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Outdoor dogs:

Most of us have indoor pets, that is our dogs live in our house and are part of our family.  However, some dog owners have outdoor dogs and for those of you reading this, we want to provide you with some tips so your outdoor dog can lead a healthy and loving life.

  • Certain breeds are better equipped to stay outdoors than others – for instance, dogs with denser hair and skin will be better equipped outside than dogs with thinner hair and skin.
  • If you want your dog to be out in the open, the best way is to train him young as a pup to be outdoors so he grows up to be an outdoor dog.
  • That said, dogs should never completely be outside all of the time.  Your dog needs a little TLC and regular visits to ensure it feels part of your family.  If you force your dog to live outside with little or no human contact, you are technically causing long-term psychological damage to your dog.
  • As for the dog house? Well, it should be big enough so your dog can fit like it belongs.  Plus, it needs to be well padded.
  • Regarding the dog kennel, it should be partially in the shade and the flooring should be made of dirt.  Your dog will dig a hole as bed.
  • Experts don’t always agree with keeping your dog outside most of the time.  Since dogs like to nest, they enjoy secure places to sleep, rest, and roam, such as a household. 
  • Leaving a dog outside in isolation may create a stressful, anxious dog.  You’ll notice this type of behavior if your dog starts barking, howling, whining, chewing, or escaping. 
  • If you want to keep your dog outside to train him to become a guard dog, think again.  If your dog isn’t allowed into your home frequently, then the actual house won’t become a place it needs to defend. 

As for recommendations if you have an outdoor dog, they include having your dog sleep inside your house at night.   And if your dog is outside, it’s important to never him tie up or chain him.  This could result in frustration and extreme hyperactivity, aggression, not to mention entanglement.   Plus in the scorching summer months, if dogs are left outside too long or even if it rains, you want to be cognizant of the weather affecting your dog.  Your dog house should provide shade and shelter for the sunshine, rainy weather, and your dog must have fresh water.   
At The Dog Bowl, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being.  For more information about outdoor dogs we recommend you contact your local vet or shelter.