The other day I pondered a question; “what happens to an outside dog?” I’m sure that there are some people who get a dog and already know that the dog will be living outdoors, in the yard, alone. But many people have a wonderous idea of getting their puppy and that puppy lying by their feet in front of the fire.
SCREEEAAACCCHHHING BRAKE SOUND
Reality steps in and that puppy is jumping, nipping, chewing and pooping in your home. What happens next is sadly common; having not done your research and been ready for what was really going to happen, the puppy is put outside. “Wheewww,” with a sign of relief you have space, peace and quiet once more. Puppy outside, you inside, nice eh? NO.
What will probably happen now is your puppy will be even more excited when they come back in. You can’t figure out why but I’ll tell you why. First, is about you; you have created a dream like scenario in your head when your puppy is outside. Next, the puppy is void of human contact and when they do get back in they are just a tad excited about it. It is sad, their behavior can become frantic which bothers us even more and out they go again. It is a vicious cycle that I see play out far too often.
A dog left to their own in the backyard has no life. Dogs should not live alone, it’s a horrible life for a dog. No companionship, no guidance, no company, no relationship, no education, just abandonment into the yard. Typically these dogs who are banished to the yard don’t get out much either. And by out much I mean out on walks, out doing life.
I really truly cannot wrap my head around this. Why go out and get a dog to put it in your yard? Not only do you get nothing out of this, the dog ends up in a home that doesn’t even want them. I always think of the home that could have had these dogs. People who bring them in as part of the family, hang out, teach and go on adventures with their dogs.
Some people who end up making the “outdoor dog” decision feel guilty so think that another one will help. Hey, lets get another dog and ruin their life too. Great idea. At least the first dog has someone to hang out with right? That can be the case but it can also go very wrong. Many people who have outside dogs never even know what’s actually going on in their backyard. Are they getting along? Do they like each other? Are they destroying the yard?
What are they suppose to do out there all alone? They will almost guaranteed, wreck your yard. Chew anything that they can find and get out if they can. If and when they do get out; they will have a taste of the good life. They will want more and they will take what they can by getting out again and again.
Backyard dogs can also become extremely aggressive. They typically have little to no socializing; which can create a fearful dog. Left only in the yard, they can also become over protective of that property. Heck it’s all that they have right?
Dogs are not items to be purchased and put on a shelf. Ahhhh, there we have our dog. NO, dogs need you to offer them a good life, the best life that you can give them. Putting them in the backyard and getting on with your life without them…is appalling.
As I sit writing this, Elsa and Riggs are curled up (shown above) on their double dog bed and blanket. It is our job to give a great life to our dogs. If we have no intention of doing that then, don’t get the dog. Let someone who wants a companion have the dog and buy a new patio set with your money. Why inflict a lonely and sad life on a dog by just throwing them in the backyard?
I understand that there are dogs who have jobs outside. Guardian dogs who’s jobs are to protect livestock. These dogs are raised to do this and the flock or herd becomes their family. This is not the dogs I am talking about.
I am talking about the dogs who end up in the backyard simply for being a dog. Not the dogs who like to spend time in the yard; the dogs who are not allowed into the house with the family. My dogs love being in the yard if they are sunning themselves. Other than that, they want to be where I am; which is pretty typically for the k9 species.
I have talked to many of these people who have “outside” dogs and their reasons are varied. Some don’t like the shedding in the house, others tell me that the dog gets overly excited when they come in, others say that the dog has not outgrown chewing yet. One man stood strong on the fact that his dog hated coming into the house. He said it would come in and bound around, everyone would get mad and the dog wanted out again. Well, duh!
If you are thinking about getting a dog; think long and hard before taking the plunge. I actually have a FREE course (Do you really want a dog?) you can take to see if you are ready for a dog yet. Puppies are ALOT of work. And this is typically where it starts to go wrong. “Put them outside” so you can get a break. But a break turns into hours, hours into days and days into a very sad and lonely life.
A lot goes into having a dog or dogs live in your life. Learn about what is involved, read and read and read some more. Take my course (linked above) and really think it through before getting a dog. And if you feel overwhelmed when you do decide on a dog; call a positive trainer to help you through it. Don’t toss the dog in the yard so you don’t have to think about it anymore. Our dogs deserve so much more.