Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Thanks guys. 

For Malamutes that age, yes, it is normal. And it will end someday too! You just have to be the pack leader and stop it if it ever goes too far, like as in the dogs are drawing blood or one is yelping and the other won't back off. Most fights don't usually amount to much. I have one Malamute and her sister is a Saint Bernard. They used to fight constantly, but they grew out of it for the most part. Still very seldom, we do have short growls or nips at each other. Good luck!

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.

Blair, when does she plan to put them to sleep? I might have someone I could convince to take them, even if it is temporarily. Do you know anything about their personalities or how they are with other dogs? Would she wait just 1 or 2 more days if a home could be lined up?

If it becomes clear that your pup is in pain when he/she walks, that is a more serious problem. Dolly doesn't have any pain and we don't really have the money to surgically fix her legs or anything like that, so we've basically ignored the problem. I would definitely suggest giving the pup either a Glucosamine suppliment or make sure your dog food has glucosamine or selenium in it. Good for the joints. Not a whole lot you can really do about the legs. Never ever let the pup go up stairs though. That can cause a myriad of other problems for legs, hips, knees, and elbow joints too. Try to maintain those joints, even if you can't fix them. Good luck!

Blair, I am so sad and sorry to hear all of this. I can't imagine trying to go through what you've been through. I don't look down on you or hate you at all for any of it though. It's not your fault. You did what was best for Gauge too. We will miss him and he will miss you, but you being willing to give him up for his own happiness' sake shows just how much you love him. I'm sending lots and lots of hugs your way.

Only advice I have to offer is that I am in Southeast Kansas and could transport all the way up to the Kansas City, MO area if needed, but not next week as I will be out of town.

Great pictures! I love your crew!