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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. |
my ONLY concern when I hear this is that it can become quite convenient to simply put the dog out in the backyard, afterall he is used to it. Commotion in the house, kids going crazy, stress, need quiet time, dog acting up - just put the dog in the backyard. It can become easier and easier to do for longer and longer periods of time. Not saying the OP would do this, it's only the concern that pops into my mind when I hear folks ask about ways to keep thier dogs in the yard all day.
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