How to Engage Outside Dogs

Dogs are "man's best friend" and with good reason. They lavish attention on their owners and will often guard them with their lives, if necessary. Outside dogs in particular will guard your property in case intruders show up, but it is easy to ignore their needs. How can you engage outside dogs?

Spend Time Each Day With Outside Dogs

Even though Fido and Rover sleep outdoors and prefer to roam around in the woods than to snuggle up with you in your bed at night that does not mean that outside dogs do not crave daily attention from their owners.

It is important to still set time aside each day to spend time with your outside dogs so they do not feel detached from the family. Spend time stroking them, throwing a ball or just sitting down beside them and talking to them. Outside dogs respond well to regular contact and affection from their owners.

Treat Each Dog Equally

Dogs, like children, can sense when they are being treated unequally. If you show a marked preference for your inside dogs over the outside dogs, they will be able to tell. Some react aggressively and will even attack dogs they view as a threat. Get out of the habit of showing favouritism and work at treating each dog equally.

Remember that each dog has its own unique personality. It deserves to be treated equally by receiving the same level of personal, physical and emotional care as inside dogs.

Bring Outside Dogs in from Time to Time

Outside dogs are hardy animals and can often cope with extremes of weather conditions, but they still benefit from being brought inside from time to time. If there is a bitterly cold ice storm and your dogs are shivering from cold, bring them in and set them up with a warm bed, food and water.

Some dog owners cordon their dogs off in the garage or another part of the home, so their pets have sufficient shelter, but without allowing them free rein of the home. Doing so can be beneficial for all concerned.

Outside dogs should be more than guard dogs that protect your property. They should also be viewed and treated as cherished extended members of your family, which is why it is so important to do all you can to engage them. Spend time each day with your outside dogs, treat them equally and do bring them in from the harsh elements from time to time.

More from this contributor:

How to Choose the Right Watchdog.

The Benefits of Dog Ownership.

What to Do If a Dog Trespasses onto Your Property.