Dogs in the house?

baldduck · Postby **baldduck** » Wed Nov 21, 2001 1:08 pm

Do any yall keep your dogs inside?
My wife and I are moving into a new place. Our old house was on some land and I kept my dog outside. But our new place is smaller with not much of a yard. Can yall tell any difference in having your dog inside or out? My thougts are it will only help out with some additional "Pack" bonding, but I just need some more ammo to help persuade my wife to let me bring him in. Thanks for any advise.
Baldduck

PS Hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Wingman · Postby **Wingman** » Wed Nov 21, 2001 3:16 pm

I have kept all of mine inside. I think it helps the bonding issue. But one thing I notice, is that they don't seem to develop the thick coat come winter-time. I am going to start keeping mine in the crate on the porch at night so his coat will thicken and he won't get so cold during the hunt. But..I do believe that keeping them inside, as well as with you all the time, everywhere you go, will make them a better companion and each of you understands the other better.

Wingman

Black_Dawg · Postby **Black_Dawg** » Wed Nov 21, 2001 4:05 pm

no pboblem keep them inside,you will get to know them better,and you won't have to go outside in the cold to feed them. big PLUS!!!!

Postby **judge jb** » Wed Nov 21, 2001 6:50 pm

keep mine outside in a fully covered pen with a foot of shavings for warmth... for them and me... not under pier pressure from the family for me to behave... i just go out and feed and lay down an play with em... keeps me ready for colder temps....

judge jb

sondance · Postby **sondance** » Wed Nov 21, 2001 10:50 pm

I uesd to keep both of my dogs in the house until we moved beck to MS. It was great as far as bonding and the dogs picking up on non verbal cues from me. Plus I enjoyed the company. The only thing I didn't like was the damn hair everwhere. Now mine stay in the garage at night and in the yard during the day. There coats do thicken when kept outside. They are still great hunters but don't pick up on things like they used to. If my wife wouldn't throw a fit they'd be back iside and her in the garage. [img]images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]

jebster · Postby **jebster** » Thu Nov 22, 2001 7:48 am

The answer is based on what you want the role of the dog to be. If you want your dog to be a family pet and companion, then let him stay in the house. Most retriever breeds are incredibly intelligent animals and will adapt to the household routine very easily.

The only negative is that they shed 3 to 4 times per year. But, regular vacuuming with a good unit, will greatly minimize the problem. On bare floors, it is very easy. In my case, my lab is not allowed on any furniture. He knows that and never tries !

If you have a nice dog, keep him in the house. Otherwise you will miss a great opportunity to have a wonderful, full-time pal.

Welldoggie · Postby **Welldoggie** » Thu Nov 22, 2001 9:37 am

two words: rainbow vac

If you don't have a good vaccuum, then your socks are gonna look like a mink coat.

We weathered the puppy stage in a dog run out back then brought her in the house to live. She's dang near a perfect dog--'cept when she floats those air biscuits next to my bed when I'm trying to go to sleep.

goosebruce · Postby **goosebruce** » Thu Nov 22, 2001 7:17 pm

Dogs in the house is good, they really get tuned into 'human' stuff better, makes it easier for them to understand a lot of human stuff. We have a compromise, dog in run outside, comes in to watch tv and hang at night. Other dog locked in bathroom during day. Dogs allowed to run loose, in yard, or house, are destined to get bored, and in trouble. Fatdawg has free roam of the house, cause she always has (no furniture if wife is home, and only occasionally forgets that). Rowdy is only allowed in living room and kitchen, and never on furniture. He hangs out after supper, or when kids get home from school, is in kennel rest of time. Also, I always kennel him before training, and usually after. Would rather him think, Im getting out to go work, than make him think, Im getting up off my butt to go work... Seems to help clear his mind. travis

baldduck · Postby **baldduck** » Mon Nov 26, 2001 8:31 am

Guys thanks for your input. Brought him in Wed night and he did great. My wife's a little pissed at me but oh well. I think I'm going do what goosebruce does and bring him in after I get home and put back out in the AM. Thanks again but I'll be on the couch till my wife gets off the war path. baldduck

bluwtr · Postby **bluwtr** » Mon Nov 26, 2001 11:08 am

My lab stays outside when we aren't home, but comes in as soon as we arrive. The shedding is a pain in the butt, but I agree with the other posts that it makes for a better bond. He sleeps on the floor on my side of the bed, and sleeps under my feet where I sit on the couch. Just my two cents worth, hope it helps with the significant other.

Wes

Unkljohn · Postby **Unkljohn** » Mon Nov 26, 2001 11:52 am

Mine is outside when we're gone too, but he comes in when I do. My wife wouldn't let me leave him out even if I wanted too!!! When I had 2 they were outside most of the time, just because 2 80 lb dogs inside, was just too much to deal with. I think that he and I communicate much better now that he gets to come inside more often.
JT

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