Can I Leave My Dogs Outside?

As man's best friend, dogs can bring love, charisma and happiness to the people who take care of them. Part of the responsibility of owning a dog is creating a safe environment for it, both when it is with you and when it is home alone.

  1. Outdoor Dog Area

    • When contemplating leaving your dog outside for extended periods of time, there are certain risks for any property that a dog owner must assess. First, think about where you live. If you live in town, do you have a fence to keep the dog contained? Is the fence high enough so your dog will not be able to jump over it? For pet owners who live in the country, it is important to determine if your dog will stay on your property without a fence.

    Dog Behavior Analysis

    • Before you allow your dog to start being outside, it is important to analyze its behaviors. Monitor your dog to see how much it barks at people passing by, if it dig holes or if your dog tries to escape from contained areas. If your dog exhibits any of these behaviors, you will want to work with your canine to correct these traits before it spends additional time outside. While digging is something that only affects you, a barking dog can create tension with your neighbors who might consider the noise disturbing. If your dog escapes from its contained area, it is in danger of being lost or hit by a car.

    Shelter Recommendations

    • If your dog is going to live outside, it is essential to provide it with a dog house. Whether for protection from the elements or a cozy place to sleep, dog houses should be roomy and well ventilated. During warm months, ensure that a dog house is filled with fresh water. For periods of excessive heat, run a fan out to the dog house to give your pet a cool breeze. In winter months, line the dog house with straw and a dog blanket so that your dog can stay warm.

    Dangers of Leashing a Dog

    • While a dog can happily spend an afternoon outside in the warm, summer sun when it is free to roam within its contained area, it is not acceptable to leave a dog outside on a tether or leash. Dogs are social creatures that have a pack mentality. They want to be where people are as well as want to protect their home. Outside dogs need containment areas that they are free to roam around. Tethered dogs are at risk of strangulation if they wind themselves around an object or attempt to jump over a fence and get caught.