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It has probably been debated until everybody is blue inthe face. I am currnetly trying to get a list of pros to talk wife into keeping one of the new pups inside. So what are the pros and cons of keeping a dog inside (a lab). I was raised with a dog inside and outside. She was not raised with dogs perios. But she likes dogs. She loves the 2 we have outside. So help me out here guys.

I always keep my pups in the house up to around 4-6 months of age. When I get home and in the mornings we can work on crate training, sitting before eating, socialization stuff, fun bumper play in the hallway, etc.

All that, you are on your own with Momma.

I'm not gonna dare and act like i know more then anybody else, but i keep mine inside. She sleeps in the bed or in the crate. I just feel like you get a better bond w/ the dog. Plus there's all that extra time to work on stuff. Best quote i've heard, "What is your dog learning in the kennel?" Just my opinion though.. And what do i know

mharville wrote:Best quote i've heard, "What is your dog learning in the kennel?"

I believe this statement was made for dogs that are never worked; not just dogs that are not raised in the house. There are many Labradors that are kept in the house, but never worked.

Whether your dog is raised indoors or outdoors, they are never going to learn if not taught. If your dog stays indoors, it does nothing training wise until you get home, same if your dog is kept outdoors.

Your exactly right. It is about working them... Just knowing how i am, i keep mine inside w/ me, because i can get little lessons in the whole time i'm home and she's out. Even if we're not outside. Just works for me. Doesn't work for everybody.

mharville,

I agree with you and that is one of the reason why I keep mine inside until around 4-6 months of age. A little hallway work with a sock or small bumper or small paint roller. Work on sit before eating, able to take pup from kennel to outside to work on airing commands, etc. So, I am in aggreement with you. Just once they get older I move them outside as we have two small dogs in the house already.

Yea, i got ya drake. I'll prolly have an arguement on my hands soon. My brother lives w/ me and is getting a puppy in may. I'm sure he'll want mine outside so his can come in. But by that time mine will be over a year and may move outside. And I'm learning everything as i go w/ my young pup. So i make her watch dvd's on training w/ me..hoping she'll pick it up..HAHAHA..

There are lots of times, on lots of dogs, being confined in a kennel, or even better, in a crate, is advantagous to a dog's attitude in working. Going from a crate to doing anything is great, going from an air condtioned couch to drills isn't as cool to a dog. but besides that cavet, a dog indoors gets a lot more exposure to people, and is usually more attuned to the owners wishes. Just like the more you know about dog behavior, the easier it is to communicate to your dog, the more he knows about people behavior, the easier the communiction is the other way. Even dogs that stay inside should be crated when people arent around, good for dog, good for your house, and a lot less likely to have 'accidents' that can cause costly vet bills by eating something.

Only thing I'll add is a working dog needs to be comfortable in a house, a kennel, a crate, or on a truck. Dogs with special needs can be difficult to travel with. Even if you don't run tests or trials, a hunting dog that wont stay in a kennel or crate can be a problem when you get invited on the hunt of the year at your buddies camp that doesnt allow dogs inside, or a members dog is already inside.

Here ya go:

Pros:
1. Whenever you drop a morsel of food on the floor you don't have to bend over and pick it up, ole Rover will gladly do it for you.

2. If the wife asks you to do the dishes just say "sure honey I'll be glad to" then let ole Rover lick 'em clean while you watch t.v.

3. After force-fetch ole Rover will gladly fetch your beverage of choice ( preferably in bottles, sometimes hardmouth can cause punctures in thin aluminum cans) thus saving you a hike to the fridge.

4. Can't find the match to your other sock? I'll bet ole Rover knows where it is (hint look in his crate).

5. Getting cold there on the couch while watching t.v.? Who wants to get up and get a blanket, after all you just got good and comfy. Have ole Rover come and pile on and there you go, a heated fur blanket!

6. Need to fart? Let 'er rip and blame it on ole Rover!

Cons:

Haven't found any yet.

Lonster

you forgot remote hunt em up, my personal favorite. unfourtanly rowdy is couch broke, no chance of getting him to nap with ya on the couch, but he loves the floor with tj! travis

Thanks for the imput.

My wife never even had a dog in her life until she met Jack. Once she saw him inside, she got to spoiling him a whole lot worse than I ever could! That's why I got her a Rat Terrier - to 'save' my hunting partner!

So trust me. D@mn the consequences and just bring your pup on in. He'll win her over in no time. And if he doesn't, well - - - just make sure that you have the long couch.

If there is a "con" for a 1 or 2 dogger, I can't think of it.