Should Dogs Be Indoor or Outdoor Pets?

Why adopt a dog if you do not intend to make it a part of your family? Dogs need attention, companionship and love from their owners to maintain a pleasant demeanor. Left alone for long periods, dogs get bored and act out. Who can blame them? Selecting the proper dog for your family and training them accordingly, can make a world of difference in your dog owning experience. If you are thinking of owning an outdoor dog, please consider the following:

1. The climate in your area. Where I live in Canada, there are very few dogs that would be happy living outdoors in the winter. You would have to own a Husky or Saint Bernard to actually consider the idea. Even in milder temperatures, dogs should still be provided with adequate shelter from pounding rain, heavy winds or scorching sun.

2. Your property. Will your dog have full run of your yard? Is it a large area? Are there burrs or brambles that will get tangled in your dogs fur? Is your yard properly fenced? Will your dog get too filthy for your kids to play with or to go for a ride in the car? What if your dog digs in the garden or eats your prize-winning tulips? As a dog owner, it is still your responsibility to keep your dog happy and healthy. Regular bathing, brushing, nail trimming and rabies vaccinations are still required for outdoor pets.

3. Your neighbors. How close do your neighbors live? Will they be upset if your dog barks in the middle of the night? Will your dog attack the neighbor's child retrieving their ball? Does your dog have access to soil or chew anything on the neighbor's property? Can it escape your yard to chase the neighbor's cat? How would you feel if your neighbor's had an outside dog?

4. Will you dog be lonely? How much time will you be spending outside with your pet? If you are just traipsing outside to make sure it has food and water, why own a dog at all? Do you have other pets that will be around to keep it company? Working dogs that live outside get training, attention and praise. It makes them feel good having a sense of purpose. Pets that are forced to live outdoors become bored and tend towards aggression and mischief.

5. Will your dog be safe? Do you have "trigger-happy" neighbors? Is there wires, sharp metal or poisonous plants on your property? Having food and water in your yard also attracts unwanted visitors. Is your dog large enough to defend itself from predators or to defend it's food and shelter if necessary?

Everyone's circumstances are different and your decision to own an indoor or outdoor dog should be based on what is best for your own dog and family. Today there are many non-shedding, non-allergenic breeds of dogs to choose from. Dogs that soil, chew or otherwise wreak havoc in your home can learn to behave with proper and consistent training. Instead of owning an outdoor dog, make a portion of your house off-limits. Owning a dog can be a wonderful experience for your whole family. If you do not have the time, energy and commitment required to train and care for your dog, buy a fish! A dog deserves better.