shelter, and PLENTY of fresh water. I live in Southern FL too, so I know how the weather can be nice one day, and be hot the next. Fresh water is always a must. Keep toys outback for him to play with so he doesn't get bored. Boredome can lead to destruction; digging, tearing up plants, etc. I'd take him for walks during the day too, just to keep his mind satisfied. Labs are very intelligent, and highly active dogs, but can be TERRIBLY mischevious (just as any dog) if they are left to be bored and nothing to do. You seem as though you are an extremely caring owner, and I'm sure you'll do everything in your power to make sure your pooch is well taken care of for the short time he has to spend outdoors. I think he should be okay. A little confused, but he'll be fine. He'll have no time adjusting to an indoor life once again after those 2 weeks.
	__________________ Sheiba, Denali, Ike, Nitro (Siberian Husky), Kelso (GSD x), Lugar (Boxer/Pit x), Willah (Shepherd/Husky x), Tibby, Cheech, Chong (Chihuahua), and any foster we have in the house! 9 Kitty cats!

12-18-2006, 11:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
TinyAlbinoDancer Always room for one more Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,580 Rep Power: 168	Also, do YOU notice a doggie smell constantly? Because it may be his diet is insufficient/poor. A poor diet causes a doggie smell.
	__________________ ~Karen Missie~Trixie~Little Guy~Ollie

12-23-2006, 08:01 AM	#10 (permalink)
mom2cocoa Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 246 Rep Power: 46	I feel differently. No dog should be outside by themselves 24 hours. Other people can do horrible things to dogs that are outside all the time unsupervised. Besides, isolation outdoors is cruel to a dog.
mom2cocoa Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 246 Rep Power: 46

12-27-2006, 08:19 AM	#11 (permalink)
Mufasas Mommy Mommy to Mufasa and Krush Join Date: May 2006 Location: Northern Maryland Posts: 141 Rep Power: 51	Well, Mufasa stays outside during the day, with his best friend Nicholas. They can get inside to the basement through a doggie door, and they have fresh water and food accessable. Mufasa is out during the day while I work, and in when I am home. This gets most of his energy out, since he is FULL of it! Before where we are now, he would only get out on a leash, and he loves being outside. I crated him during the day, and I hated doing that to him. It helped with his potty training, but still, I think dogs should be able to play and exercise. Mufasa always has a "adult" supervising, as someone is always home.
	__________________

12-27-2006, 01:21 PM	#12 (permalink)
Shelties Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 336 Rep Power: 65	I generally don't believe in leaving dogs outside unsupervised...But I have a distance cousin that has this German Shepherd that lives outdoors, she's got a dog house that has a built in heater with nice doggy beds. She's never chained up or anything though, sometimes i feel bad for her that i'd go over to see her at least once a day to make sure she's ok...and she seems fine. So maybe you can get a dog house with built in heaters in them?....

12-27-2006, 03:40 PM	#13 (permalink)
Trelaig Bearded Collie Mum Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Northern England Posts: 12 Rep Power: 0	Is he castrated? If he gets bored outside all alone without interaction, he will turn his thoughts to other pastimes and hobbies. Even with companionship there is a risk of him escaping and seeking out the local talent. Either get him castrated or ensure he is secure. Castration is the best option.

12-27-2006, 10:42 PM	#14 (permalink)
Novel Mush Face Lover Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 4,992 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 222	I don't think that most dogs should be left outside 24 hours a day, although I do encourage alot of outside time for any dog, just for exercise. But, they need that ability to be able to be with their people. That said, there are some breeds that can handle less time with people than others. For example Weims are widely known for being velcro and can be psychologically damaged by being left outside. I've seen many labs that are a little undersocialized when left outside and I've seen some breeds like Pyrenees and Huskies that show no ill effects from being outside. It depends upon the breed, the individual dog and the conditions that keep it outside (i.e. is it's job to keep the sheep safe 24hrs a day or is it being neglected and forgotten outside).
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