A Dog As an Indoor or Outdoor Pet?
March 27th, 2009
So you get a puppy or dog and are wondering whether to have it as an indoor or outdoor pet? There are several factors to consider.
- Training. Do you want to take the time to train your pet to go outside to go to the bathroom? Or do you want to forego the training and set up a doghouse outside? Do you have a fenced in backyard? If not, you are going to have to invest in invisible fencing and train your dog not to go beyond it. I do not believe in putting out a stake with a chain that lets the dog go to and from his doghouse to a specific perimeter of the backyard. That is just plain cruel but you can do it if you want. It is certainly less expensive and takes no training. Another point to consider about training for an indoor pet, is how consistent you are going to be about begging, staying down (not jumping), staying off the furniture (if that is what you want), or staying out of certain rooms (if that is what you want).
- Type of Dog. If it is a small dog, it is better suited to be an indoor dog. If it is a big dog, either is fine. If it is an aggressive dog, unless you can control it, it should probably be an outdoor dog.
- Habitat. If you decide to have an indoor dog, consider making a place in your house that is just your pets. It could be a cage or a dog bed but something where it can feel safe and not be bothered. If you have an outdoor dog, make sure you have either a doghouse or a porch with an overhang where the dog can feel safe and be sheltered from the elements. Make sure your dog has access to water at all times. If you live in a cold weather climate, make sure to bring your dog into a warmer place, like the garage, when the temperatures dip. It is not safe for your dog to be out in the colder weather, especially at night.
- Children. If you have children, you may not want an indoor pet. Consider the ages of the children, the amount of care they are going to be able to offer to the dog, and also the children’s temperaments. If you have a child that is just going to bully the dog – pull its ears or tail, it may be best to have an outdoor dog. Most dogs do not take kindly to that type of behavior and may try to bite your child. If you have very young children, you may have enough to handle with them without having to train a dog besides. In this case, having an outdoor dog might be best. If you have older children who can help take care of the dog, consider keeping the dog indoors.
Ultimately it is up to you where your dog is going to be sleeping.