3 dogs, 1 inside and 2 out - would it work?

[talksensetome]

This is just putting the feelers out and not decided so just asking here how plausible it would be.

I have an American Bulldog who is very much a pet dog. He is always in the house unless he wants to go outside and he is never ever left out there.

my newish bf has two dogs, they are working dogs and he has a huge dog pen for them in his garden with igloo kennels inside and space to run about etc.

Anyway as he is spending more time at mine he is feeling guilty about leaving the care of his dogs to his dad who he lives with.

He has been mentioning that my outdoor brick double shed would make an excellent dog kennel and he could put dog beds in there, that white floor stuff and fence off part of the garden for a run. Add a thermostat heater, saw the door in half so they can come and go as they please etc.

It seems feasible in terms of practicality with a bit of effort but when I was wondering is would his dogs not be upset that mine is in the house with the humans while they are stuck outside?

Would my dog be jealous that they get to play together and he is excluded?

Basically would it work out? I don't want my pet dog being turfed out like his dogs because I don't agree that dogs live outside, I think they are part of the family. I don't even cage my dog.

[talksensetome]

Pup is 9 months old. my dog is definitely submissive, he is scared of little dogs and just submits to big dogs, he seems to prefer big dogs though. I was wondering if he will end up getting bullied. He really is a pampered soft dog and very much a pet. I need to stick up for him because it seems these two will just give him a dogs life! (pardon the pun).

I feel I have made the right choice too Itsme I was quite worried about it but thought I was just over reacting because I am not familiar with several dogs together or working dogs or pups actually for that matter! I am relieved that the decision is made and I can say no way without feeling guilty.

[Isitjustmeorisiteveryoneelse]

I think you're right re your boys life with the other two. Nine months suggests it's not just pushing his puppy luck but more his natural character. There's nothing wrong with out door 'guard' dogs (obviously they should be very well trained etc) but I think it's unrealistic to then expect them to be able to play happy families with a pet dog. Not great for any of them, or you and your DCs. I've got quite a bit experience in mixing and introducing dogs (esp. to puppies) and I wouldn't recommend this scenario. You'd be expecting the guard dogs to be guards dogs when bf wanted them to be and then switch character when you required them to be pet dogs. Or realistic. Anyway, best wishes and hope your boy has a happy comfy couch potato life from now on!

[Twogoats]

I really hope you're a troll

[talksensetome]

ITSME Thank you so much, that is exactly right! They can't be working dogs and pet dogs, they are either or and it is unfair and confusing for them if we try to get them to switch between the two. That is exactly what I will say.

[talksensetome]

Twogoats a dog troll? really? and since when do trolls listen reasonably to advice given and take it. there has been no attention seeking drama escalation or kicking off which are surely what troll threads are about? I am sure if you advance search me you will find pictures of me and my dog.

[EverythingEverywhere1234]

With the title alone, absolutely. I've a house dog, a cocker spaniel cross, and two outdoor dogs, a collie and a collie/kelpie cross. They all know where they stand.
With the rest of the info, I came on here don't be so bloody daft, but I see you've made your mind up against it now. Good for you.

[JigglyTuff]

I'm so glad you've decided not to do it. You know what I think of your boyfriend so I won't labour the point. I will say that I also attract twats but I've learned not to go out with them

[tabulahrasa]

"Tab my dog is more reserved, he will play but always waits for other dogs to approach him and initiate the game. He doesn't approach strange dogs or anything."

Oh - well what I meant was that a bit of a back off now, seriously... Isn't a big deal, but actually it's sounding more like his dog isn't so great with other dogs.

Though in fairness he is at the right age for being a bit of a pushing his luck stroppy teenager.

In all honesty - I'm really not liking anything I hear about how your BF is with his dogs, it's possibly a bit extreme...but it would put me right off him.

Especially because you have DC, I find there's a bit of a crossover between being a twatty dog owner and how people are with DC...

[talksensetome]

Thanks Jiggly, I am getting quicker at spotting and getting rid of them but its still a learning curve!

[TrionicLettuce]

To be honest it sounds like he's completely over-dogged with the Mal which doesn't really bode well given the dog's breeding.

[talksensetome]

Sorry Tri I have no idea what over dogged is?

[tabulahrasa]

Overdogged - having a dog with too big an engine for you

Mals are driven dogs, they need a skilled owner, they're too easy to muck up if you're not as competent as they are

[TrionicLettuce]

It means it doesn't sound like he's up to the job of handling a dog as intense as this one is likely to be.

He's already allowed it to mate with his bitch because he didn't think to keep them separate when she was in season.

Now he's putting it into positions where it feels the need to defend itself then "correcting" (presumably punishing) it when it does so.

This is quite an interesting read from a breeder of working line Mals. There's a longer article here which is also worth a read.

Working line Mals are amazing dogs but they're also pretty specialist dogs that need the right sort of training and handling to keep them out of trouble.