Why You Should Let Your Dog in the House

Some people believe a dog should be outside. That's the way they were raised, they think the dog sheds too much, or they just don't want to share their home with one of their furry friends. While each person is entitled to their opinion and to live in their home the way they please, there are plenty of reasons to bring your dog indoors.

Dogs are social animals and want to be apart of the family. This doesn't mean stuck outside in a pen or tied to a tree. It's hard for a dog to be part of a family, when they are stuck outside.

Dogs really do need to be inside with their "pack" (your family) at least for some of the day. Leaving a dog outside can be bad for the dog. It could escape and get run over, get stolen, eat sticks and get sick or just become very lonely! Dogs can also have heat strokes if they get overheated.

If your dog is outside and you live in the city, it could also get stolen. It could get loose and be hit by a car, or another animal might come along and hurt it. In some climates, it is also very hot outside. It is very hard to see a dog stuck out in that weather, especially chained up with flies all around!

A dogs left outside without social contact and training will not be a very well behaved dog. A dog that is constantly with you will be calmer, smarter, better trained, and above all happier. Although dogs love to go outside and play, in the end they really want to be with their master or mistress. And if that is inside, they want to be inside too.

Dogs left to their own devices outside become bored, so they may turn into "diggers" or even become destructive. If have a spouse or parent who absolutely will not allow your dog inside, be sure to have a dog house for the dog and lots of water and toys to play with.

By brushing the dog on a regular basis and doing everything you can to teach the dog to behave well in the house, you may be able to arrange a "trial" and show that the dog is really no trouble.

Dogs are really great companions. Some recent studies have shown that having a dog is actually therapeutic, calming the nerves of people who have them and contributing to their better health. It will be hard for your dog to be "your best friend", however, if they are outside all the time!