Spring is
here! Birds are chirping, squirrels are
scampering and flowers are sprouting. It
is at this time of year that many people
feel it would be a shame for their dog
to spend the day indoors while the
family is not at home.
However, there are some downsides to
leaving dogs outdoors all day, as well
as some safety things to consider.
One of the negatives is that dogs,
especially puppies, who are outside and
unsupervised, may become bored and
destructive in your yard. From the mild
(pulling branches off bushes), to the
wild (stripping siding and electrical
boxes off the house), dogs who are left
outside often busy themselves with
mischievous activities.
Over the years, we have seen quite a
variety of creative canine calamities,
including: digging under the fence,
chewing patio furniture and children’s
play sets, knocking over barbecues,
eating edges of decks and much more.
Not only are these things a problem for
the owners, who are rightfully horrified
about their things being ruined, but it
can also be dangerous for the dog who is
ingesting dangerous things or getting
out into the street.
Dogs who are outside all day also don’t
have the need to “hold it in” when it
comes to bathroom needs, sometimes
resulting in house training issues when
indoors.
Further, most dogs are much happier to
spend their quiet time in the house when
the family is not at home. They are
comforted by the familiar smells and
surroundings in the house that remind
them of their pack.
If your dog has been doing (or might do)
any of these things outside, it is much
better to keep your pet indoors in a
crate when you’re not at home. Dogs,
being creatures of habit, need to learn
that when you’re not at home, they are
to rest quietly… not create activities.
Those whose daily habit is to create
activities often end up with ongoing
chewing problems that can be difficult
to change.
There are some dogs who may be fine
about spending their days outdoors. If
your dog seems to enjoy being out there
and is not destructive, then it’s simply
a matter of personal preference. Never
tie your dog up when you’re not there to
supervise. Be sure to provide shelter
from the rain and sun, and have
identification on your pet at all times.
Another good idea is to give a key to a
neighbor whom you could call to put your
dog inside if the need arises, such as
if a big storm comes through and you
can’t get home to bring your pet to
safety.
By putting some forethought into your
dog’s schedule and training, many
behavior problems can be avoided, pets
and property stay safer and your overall
enjoyment of your pet increases.
Article written by Lori Verni
Back
Home
|
