Dog house? - Page 3

WorkingInSTL · 09-13-2008, 07:47 AM

C'mon guys, let's lighten up a bit and NOT assume the worst please. Just because the dog is left outside during the day, does NOT neccessarily mean the dog is an "outside dog". If the weather is not extreme, the dog has an acceptable place to shelter itself from rain and sun, is provided a supply of clean water, and is secure, there is nothing wrong with leaving a dog outside during the day while you work. The dog will be by itself anyway; it doesn't really matter whether it is outside in a kennel run, or inside in a crate. I have a 8' x 10' kennel run in my back yard, and regularly leave a dog outside in it on nice days. That does not make my dogs "outside dogs", and they still get plenty of time in the house and interaction with the family.

Also, and adult dog can be crated for more than 4 hours without needing to be let out. You can keep an adult crated for 8 hours or more (not much more though) without any real problem.

I don't completely disagree with some of the concerns being communicated here: a back yard with nothing but a 4' fence is not secure (I made that mistake once, a child got bitten...will NEVER do that again); after 3 weeks you should have an idea of whether the dog is housebroken or not (so maybe we should be doing something different here), etc.

Sorry, soapbox over. Thanks to those who have chosen to try to take this thread in a little more friendly direction.

Tess-a-boo · 09-13-2008, 09:42 AM

As for the baby gate, make sure it's one of the taller models with vertical supports only (not the "mesh gate" kind). Our girl learned very quickly how to scale the mesh gate and jump up and over. Dobes are crazy smart and if they want out, they'll find a way, even if it's not exactly safe.

Dobejazz · 09-13-2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tess-a-boo

As for the baby gate, make sure it's one of the taller models with vertical supports only (not the "mesh gate" kind). Our girl learned very quickly how to scale the mesh gate and jump up and over. Dobes are crazy smart and if they want out, they'll find a way, even if it's not exactly safe.

I'll second that I have a "hands free" gate and Casper figured out where to step on the foot thingy to open it - He is scary smart

mybluecypress · 09-13-2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WorkingInSTL

C'mon guys, let's lighten up a bit and NOT assume the worst please. Just because the dog is left outside during the day, does NOT neccessarily mean the dog is an "outside dog". If the weather is not extreme, the dog has an acceptable place to shelter itself from rain and sun, is provided a supply of clean water, and is secure, there is nothing wrong with leaving a dog outside during the day while you work. The dog will be by itself anyway; it doesn't really matter whether it is outside in a kennel run, or inside in a crate. I have a 8' x 10' kennel run in my back yard, and regularly leave a dog outside in it on nice days. That does not make my dogs "outside dogs", and they still get plenty of time in the house and interaction with the family.

Also, and adult dog can be crated for more than 4 hours without needing to be let out. You can keep an adult crated for 8 hours or more (not much more though) without any real problem.

I don't completely disagree with some of the concerns being communicated here: a back yard with nothing but a 4' fence is not secure (I made that mistake once, a child got bitten...will NEVER do that again); after 3 weeks you should have an idea of whether the dog is housebroken or not (so maybe we should be doing something different here), etc.

Sorry, soapbox over. Thanks to those who have chosen to try to take this thread in a little more friendly direction.

Ditto! And very well put! Dogs (no matter the breed) NEED to spend time outside.. They need to run around and breath the fresh air and pee on things! Its wat dogs do!!

**Burns** · 09-13-2008, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tess-a-boo

As for the baby gate, make sure it's one of the taller models with vertical supports only (not the "mesh gate" kind). Our girl learned very quickly how to scale the mesh gate and jump up and over. Dobes are crazy smart and if they want out, they'll find a way, even if it's not exactly safe.

To the OP, I would strongly recommend this gate. It's tall, very sturdy, and Red has never challenged it. We bought it before we brought him home, and we are still using it. Definitely worth the money!

**MIA** · 09-13-2008, 07:37 PM

Sorry I thought I was being polite. I couldn't answer the question as I don't know a way to make a dog happy in a dog house, I only know how to make a dog happy as a house dog.

**RedFawnRising** · 09-14-2008, 12:30 AM

Oops, like a big dork, I posted on the linked thread, not this one, but I have a question about that gate you're recommending, Burns:

Hey, that cat door, can it be locked shut, when needed?

I would prefer the cats not go in the room Kylie is confined in, when I'm gone.

Kylie easily leaps over a three foot gate, but this one, especially if mounted a couple more inches off the floor, looks like it might work.

(just copied from my dork post)

**ChloesDad** · 09-14-2008, 01:31 AM

I would strongly suggest a nice XL crate rather than trying baby gates in the kitchen. My dobes have figured out how to open cabinets (which means baby locks on them too), counter surfing (they are big enough), and other mischief. The crate is the safest thing for your dobe and your house. I agree with the comments about being "indoors". Outside they can be taken, harmed by others, protect your property and subject you to a law suit, and many other not-so-nice things.

Dobes can be mischievous and may look for trouble when they're young and bored (like being left at home). We've had gunner for two months now and he's perfectly happy in his crate while we're away for a few hours. He automatically goes in to nap or at bed time too. It's his own den...

pixiestixx · 09-15-2008, 12:17 PM

Thank you everyone for your suggestions, and once again my dog is NOT an outdoor dog!! shes just goes out during the day when it is warm and i have a very tall sturdy gate!

pixiestixx · 09-15-2008, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mybluecypress

There are times when Cypress stays in the backyard and we leave the shed(which is dry,insulated and has plenty of space to sprawl out) open for her to go in and out of.. She never goes in though unless she follows us in there.. She doesnt stay out longer than maybe 2hrs or so, but she really enjoys it.. We have a fairly large back yd for her to run in and she gits all silly and goofy when we go out! Lol. I do think dobermans are better inside dogs because they are love junkies, but they are also dogs which means they'll be ok outside for a little bit.. I just wouldnt recommend it for an extended length of time..
Just pay attn to your dog and she'll letcha know whats up.. Its weird but its almost like ESP or somn, ya'll will begin to know exactly what eachother is thinkin at times! I think its because they have such a strong bond to their humans...
Maybe you could try relocating the dog house (close to the house, out in the yd, facing the house, on the porch, etc), and see if maybe its just that kinda preference.. But like i said, look to her for the answer, she'll letcha know..

oh btw, congrats on your new addition and welcome to DT!!!!! Cant wait to hear more about her! Keep us posted!!!

thank you very much!!!!!