Inside or outside dog? How do you determine?

**brendacs** · 11-15-2010, 06:06 AM

How did you determine if your dog would be an inside or outside dog? We have a lab that is just over 4 months. Originally we planned for her to be mainly an inside dog. She stayed indoors for the first 3 months. My husband then decided due to her non stop energy (and the birth of our baby 2 weeks ago)she should stay outside in our backyard.

Im heartbroken because i think she feels shes been abandoned. Im also concerned about the weather issues. we dont have a dog house yet so when it rained and got cold the other day i took her into our garage.

What do you do in extreme weather situations? i feel so bad shes going to be outside in the winter, even in a dog house. my husband says im overdoing it and that plenty of dogs stay outside in the cold and they are just fine. I am really interested to hear about those who have outside dogs....what kind of dog house do u have? do you let them stay outside even in very cold temps or snow? thanks

**anasmom** · 11-15-2010, 07:07 AM

In my opinion all dogs are outside dogs! We have a Husky mix so he should be able to tolerate very cold temperatures. It doesn't really get too cold here in Sacramento and it doesn't snow. It does get very hot here in the summer, so that's more of a concern. We have a shelter for him that keeps out the sun and rain. We always make sure he has enough water. It's not a big deal. He's fine. Huskies can survive in sub-zero weather. This past summer he was shaved and I think I'll do it again next year. Good luck!

**luvsherry** · 11-15-2010, 09:08 AM

my husky is an inside dogs!! we never had a backyard so he did all his crazy running in our living room. i never liked taking him outside because it was always too hot and it's not good for huskies. Were moving to SD and hubby wants a yard so he can sleep outside. im not sure if were getting him a dog house. he's probably going to live in his kennel. i think it'll be nice have him live outside instead of having him destroying all our stuff but thank god he's finally trained

did you really shave your husky mix? i was told not to shave all of his hair because husky usually have a hard time growing it back

**anasmom** · 11-15-2010, 11:02 AM

lovsherry - Post a picture! I love Huskies!!! Ours is a mix and he is definitely mixed with something hairy! Maybe Chow? He's also big and weighs about 70 lbs. He is a black Husky mix (which I love) and when the hair grew back, the cool red highlights were gone (darn).

**laury** · 11-15-2010, 03:13 PM

I'm with anasmom, dogs belong outside! We have toy breeds, and they stay outside all day every day. Since we live in San Antonio, the heat is really a bigger concern, but they have a waterproof doghouse with a big cushion and old blanket in it. Very comfy for them. And, I make sure they have fresh water at all times (they actually have one of those little tank things). They do come in at night, but the puppy goes straight to her kennel (she's not house trained yet) and the older one usually hangs out with us until bed time - then he curls right up in his doggie bed until morning. I don't like the dogs in the house when I'm not home, and I don't think it's fair to have them locked in a kennel all day while I'm gone, so..... out to the yard it is! They've done fine, and Otis has been doing this since he was 8 weeks old and weighed 3 lbs!

**ALONSO** · 11-16-2010, 10:04 PM

I have a lab and a pompoo. They are house dogs. I for one would not leave a dog outside (Chicago Weather). When the temperature drops it is even forcasted not to leave the dog outside or in a garage and many people will report you to the anti cruelty society. Chicago weather is crazy though! Another reason I wouldn't leave my dog outside in humid, cold, wet conditions because they can get arthiritis and then they will live a miserable life.

In regards to the lab being put ouside because of the baby you really need to watch that because the lab will hold a resentment towards your baby and you wouldn't want that. YOu want your dog to protect your child! Brenda if i'm not mistaken you still have a puppy? He is going to run around and get into trouble until he outgrows that or is he not getting enough exercise where he tires himself out? You need to work with him on being house trained. My dogs are in the house and know that they should not get on furniture and should not try to reach for the kitchen table. We do keep the rest of the rooms with the doors shut because like kids they can be very mischievious. The only room that is open is our bedroom and the basement door because they sleep in our room and when for what ever reason they need to releive themselves they will go to the basement where there is a pee pee pad. The pee pee pad is hardly ever used. As we walked them in the morning to releive themselves and leave a minimal amount of food and water. They actually have it packed. Best of Luck!

**flilly13** · 11-17-2010, 01:18 AM

I have 3 dogs and for me it has been a lot easier to have them inside....they go out during them day to hang out and eat and drink outside but we very seldom leave them out over night. It is easier to keep them clean and bug free when they are inside dogs too=)

Good luck with ur decision!

**luvsherry** · 11-17-2010, 03:36 PM

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...0&id=549782068

This is loki at 3 months old

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...4&id=549782068

9 months old

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...6&id=549782068

12 months old. he is the sweetest dog ever. believe me everyone, huskies are awesome. they're a pain in the butt if they're not trained but they're very loving and awesome with kids.

let me know if you can see the pics. Alonso i was in chicago yesterday for few hours and omg it's beautiful but chilly lol

**ALONSO** · 11-17-2010, 04:50 PM

Alonso i was in chicago yesterday for few hours and omg it's beautiful but chilly lol

You should have let me know, we could have done something or met somewhere! Next time let me know! Chilly you say! It was perfect for Chicagoan's!!

**anasmom** · 11-19-2010, 06:16 AM

Luvsherry - He is gorgeous!!! Huskies are great dogs. Our dog Lobo doesn't bark and isn't aggressive at all. Huskies tend not to have territorial instincts because they weren't bred to guard property. The bad thing is that Lobo would probably give a warm welcome to any intruders. Lobo is also great with kids and I haven't noticed any jealousy issues after either of the girls was born. I have him moderately trained... He has the basics although he is not very good about walking on a leash. I posted pics on the other thread: http://immigrate2us.net/forum/showth...11#post1038011.

Alonso - I think I would have to come up with another plan if I lived in Chicago!!! Fortunately it doesn't get too cold here in Sacramento. If we want to see snow, we can drive up to Tahoe in the winter (which Lobo loves).

I agree it's easier to keep the dogs clean and bug free if they are inside. I'm just not a very good housekeeper so it's a bad idea!!!