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Rottweilers => Rottweiler Discussions => : Britz June 19, 2007, 02:20:42 AM

: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Britz June 19, 2007, 02:20:42 AM
Ok I will start by  saying I have grown up   with  dogs  from  Great danes - Yorkies. Blue Hellers, Black labs,and Dobbies. They were all outside dogs only inside  in the boot  room part in the winter when it was to cold  for them to be outside.

Before  Zeus I had a husky  who wouldn't come in the house  even  if you tried  bribbing her with a treat she wouldn't  step in. Even on the coldest days and blizzarding weather  she would  stay out  never wanted in we tried to get her to come in  but no way.

She (Nikki) ended up passing away 2 years ago :( She was a great dog  loved to run.

Well I have  been looking things  up  and  have read  lots that  rotti's  should  not be an outside only  dog that  they well  dominate etc.. and they  need  to be  in the house  with there owner all the time.. If i could I would have him as an indoor dog but he seems to love it outside also  Letting him  be an inside dog would not go over good  due to my hubby  doesnt  like  big dogs in the house and believe there best place is outside. In the winter sence i live in  Northern Alberta he will be in the porch on them  cold cold days
Well  I dont know  if there is any one else on  here that s dogs are outside only and I know on another  message  board I was  reading at that is for rottis only I Was alarmed how ppl  got  very ignorant  with a question about  a dog spending  most time outside.
Zeus has a huge  dog house that sheldon  built  him  for out side with  a big  blanket in it. He is feed all the time and  We go outside with him for long periods at a time. Of course when it is raining we dont go out as much to see him but we still go out and play with him a little. We do  take him  with us to town  and also  will be taking him on holidays  like  camping  etc.  Im  just  now  even  more so worrie dthat Im  going to mess up on him and he wont  be a good dog if he is  outside only does any one have or know of any one that has or had a rotti that was outside only? 
 
 
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: angelsmama June 19, 2007, 02:34:02 AM
I have a Rottweiler mix who is an outside dog (she hates cats, we have 2 inside, and my mom is allergic to her). She is just fine.. Actually she isn't happy inside, I sneak her in sometimes but she always ends up at the door wanting outside pretty quick.. Here's a pic of her on her leash during bath time :)
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Duramax June 19, 2007, 02:38:41 AM
i think wherever the dog is happy is where it should be, i used to have a dachshund that HATED to be inside he would pout and sit by the back door untill i let him back out. it's just personal..er dog preferance
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: People Whisperer June 19, 2007, 03:55:00 AM
My dog loves winter and spends days and some nights sleeping on the deck in the snow. The summer is different though, and there is no way I can push her outside in 95F.

I am with Stella...I don't see the point of having a dog and to keep it outside 24/7 unless it is the dog's choice
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Nicole June 19, 2007, 04:08:03 AM
I also don't wish to be argumentative, but I agree with Stella and PeopleWhispere r.

I don't think that its ignorant to say that dogs are domesticated animals, no longer equipped to handle the elements and all that goes with them. The elements aren't the only issue with outside dogs. There are predators, stray dogs, rotten kids with sticks and rocks, A-hole neighbors that want to poison your dog for barking, snakes, etc.

Your dog is your responsibility, and you can't be fully responsible for them if they're outside all of the time. I've never thought outside dogs were OK, and I'm only telling you because you asked.
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: zchic June 19, 2007, 04:18:07 AM
Certain dogs are better equiped to handle weather conditions. A husky or Sammy generally likes the cold...I don't own a rott, But my danes would kill me in my sleep if I left them out in cold weather. DOgs are pack animals, they want to be with their pack(In most cases we are the pack). There are exceptions... we have 2 smaller dogs that refuse to house train. They have a shadded kennel the is about 40X40 with a dog house and trees for shade. During the summer they spend 90% of their time out there. They get daily attention and they have each other to keep company.  I don't agree with chaining any dog unless it is just a tie out for potty time. JMO
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Britz June 19, 2007, 04:27:14 AM
Zeus is  never tied up out side he has  free range of the yard,  water and  food. His  dog  house is right  next to the house  were there is always  shade.  In the winter he will probely be  in the house  due to  it  gets to cold here in the winter.  We have  NO neighbours we live way out in the sticks.  Will be no pesky  childeren  but my own two  and they  are allready  good  with him  there only 3 and 1.  This is not my first dog and I know that  the  dog is my responcebility . He gets the same amount of attention outside from us as he would indoors.

angelsmama,
Your  dog is adorable
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Nicole June 19, 2007, 04:37:41 AM
Zeus is  never tied up out side he has  free range of the yard,  water and  food. His  dog  house is right  next to the house  were there is always  shade.  In the winter he will probely be  in the house  due to  it  gets to cold here in the winter.  We have  NO neighbours we live way out in the sticks.  Will be no pesky  childeren  but my own two  and they  are allready  good  with him  there only 3 and 1.  This is not my first dog and I know that  the  dog is my responcebility . He gets the same amount of attention outside from us as he would indoors.

angelsmama,
Your  dog is adorable



Well, you asked us for our concerns. I was just listing what came to mind. :)
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: People Whisperer June 19, 2007, 04:45:58 AM
Maybe if he had a playmate? He could be a little happier 
Just a thought ;)
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: DoDadsandDanes June 19, 2007, 04:59:06 AM
I too am a non-confrontational person (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/ldavies9/Smilies/thdance.gif)
My dogs are inside dogs period. When they are out one of us is out there with them within a few minutes. I freak outif I dont know where they are..

There is a family across the street from us with 2 rotties. They are outside from early morning until late evening year round. They eat outside and go under the deck in bad weather or to get away from the sun. They sleep in the garage so that they dont ruin their hardwood floors. They say they are great dogs and would never hurt anyone. My only thoughts are, how do they even know? With very limited human contact how do they know?
Im not comparing this to anyone elses situation here at all.. these dogs dont have a dog house and their humans are never outside with them..just telling a story that in my opinion seems very sad for the dogs..  :( again,why bother having any dogs at all?
If your dogs are happy and dont like to be inside then that is another story entirely..  :) :) :)





: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Icerotti June 19, 2007, 05:10:37 AM
Puck our rotti loves to be outside. He does not stay out all night but when the weather is nice he likes to be out for most of the day. It is probably to get away from Farley...lol He also loves being with us inside. He loves to get on the couch and cuddle with us until he gets too hot or has had enough. This seems to be a good mix of inside outside time for him.
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: RacheH June 19, 2007, 05:24:46 AM
Hello,

I'm afraid i have to agree with Jodi, Nicole, People whisperer, gr8dame, jacksmom, and all the rest who are for dogs being indoors. I don't want to reiterate all the points made, but just to give a small example:

 our next-door neighbours rottie is kept out all year round and just 2 weeks ago a snake bit him and if it hadn't been for my mom who just happened to be in our garden and saw the snake and then a few minutes later realized that he was drooling too much and unsteady on his feet, he would have died. It was 6AM. He also gets very sick during winter (he has a huge dog house also, and a big garden and access to his food and water and a thick blanket), but he's always shaking so badly that at times i sit with him under the rain to keep him company.

As winter is pouring with rain half the time i cant' see how you'd be able to spend much time with him, and that'll be very hard on him being away from his loved ones. It's great though that you take him places with you, that's a plus, but really, think about moving him indoors, at least into the kitchen but not the rest of the house if your hubby is THAT uncomfortable with him being indoors. Just a thought. Ta.
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: People Whisperer June 19, 2007, 06:30:55 AM
Here is an example of a dog which is totally happy outside, LMAO!!! People, you have to agree!

: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Duramax June 19, 2007, 06:43:26 AM
there's gunner the weiner,i got a dachshund for an indoor dog, and this was where he always ended up outdoors. he would cry by the back door if id make him come in. of course, we also had the apropriate acommodations for him outside too since dachshunds are NOT outdoor dogs, he had a big heated shed for wintertime, and of course was gladly let in when ever he'd come in. i do think that most dogs like to be with the rest of the pack as stated earlier, and that is the way it should be. my 3 boys do not like being out alone at all! they are fairly put out by the idea. but since ive had the dachshund experience, i guess there can be acceptions.
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Duramax June 19, 2007, 06:47:33 AM
that's a wonderfull pic i love it
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: angelsmama June 19, 2007, 06:54:15 AM
angel is very happy outside. she has a pen , a nice house (insulated , shingles , siding and everything) , plenty of toys , shaded..  and i go out with her daily. she gets almost daily walks.
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Britz June 19, 2007, 06:56:49 AM
The people on the other form were not ignorant, they just didn't agree with you. Two totally different things.

Actually I didn't  ask anything on  the  other  forum  I was  reading  some stuff on the subject  in  the archives.

I  understand  everything you guys are saying here and i do  agree with you  don't get me  wrong in this matter at  all. I will actually  be  talking to hubby tonight and  getting him to read your guys  comments on this matter  I had  brought it up to him  but  He didn't  really like the idea. But  maybe  once  he reads  everything  things might  change. I seriously  don't  know what to  say IM  not  a horrible  person, Its just that  we have always  had out side  dogs h*ll I have had outdoor  dogs sense i can  remember, But  no matter what  we have welcomed them to come in  to the house its not like  they are  bounded outside at all times they  can  come in for a little bit.. h*ll  Zeus was  just  running  in are downstairs an hour are so ago  trying to  hid are shoes on  us. Of course he rather  go back outside to play with cat * ill have to get  pics IT  really  cute*   Thank you all for your input and I'm sorry if i sounded upset  earlier I was i wont lie I have been  having a h*ll of a day  and  it  just  felt like  Ya all thought I  was   the worst person  in the world  and that  I was some one that  shouldn't have animals what  upset me I Was  the child bringing  home orphaned Ducklings, kittens,  Dogs.  I  got  Zeus  from  the Shelter sence i wanted to get one  from a shelter that  was abandoned.

I really hope you all  don't look at me  horribly  due to this matter

: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Duramax June 19, 2007, 07:04:47 AM
no no body said that at all, opinions were given honestly and openly :) that's what i like about this site, you can ask any question and trust to get true honest answers. it's like your one good friend who tells you you accualy look like a chub in the dress, when every one else says you look great. it's good there's at least one place we can all go for honesty! ;D
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: People Whisperer June 19, 2007, 07:06:02 AM
You are not a horrible person! Don't even go there!!! We all live in different surroundings with different people. Communication is the key. We all are learning things daily from each other. And it is the most important! Good luck talking her hubby into bringing your dog in your lifes for real!
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Icerotti June 19, 2007, 07:09:19 AM
You are not a horrible person. Everyone walks in different shoes. People have to do what works for them and thier situation. Whatever you decide it sounds like your baby will be well cared for.  :)
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Britz June 19, 2007, 07:13:46 AM
no no body said that at all, opinions were given honestly and openly :) that's what i like about this site, you can ask any question and trust to get true honest answers. it's like your one good friend who tells you you accualy look like a chub in the dress, when every one else says you look great. it's good there's at least one place we can all go for honesty! ;D

LMAO   Ok Im going to have to go take  a pic of myself in  some raddy ol' dress and see  about  that  hahahaha  j/k

You are not a horrible person! Don't even go there!!! We all live in different surroundings with different people. Communication is the key. We all are learning things daily from each other. And it is the most important! Good luck talking her hubby into bringing your dog in your lifes for real!


I  surely will try  Im hopping if  he reads all this and a bunch of info I found earlier he may  let  Zeus in for awile OR if  he doesnt  ill just  have to  let him  in  durring the day  lol .. Im sure Sheldon wouldnt  mind  at night  for a bit or something.
You are not a horrible person. Everyone walks in different shoes. People have to do what works for them and thier situation. Whatever you decide it sounds like your baby will be well cared for. :)

Thank you..  The whole indoor / outdoor is a debatable  subject i guess lol. I know I have seen  many times  how ppl  dont care for there dogs at all out doors my INlawas are like that I actually took  there dog to the vet   a couple  times to make sure she  got all her shots.  Zeus is  loved and we are allready  so attached to him.. 
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: People Whisperer June 19, 2007, 07:25:48 AM
Sorry People Whisperer... I made it really tiny.  Here it is again. And, BTW, I'm totally LMAO...I didn't see Lilly in her kennel at first!
I thought Lily had that 12 pack...he-hee
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: kathryn June 19, 2007, 08:00:38 AM
I just thought I would throw in my .02 worth too.  I had outside dogs only when I was growing up.  My mom didn't want them in the house except on really cold days or really bad weather.  They were well taken care of and happy campers.  My dogs now are indoor dogs and I love it.  I have my pups with me and really they only want to be where I am anyway so it works out great for us. 
Perhaps if your husband is opposed to the idea of an indoor dog compromise with him and do set up times that the pup will be inside.  Then slowly build up those times until Zeus is inside full time.  I think both you and Zeus would be happiest if he was with you all the time. 
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Britz June 19, 2007, 08:06:05 AM
I just thought I would throw in my .02 worth too.  I had outside dogs only when I was growing up.  My mom didn't want them in the house except on really cold days or really bad weather.  They were well taken care of and happy campers.  My dogs now are indoor dogs and I love it.  I have my pups with me and really they only want to be where I am anyway so it works out great for us. 
Perhaps if your husband is opposed to the idea of an indoor dog compromise with him and do set up times that the pup will be inside.  Then slowly build up those times until Zeus is inside full time.  I think both you and Zeus would be happiest if he was with you all the time. 

Thats  a great  idea lol Just  cant  let  him  see these last posts hahaha  so he has no clue what im going to try out  lol  TO train the hubby,& the dog.   
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: People Whisperer June 19, 2007, 08:13:52 AM
I just thought I would throw in my .02 worth too.  I had outside dogs only when I was growing up.  My mom didn't want them in the house except on really cold days or really bad weather.  They were well taken care of and happy campers.  My dogs now are indoor dogs and I love it.  I have my pups with me and really they only want to be where I am anyway so it works out great for us. 
Perhaps if your husband is opposed to the idea of an indoor dog compromise with him and do set up times that the pup will be inside.  Then slowly build up those times until Zeus is inside full time.  I think both you and Zeus would be happiest if he was with you all the time. 

Thats  a great  idea lol Just  cant  let  him  see these last posts hahaha  so he has no clue what im going to try out  lol  TO train the hubby,& the dog.   
When I was 12 my parents told me that I can't have a dog and I really worked hard and got one a year later! There are some people on this board who made their loved ones love what they love. It takes time and stubbornness,you will get there girl! 
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Duramax June 19, 2007, 08:16:30 AM
i agree with people whisperer
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Britz June 19, 2007, 08:34:49 AM
People whisperer,
well I am  mighty stubborn I was the only child  for  8  years lol
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: navarre1316 June 19, 2007, 11:30:15 AM
I think you should just work on hubby for awhile!!  Maybe if he realizes Zeus has been in the house and the house is still in one piece he'll let up!

As for the board and replies.  You have to remember that you're reading, you're not hearing HOW the person is saying things!!  That is hard to do sometimes!  This board is FABULOUS!!!!  Another board that I read from time to time, that is breed specific, people will actually start arguing over something that is basically a difference of opinion (like how to teach a dog to heel) and will get VERY rude!!  Needless to say I really don't go on there much!  Bottom line, what works for some may not work for you and nobody else is living your life.  Try some of the advice, if it doesn't work move on to the next advice!!
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Saint and Mal mom June 19, 2007, 12:30:20 PM
Just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents on this issue too. I know I don't post often, but I feel I need to speak on this.

First of all, if it were possible, I would have my 2 dogs inside with me all the time. I enjoy their company. However, I am not home all the time and they cannot be trusted inside. Secondly, my parents do not want them inside all the time, and because this is their home, I respect that. Lastly, the dogs themselves do not like to be inside all the time, so they come in occasionally for a treat, or if it's too hot or too cold. Now, with that all pointed out, I will share my very honest opinion.

An outside dog is just fine. He will not be damaged simply because he is left outside all the time. He will not have training difficulties simply because he is left outside all the time. He will not necessarily be any more unhealthy becuase he is outside all the time. And he will not be any less of a good, loving, social, happy dog because he is an outdoor dog necessarily.

However, if kept in a 4 x 4 kennel ALL the time, never exercised, never played with, never trained, never interracted with, and never really loved, that WILL damage him, he WILL misbehave, he WILL NOT be socialized, and he will NOT be happy himself. Please believe me, I can't stand to drive by houses that have dogs chained outside all the time if I know the owner never interacts with them or plays with them or loves on them and all they can do with the dog is throw food in a bowl for him. Or in a small kennel that way either. That is no life for a dog. They deserve better than to be a lawn decoration. (And if the owner seldom does any of these things, it's as good as "never" in my opinion)

If I didn't want a dog around the house, I wouldn't have a dog.
Stella

This person's question is not whether they want a dog "around" the house; it's simply between inside the house or outside the house. The dog will be "around" either way. And from what I've read from this person, the dog sounds like he will have plenty of love, affection, attention, and care from his owner whether he is inside or outside the house.

"Your dog is your responsibility, and you can't be fully responsible for them if they're outside all of the time."

To be quite honest- not true. You can be irresponsible for your dog while you're standing right there too! I can think of many dog park incidents where the owner was right there and their dog attacked another dog. So even being right there doesn't guarantee nothing will happen to the dog. There are all kinds of dog-dangers inside a house too! So do you stay home all hours of the day because you can't guarantee the dog's safety otherwise? I doubt it. At least, I know I sure wouldn't. That doesn't make me any less of a responsible dog-lover though; it lets me have a life.

"When you have dogs in the house, you have a lot of chances to teach "No", "Leave it", "Down", "Sit", "Go to your crate", etc., just in every day circumstances.  It would take considerable amount of effort to match that with a dog that stays outside 24/7."

To be honest again-not true. Training a dog automatically involves a considerable amount of effort, if done right anyway. Whether you teach a dog sit in the living room or in the park, do you honestly think it makes a difference to the dog? The dog needs to learn those basic commands whether he is outside or inside, and they should be reinforced in all different kinds of settings. So either way, an outside dog should know that commands apply inside. And an inside dog should know that commands apply outside. But don't try to tell me that the setting of this teaching makes it take more time for the dog to learn or inhibits his ability to learn the commands at all.

"But will he get the proper socialization and training if he is not with you in the house?  Will he learn the intricate personalities of your household?  So-and-so likes to cuddle, but that one doesn't, Mom gives treats, but the kids give better treats.  Get my meaning? Unless he is with you 24/7, that will not happen."

And one last time to be honest again-not true! Please tell me how any of those things you mentioned will necessarily not be learned by being with you outside too? Now, if we're talking about someone wanting to own an outside dog and they never go outside, then we have a problem with teaching these things. But if you make a point of going outside to be with your dog because he is outside, then there is no problem.

As far as socialization goes, I don't care where the dog lives. It must go outside its home, wherever that may be, to get further socialization. Period. Take it to the parade. The park. A busy parking lot. A nursing home. Near the school playground. A dog park. Wherever! Guess what! All of this socialization happens away from the home. The majority of a puppy's socialization, in fact, occurs away from home. A small part, but still an important part, happens at home with the dog's family, environment, and friends. So whether inside dog or outside dog, the main part of his socializing will take place away from home. Meaning where he resides 24/7 isn't directly related to it.

When I am older and have my own home, don't get me wrong! I hope to have some full-time indoor dogs. But I will also have some outdoor only dogs. It does not harm them so long as they have a loving, caring owner who takes the time to be with them and look out for them. And that seems to be the case here. There are pros and cons either way. Choose the living environment for your dog that suits you and the dog best. But whether your dog is inside or out doesn't make you any better or less of a good owner.
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: happiday June 19, 2007, 01:38:09 PM
 :-X   Such a hot topic! 
Britz, I think you need to do what is best for your family.  If your top-dog (hubby) isn't cool with having dogs in the house now, his opinion needs to be respected.  As you spend time training the pup, and he becomes more used to the pup being in the house on occasion, he may warm up to Zeus being in more.  Have you thought of crate training him in the house so there's less chance of him having a 'heyday' when he's inside?  Puppies DO make messes.  I know my hubby isn't too fond of those, but he LOVES his dog!  We had a husky that, in the Summer when it was 100 degrees plus, would lay directly in the path of the cooler all day long until evening, and when it was cooler outside would refuse to come in for the night.  She liked being outside in the fresh, cool air. She even preferred to be out during the winter, except when it was raining!  She was also one that couldn't be trusted inside when we were away, but did great in our backyard until we got home.  Let me clarify that I was at home with our children most of the time, and Cheyanne would go outside for a few hours at a time when I had to be gone.  It was our routine.  She came in when we were home, which was most of the time, but out when we weren't home.  That was what was best for our family.  As I said before, you should do what is best for your family.  Every family situation is unique.  Every dog is unique.  We know you love Zeus!  It's all good!
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: RacheH June 19, 2007, 03:33:01 PM
Britz!

Nooooooo Lordy Lordy no you're not a horrible person!!  :o  My dad is just like your hubby, he hated having dogs inside (but when we were in Nigeria we had 16, all rescued dogs... huge garden, so lotsa space..). So naturally we couldn't have ALL of them inside, but the weather in nigeria is really good (hardly rains) and they had lots of space to run and play and loaadds of trees for shade. What my mom finally convinced my dad to do was to keep 2 dogs in the kitchen at a time, so she trained them to know who comes in by turn and the kitchen door was always open :D The 2 in the kitchen would NEVER dream of going further into the corridor or rooms, and the ones outside would wait patiently until their turn came to come in..

Here in my home now we have 4 dogs, 2 Rocky and Beau stay together all the time among us, and Sparky and Doggie (who always fight with Rocky, serious hate issues there...) stay in the back garden, but not allowed into the living room, but the kitchen door (adjoining the back garden) is always open for them so that whenver we're in the kitchen (and we're in the kitchen a LOT... i love to cook  8) :D) they can be with us, and also have appropriate shelter all year around.

That's why i suggested to you if your husband really is against the idea even after letting him read all this and still decides he doesn't like dogs inside you could always come to a compromise and get your rottie used to being among you in a certain room/s, and with the right training he'll know what the boundaries that you set for him are once you show him :) I have no doubts that he's a well-loved dog, and it's GREAT GREAT GREAT that you got him from the shelter... WAY TO GO GIRL!  :-*
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Saint Butterfly June 19, 2007, 09:12:00 PM
Hello Britz,

I only read the first five comments on your post, So I hope I am not going to repeat anything that has already been said, But I thought I might give you some advice that was given to me by My Grandmother who I would defiantly say is Very Wise.

I got My Saint Bernard Butterfly when my Second child was a Baby, Maybe not the smartest time to get a Dog, because they do require a lot of training, I was also Pregnant with my third Child... I spent a lot of time at first Training her, and it worked well, When my new Baby was born it became very Hard to keep training her, because the Children needed so much attention also, And because She became a Huge Puppy, And as we all know Puppies love to jump and Play. Butterfly had to spend a lot of time outside, Because I always seemed to be nursing a Baby, and she was always knocking over my other Baby. Not to be mean, But because she was a Clumsy Pup... I know this is off the Subject a little, But this is where my Grandma Came in...

She reminded me how important it was to Make Butterfly feel like she was part of the Family, By leaving her outside of the House I was excluding her from her Pack. ( Us) She Told me how important it was to have her in the house. If I want to have a Dog who is going to be a Family companion I should make her feel like family, and be sure to make her feel like a Member of our Pack...

I always made it a point to bring Butterfly in the House while the Little kids were napping.. I would walk her around and teach her how to respect the house, and show her what was expected... Not in one day of course... Many many days of consistency... I would leash Butterfly while I would nurse, and she was able to see how I was with the Children... She was also like a Child, So I started off by Raising her like one...While she was a Big Pup she did do Quite a bit of time outside, She was a Big Clumsy Pup like most Big Dogs are... But it was very important for her to be in the house as well, and feel like a part of the pack.
At dinner time I would leash Butterfly to my Chair and she would sit there and watch us eat... When we were done I would always give her a treat or some leftover meat... She learned fast to sit and behave while we ate, and that she always got rewarded for doing it.. Now every night at dinner she lays down by the table while we eat of course without a leash, But it was very easy to teach her what I expected from her, and she was happy to do it.

I personally am for a Dog that lives in the house. I think Big Dogs make great house pets, But they do take a lot of time to train, But it is also fun to do, And the Pay off is worth it. Keep in mind though that a Big Dog is like a Puppy until they are about two years old, So don't become discouraged or frustrated.. They become adult dogs then, and they are very graceful and careful when they Move..But is important to teach them now what you expect from them... Dogs Love to make us happy, Be sure to reward your Dog for what they are doing right, and not to get angry when they Mess up.. It does not take them Long to figure out that doing good things make us happy, But be very consistent..

Butterfly now is a great indoor Dog, and by watching me she has become very Motherly, and careful around my Children... Our Dogs watch us close, even when we don't know it..The same way in a Wolf pack the way the pups watch the Alpha dog, and they learn from them, The same way our Dogs need a Alpha to learn from in our Packs... Be your Dogs Alpha... If your Dog is left outside on it's own it may Take on the Role of the Leader. You never want your Big dog or any other Dog to be the Leader.. They Love to be a Part of the Pack, And the are very Happy when they have a Strong leader..

Sorry so Long, But I. Love this Kind of Stuff!
Take the Time to Train your Dog in the House while your Husband is Away... Soon your Husband will appreciate what you have done, and see how well it can work..Your Dog will also be much Happier, and so will You.

Good Luck Britz,
Shell
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Saint Butterfly June 19, 2007, 09:53:39 PM
By the Way, I just scrolled up and read a few of the Comments on this page.. I think the advice Marrisa (Saint and mal Mom) gave was very good in the case that someone would have to have an Outdoor dog.

Everyone has a different preference, But I myself would preferr a well trained indoor/outdoor Dog!
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: DoDadsandDanes June 19, 2007, 10:11:25 PM
Well Ive already added my (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/ldavies9/Smilies/th2cents3fo.gif) so this will make (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/ldavies9/Smilies/th2cents3fo.gif)(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/ldavies9/Smilies/th2cents3fo.gif) ... ;D   and Im new here, but have to agree that from what I have read this board is much more 'user friendly' then some others. So in order to keep it that way I think we should all get up from our computers and do a few YMCA vurses with the Village Smilies (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/ldavies9/Smilies/thymca.gif) just to lighten the mood........
That felt good...
Now for the two extra pennies... NO ONE here could possibly be a horrible person, not Britz or anyone who posted a response. We are all here because we love our dogs and together we can learn so much from each others experiences. ..AND since most of us probably have a spouse  or significant other (or parents or In-laws) we have the added complications of making everyone in our lives happy, sometimes at our own expense...
ooopppss...got off topic...sorry thought we were talking about  my life... ;D...

Britz, if my DH had it his way, all 7 kids, both dogs and myself, would be in plastic bubbles floating through the house. Never touching anything, getting our clothes dirty, shedding a hair, tracking a blade of grass in the house.. I work with him everyday just a little bit (of course he doesnt know that) I try and make it so he thinks everything is somehow  his  idea... OR make him feel totally awful for being too hard on us..when he starts coming out of his trance and begins to get cranky I just remind him it was his idea...(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/ldavies9/Smilies/happy1.gif) for instance I have somehow convinced him that it is his idea that I need to be on the computer finding out helpful information of course, six to eight hours per day.. ;) :)






: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Britz June 19, 2007, 10:33:19 PM
WOW i never thought  this would be  such a hot topic lmao.. I Will say thank you all  for  you opinions Im  going to take all this day  by  day  FOr the first time  last night  Zeus  got to come in  for a little  bit  with  hubby  home  even though it was just a foot away  from the door it is a start right.. haha..
I  do agree and dissagree with   lots  said her but  whatever  lol   I  do agree  with   who ever wrote its hard to  know  exactly how the person is saying it. so many times  the way you read something is not theway the  person said it.  I think we all need to think about something this way  if  we didnt  love are dogs why  would we come on a message board to talk about them lol.. SO I believe  EVERYONE HERE  even if there  dog is an out side or Inside dog  they all  love them the same. BEcause  if  we didn't  truly  care for are dogs why would  we even  come  to a great  message board to talk about them!! KWIM 
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Saint Butterfly June 19, 2007, 10:46:43 PM
Well Said Britz!

Good Story Holly!
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: DoDadsandDanes June 19, 2007, 10:57:54 PM
Well Said Britz!

Good Story Holly!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/ldavies9/Smilies/thditto2.gif)
now who's got advice on gettin DH to give up his holster with two windex bottles?  ;D
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Saint Butterfly June 19, 2007, 11:07:33 PM
LoL, Julie
Good Way to close a Discussion!
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: DoDadsandDanes June 19, 2007, 11:31:19 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/ldavies9/Smilies/ththROTFLYellow.gif)
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: Saint Butterfly June 19, 2007, 11:48:13 PM
Hey Lisa

Where do you get all of those cool Icons.. I can't even get the ones that come with this post to work..

Anyway, They are really cute, and really funny too!
: Re: Outside Dogs.. Question Concerns etc..
: DoDadsandDanes June 19, 2007, 11:56:43 PM
Ok..so like I dont waste enough time on the computer...rig ht? when Im tired of typing I take breaks and search Photobuckets smilies....if I like one I save it for future reference... theres over 20,000...Im up to the 1300's or so... am I sick or what??
today's personal favorite...the village smilies doing there version of YMCA..(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/ldavies9/Smilies/thymca.gif)