Leaving Dogs outside all day

Andy From Sligo

whats your view on people owning dog(s) and going out to work all day and leaving them locked up in the back yard - do you think its ok or maybe a form of neglect?

What do you also think about people who 'would never have a dog in the house!'

What do you think when people leave them outside in the freezing cold temperatures or boiling hot temperatures in the back yard .

According to one animal welfare person I talked to once as long as they have fresh water and a kennel/shelter they are not classed as being neglected and the way the law stands nothing can be done - even if the dog(s) continuously bark throughout the day (and sometimes into the night!)

Sheep Lover

Dogs are animals and belong outside. Obviously not locked in some horrid council house back garden though. Having a dog inside all day is as bad as having them on a tiny patch grass outside all day. Dogs belong outside with plenty of space.

jobeenfitz

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

whats your view on people owning dog(s) and going out to work all day and leaving them locked up in the back yard - do you think its ok or maybe a form of neglect?

What do you also think about people who 'would never have a dog in the house!'

What do you think when people leave them outside in the freezing cold temperatures or boiling hot temperatures in the back yard .

According to one animal welfare person I talked to once as long as they have fresh water and a kennel/shelter they are not classed as being neglected and the way the law stands nothing can be done - even if the dog(s) continuously bark throughout the day (and sometimes into the night!)

Some dogs bark a lot when left alone outside and all their neighbours have to suffer.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

My dog is very much an outdoor dog. She hates being inside. She has a large safe run and is very happy in kt when we are not home and at night. She only barks if strangers appear

lollsangel

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

whats your view on people owning dog(s) and going out to work all day and leaving them locked up in the back yard - do you think its ok or maybe a form of neglect?

What do you also think about people who 'would never have a dog in the house!'

What do you think when people leave them outside in the freezing cold temperatures or hooking hot temperatures in the back yard .

According to one animal welfare person I talked to once as long as they have fresh water and a kennel/shelter they are not classed as being neglected and the way the law stands nothing can be done - even if the dog(s) continuously bark throughout the day (and sometimes into the night!)

My dogs are outside every day...played with every day...fed well looked after but refuse to spend more than a few minutes in the house since they were pups. I don't see how its neglect. I would if mine barked for a few minutes find out why....usually it's something unwelcome. Each to their own I guess

agent graves

its a disgrace. i have a neighbour with 3 big dogs that are just left in the back garden day and night in these ****ty crates. sometimes the neighbour is gone for two or three days at a time but nothing can be done because they fill up a big bowl with food and another with water.. dog ownership laws need to be overhauled big time

kneemos

Eduardo Fierce Salt wrote: »

My dog is very much an outdoor dog. She hates being inside. She has a large safe run and is very happy in kt when we are not home and at night. She only barks if strangers appear

Is the "large safe run"a cage?

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

kneemos wrote: »

Is the "large safe run"a cage?

No. An area of grass and concrete with buildings on 2 sides and railings with gates at either end containing a large kennel. She then has an acre of garden plus our half acre wood to play in when loose in the garden. Plus plenty of walks in the bog and fields beside us.

kneemos

agent graves wrote: »

its a disgrace. i have a neighbour with 3 big dogs that are just left in the back garden day and night in these ****ty crates. sometimes the neighbour is gone for two or three days at a time but nothing can be done because they fill up a big bowl with food and another with water.. dog ownership laws need to be overhauled big time

Those "dog runs"need to be outlawed.The number of dogs I've seen permantly locked up in those those things is disgraceful.

delahuntv

agent graves wrote: »

its a disgrace. i have a neighbour with 3 big dogs that are just left in the back garden day and night in these ****ty crates. sometimes the neighbour is gone for two or three days at a time but nothing can be done because they fill up a big bowl with food and another with water.. dog ownership laws need to be overhauled big time

Dog / animal laws got a big overhaul last year.

If they do not have space to move about it is cruel. You can report them to your local animal rescue who can take action and inform the relevant authorised inspectors in the area - inspectors now include some local vets, vetinery officers and animal rescue people and they are authorised to issue fines and to take immediate action.

Andy From Sligo

we got a couple of dogs in the area at the moment that bark constantly yep the monotonous bark is annoying - are they barking just for the sake of it? - do they want company? do they bark for food or water? are they too hot/cold?, are they in pain? - who knows? - if there is no owner there to look after them who really knows what they are barking for?

Pumpkinseeds

A new Animal Welfare Helpline was introduced in 2013, you can call 1850211990 if you are concerned about any animals welfare. Under the old legislation so long as a dog had been provided with food and water there was bugger all that could be done, the rules are very different now, thankfully, still a long way to go but progress none the less.:)

Lenin Skynard

It's preferable to being left inside the house but it doesn't suit all. Mine would hate it as he likes the comfort of being inside but I feel guilty if I'm gone for a long period because his bladder might be full, at least outside he's free to go to the toilet. So I think outside is better but it's up to him really. That said, leaving them alone for extended periods of time anywhere on a regular basis is really the issue.

Andy From Sligo

Sheep Lover wrote: »

Dogs are animals and belong outside...

Animals or pets?

Sheep Lover

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

Animals or pets?

Animals Andy.

Andy From Sligo

Sheep Lover wrote: »

Animals Andy.

not pets then? ...

Sheep Lover

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

not pets then? ...

Well call them what you like but a dog is an animal. They don't belong laid up on your couch all day.

Menas

Seems to me that some dogs like to stay inside, some like outside....just like people!

redbel05

I never understand why people have animals that they don't interact with beyond filling a food bowl. Is it some kind of status thing? Are they really so ignorant of an dogs needs that they think leaving them alone for ages without any kind of stimulation/ comfort is OK? Because that's the issue here, not whether the dog is inside/outside.

RonanP77

I don't have a dog at the minute but I did for years and most likely will again from about this time next year. They'll have an acre of ground to run around, a big kennel, lots of food & water and between a child constantly wanting to play, and running 20 - 30 mile a week with me they should have plenty of exercise.

They won't ever get into the house because in my opinion animals belong outside. They'll be home alone 3 or 4 days a week for about 10 hours each day. They'll be on guard duty.

I don't see how that would count as neglect.

Andy From Sligo

im no expert on this and maybe what im saying is bull - but I think I can tell a different temperament in dogs that have been left out all day and no/not much human intervention bar from a bowl of water and food, to a dog that is allowed in the house , allowed to play and interact with humans apart from anything their coats are better and their general health is better than dogs that never are allowed to come inside to the house and are left in the back yard or left to roam the streets - I think 'outside' dogs viewed as animals or working dogs can be more viscious and unpredictible than dogs that are treated as pets not animals and that are allowed inside the house with loads of human interaction and stroking and curling up in front of the fire ect - anyone agree with me?

RonanP77

Andy From Sligo wrote:

im no expert on this and maybe what im saying is bull - but I think I can tell a different temperament in dogs that have been left out all day and no/not much human intervention bar from a bowl of water and food, to a dog that is allowed in the house , allowed to play and interact with humans apart from anything their coats are better and their general health is better than dogs that never are allowed to come inside to the house and are left in the back yard or left to roam the streets - I think 'outside' dogs viewed as animals or working dogs can be more viscious and unpredictible than dogs that are treated as pets not animals and that are allowed inside the house with loads of human interaction and stroking and curling up in front of the fire ect - anyone agree with me?

You were right in your first sentence, what you're saying is bull.

Outside dogs can get played with and petted a lot too, they also have more freedom to run around rather than being cooped up inside. Good quality food, lots of exercise, regular grooming and still getting plenty if attention surely leaves them healthy enough.

salmocab

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

im no expert on this and maybe what im saying is bull - but I think I can tell a different temperament in dogs that have been left out all day and no/not much human intervention bar from a bowl of water and food, to a dog that is allowed in the house , allowed to play and interact with humans apart from anything their coats are better and their general health is better than dogs that never are allowed to come inside to the house and are left in the back yard or left to roam the streets - I think 'outside' dogs viewed as animals or working dogs can be more viscious and unpredictible than dogs that are treated as pets not animals and that are allowed inside the house with loads of human interaction and stroking and curling up in front of the fire ect - anyone agree with me?

Plenty of outside dogs are great pets with great temperaments. your mixing up outside dogs with neglected dogs.

Bongalongherb

Unfortunately OP, There are many folk out there that haven't a clue or a nanometre of intelligence in how to look after a dog. Some say that the dog is just an animal and it doesn't know any better either way, of course this is totally untrue, especially when you have been brought up with dogs all of your life and then understand their intelligence and needs.

To answer your questions... I don't personally associate myself with these kind of people.

Leaving a dog in the garden all day with no exercise or anything to occupy itself with is actually cruel imo. They have needs just like a person does.

RonanP77

Bongalongherb wrote:

Leaving a dog in the garden all day with no exercise or anything to occupy itself with is actually cruel imo. They have needs just like a person does.

How on earth does a dog having an acre of ground to run around in mean it's getting no exercise? If it gets an extra 5 mile run that evening surely that's enough exercise for any dog.

Bongalongherb

RonanP77 wrote: »

How on earth does a dog having an acre of ground to run around in mean it's getting no exercise? If it gets an extra 5 mile run that evening surely that's enough exercise for any dog.

That's a different story altogether lol, I mean left out all day in a tiny back garden. I should have made myself more clearer. There's absolutely nothing bad about what you are doing, that's great for the dogs, a nice huge space to run around in.

RonanP77

Bongalongherb wrote:

That's a different story altogether lol, I mean left out all day in a tiny back garden. I should have made myself more clearer.

Well that makes more sense, I hate to see big dogs living in towns with tiny gardens.

Swanley

There's a happy medium to be found, especially in colder months. You wouldn't want them to catch something nasty like Pneumono­ultra­microscopic­silico­volcano­coniosis or the flu or something.

Andy From Sligo

RonanP77 wrote: »

How on earth does a dog having an acre of ground to run around in mean it's getting no exercise? If it gets an extra 5 mile run that evening surely that's enough exercise for any dog.

ive seen plenty of dogs have a large area to run - it doesnt mean they will - sometimes they need a human there / human interaction to get them to run /exercise / play with

I know you say theres a kennel where you are but when we get back to - degrees centigrade temperatures will it still be OK to keep dogs outside in that? I know they got coats to keep them warm but still ...

Bongalongherb

RonanP77 wrote: »

Well that makes more sense, I hate to see big dogs living in towns with tiny gardens.

I see it all the time where I'm from in Swords County Dublin, very tiny gardens in this estate, and you can hear the dogs whining all night, the poor fellers are left out all day and night and just used as a gaurd-dog.

Plenty of assholes around this place.

Qualitymark

Depends on the dog. I used to leave my dog outside when I went to work, for a few months, then my neighbours told me she was barking and barking. Started leaving her inside, checked with the neighbours and they said no barks from inside. She just felt insecure and scared outside. Lots of other dogs are happier outside.

The one thing dogs absolutely do need is interaction with their humans. A walk is important - the dog gets to sniff the social life of the area and mark its territory; I think dogs look on this as kind of "the hunt". Even a short walk is better than no walk. (It's good for humans too, especially if you can walk by water.) And every dog should be petted comprehensively at least once a day, with plenty of stroking around the head and neck in a calm, kind way. And play, of course.

Sheep Lover

We used to have a few working dogs here that'd bark the place down sometimes. Leaving the radio on in their cages helped with that.

Andy From Sligo

Qualitymark wrote: »

Depends on the dog. I used to leave my dog outside when I went to work, for a few months, then my neighbours told me she was barking and barking. Started leaving her inside, checked with the neighbours and they said no barks from inside. She just felt insecure and scared outside. Lots of other dogs are happier outside.

The one thing dogs absolutely do need is interaction with their humans. A walk is important - the dog gets to sniff the social life of the area and mark its territory; I think dogs look on this as kind of "the hunt". Even a short walk is better than no walk. (It's good for humans too, especially if you can walk by water.) And every dog should be petted comprehensively at least once a day, with plenty of stroking around the head and neck in a calm, kind way. And play, of course.

calms yourself down as a human that is, petting your dog ... lowers the heart rate as well

inocybe

dog theft would be my first reason not to leave them out.

RonanP77

Andy From Sligo wrote:

I know you say theres a kennel where you are but when we get back to - degrees centigrade temperatures will it still be OK to keep dogs outside in that? I know they got coats to keep them warm but still ...

There are over 70 trees in my garden to provide shade in the heat, when it gets too cold there are heavy blankets provided in the kennel.

Andy From Sligo

RonanP77 wrote: »

There are over 70 trees in my garden to provide shade in the heat, when it gets too cold there are heavy blankets provided in the kennel.

ah well - sounds like you have it covered then - im still not totally convinced myself leaving dogs outside all the time is the way to go but thats just me

Cold War Kid

I don't agree with it being an absolutely constant thing (with exceptions, e.g. a really decent run like Srameen's) - I don't see the relevance of the "It's as bad for them to be kept inside all the time" point. It doesn't have to be just one or the other.
I'd try to keep the dog outdoors as much as possible this time of year, but couldn't keep them outside non stop when it's cold. Has to be done sometimes though of course. But no excuse for a sub-par shelter for them.

Bongalongherb

Say hello to Murph. He's a mix collie & Bernese mountain dog. I homed this beautiful dog from a rescue centre in north county dublin almost a year ago.

He gives you gifts of a towel or socks when you arrive home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b94ZKIi83c8

LadyFenghuang

Some are not meant to be left like that. A lot of people pay to have someone check on them. Or they come home etc at lunch.


I don't recommend it all day.

I think it's very unfair to the dog . You need to know what you are getting into before you get a dog.

It's not right if the dogs suffers at all.

316

Dogs shouldn't be allowed in estates, buy a robot dog if you want a pet.

Andy From Sligo

is it true to say that an awful lot of people in Ireland (not all) feel as though Dogs are not pets and are viewed as animals / working dogs because an awful lot of people have grown up with working dogs on the farms and always kept outside, some just even kept shackled up with an old rope and lying in puddles and out in the rain and all weathers or just left to roam around the farm and chase cars as they drive by - and this is where the problem lies so its a sort of like mindset that a lot of people have of dogs in Ireland rather than pets and bringing them in?

Mark Tapley

I have a dogflap so the dog can be in or out as she chooses. She usually follows me around when I'm home.

tipparetops

I sometimes wonder why people have dogs as pets only to leave them outside at night.
A dog wants to be part of your family, it does not want to be chained up outside or put in one of those crates.

RonanP77

tipparetops wrote: »

I sometimes wonder why people have dogs as pets only to leave them outside at night.
A dog wants to be part of your family, it does not want to be chained up outside or put in one of those crates.

Another load of crap, if a dog has always lived outside and has never been in the house then it doesn't know any different.

The main problem I have with your statement is the bit in Bold, you seem to be saying a dog that is kept outside will not be treated, or feel, like part of the family

There are a lot of dogs that live outside that are perfectly happy, they aren't being ignored, abused or treated badly.

I hate to see any animals in a house, I think it's dirty and it's not natural.

tipparetops

RonanP77 wrote: »

Another load of crap, if a dog has always lived outside and has never been in the house then it doesn't know any different.

The main problem I have with your statement is the bit in Bold, you seem to be saying a dog that is kept outside will not be treated, or feel, like part of the family

There are a lot of dogs that live outside that are perfectly happy, they aren't being ignored, abused or treated badly.

I hate to see any animals in a house, I think it's dirty and it's not natural.

The problem with many dog owners is the dog they choose.
Many people get inappropriate dogs as pets.
wrong size, wrong breed.

No dog wants to be outside at night, they want to be with their family inside.
Sitting by the fire in winter, dogs love it.
I have working dogs and would never leave them outside at night.
They stay in the utility room at the back door.

Cold War Kid

Treating a dog as akin to a person is silly IMO, but I hate the other, "hard", utilitarian attitude towards dogs too.

For a domesticated dog, somewhere in between seems fairest IMO.

316

Alot of people get dogs as a partner, live in the house full time and sleep with them too.

tipparetops

Cold War Kid wrote: »

Treating a dog as akin to a person is silly IMO, but I hate the other, "hard", utilitarian attitude towards dogs too.

For a domesticated dog, somewhere in between seems fairest IMO.

Dogs and cats are great companions for the elderly, who due to loneliness in many situations treat them like a person.
There is nothing wrong with that.

RonanP77

tipparetops wrote: »

The problem with many dog owners is the dog they choose.
Many people get inappropriate dogs as pets.
wrong size, wrong breed.

No dog wants to be outside at night, they want to be with their family inside.
Sitting by the fire in winter, dogs love it.
I have working dogs and would never leave them outside at night.
They stay in the utility room at the back door.

How do you know what a dog wants? As was mentioned earlier, not every dog is the same so they don't all want the same thing. I used to have German Shepherds and even when the back door was left open, they never showed the slightest bit of interest in coming inside.

tipparetops

RonanP77 wrote: »

How do you know what a dog wants? As was mentioned earlier, not every dog is the same so they don't all want the same thing. I used to have German Shepherds and even when the back door was left open, they never showed the slightest bit of interest in coming inside.

I am just pointing out People have dogs that are too big for their home, so have to leave them outside.
People have dogs for breeding reasons so would not them inside.
People have dogs for security reasons, even though this is usually fantasy.

Bongalongherb

RonanP77 wrote: »

Another load of crap, if a dog has always lived outside and has never been in the house then it doesn't know any different.

The main problem I have with your statement is the bit in Bold, you seem to be saying a dog that is kept outside will not be treated, or feel, like part of the family

There are a lot of dogs that live outside that are perfectly happy, they aren't being ignored, abused or treated badly.

I hate to see any animals in a house, I think it's dirty and it's not natural.

What is Natural ?

This is the only problem I have with your above comment... Actually it's a good thing having a dog in the house and it's not dirty when you wash said dog. In regards to dirty, it's actually beneficial for the human immune system to have a dog around the home.