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The doghouse

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Original poster

Keeping dogs outside

28 replies

Le011133 · 12/04/2017 17:27

I'm considering get two dogs probably GSD, Huskies or working type spaniels. I'd have them in the house when I'm there this would be all day twice possibly three times a week, but I don't want them left in when nobody's there so I'd like to keep them in the garden obviously with adequate shelter, food and water and toys. We have a safe fenced garden and either side have dogs and will keep an eye on them.

Our previous dogs we've had outside in the same conditions as above walked 3 times a day at least but left out for several hours a day unsupervised.

Any advice?

OP posts:
BiteyShark · 12/04/2017 18:07

You can get specialised dog kennels the size of large sheds with an inside area and an outside section. Bearing in mind people keep dogs in crates when they go out these offer much larger spaces with external areas to toilet if needed. Do you have adequate space in the garden for that kind of shelter?

UnbornMortificado · 12/04/2017 18:10

My brother keeps working dogs in an outside kennel, it's heated and about half the size of my house. There's also bunk beds but I suspect he was showing off (he's
a carpenter)

Wolfiefan · 12/04/2017 18:12

They are very high energy breeds. Why those particular ones? And why getting two at the same time?
I would never do this. You have no idea if they are barking. I would also be concerned about them getting too hot or cold or even stolen.

BiteyShark · 12/04/2017 18:20

I know people who have outside kennels and the inside is heated or temperature monitored. Another person has a camera set up so they can monitor the dogs remotely so yes it can work and will save your house from being destroyed if bored.
Personally I see it as being no different from people leaving them in the house if you make the right provisions in terms of shelter etc.

CornflakeHomunculus · 12/04/2017 18:21

How long would they be out there for?

Unless your garden is like Fort Knox there's too much risk of theft or (particularly with Sibes) escape. You'd really need a proper, secure kennel set up with appropriate heating especially as they'd be spending time inside the house as well so wouldn't be properly acclimatised to being outside all the time.

Those are some pretty different breed and I'd echo the question of why two? Are you intending to get puppies or a pair of rescues?

Floralnomad · 12/04/2017 20:46

Too many dogs get stolen from secure gardens to make this an option I'd take and also they will be home alone for too many days , alone is alone whether it's inside or out and having 2 doesn't make that right.

ZilphasHatpin · 12/04/2017 20:49

Why two?

Justmadeperfectflapjacks · 12/04/2017 20:50

No way would I leave a husky unsupervised any of the week.

They are not ordinary dogs!!
You have been warned. . .
Do lots and lots and more research if you want one. .

ZilphasHatpin · 12/04/2017 20:50

Also, there is no way I would risk my dog being stolen and ending up in the hands of god knows who treating him god knows how! He's my third child.!

picklemepopcorn · 12/04/2017 20:56

If it turns out that they fence run, you just won't be able to do it.

picklemepopcorn · 12/04/2017 20:58

Also, the bigger dogs would need a pretty big fence. We had to reinforce ours because next door's Akitas were forcing the slats apart. And they didn't look friendly. I would be unhappy with large breed dogs unsupervised and relatively insecure.

WaitrosePigeon · 12/04/2017 21:08

Why two? Why those type of breeds?

Bubble2bubble · 12/04/2017 21:42

If they are being walked three times a day as you say you have done in the past, and the kennels are heated and theft proof.....yes, people do it, but really why? If you are away from home so much why do you want dogs? What is your backup plan if your neighbours let you know your dogs are not happy being left alone?
Are you planning on getting puppies or adopting older dogs? leaving puppies on their own all day could cause you huge problems - just because they are not damaging your house doesn't mean they well grow up well adjusted.
Dog theft of 'outside dogs' is a huge risk, and personally not one I would take.

AddToBasket · 12/04/2017 21:44

This is a bit OTT. Why not start with a less high input dog?

MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig · 12/04/2017 22:13

You can't just buy two dogs and then leave them outside. You'll need a bit of time at home with them first to settle them in. Don't forget walks and training. You can't just leave them out there all day whilst you work, they'll be feral!

Original poster
Le011133 · 12/04/2017 22:38

Our family has always had these breeds of dogs it's just our life style has changed and we have always found that they are happier as a pair rather than alone. They would be left for a maximum of 6 hours 4 or 5 times a week.

We live in a quite low crime area, not saying there isn't a freak chance of someone steeling or try to steel them.
We do have a large area an had considered a big run with a house/bed area.

OP posts:
ZilphasHatpin · 12/04/2017 22:51

it's just our life style has changed

Which suggests maybe your choice in dog needs to change to fit in with that.

6 hours is too long without a walk to break it up IMO. You would need a dog walker to come in and take them out during the day.

LordRothermereBlackshirtCunt · 12/04/2017 22:53

I live in a low crime area too but nonetheless there have been a number of dog thefts from gardens around here. Working spaniels are a big target.

tabulahrasa · 12/04/2017 22:54

Huskies are well known as being escape artists, if you're planning on having one outside you'll need a proper secure purpose built run and kennel tbh.

I also agree that neither of those breeds should be alone for that length of time, not even with outside access.

Original poster
Le011133 · 12/04/2017 23:00

we have had many of all three breeds previously from puppy to their last days I had forgotten to mention as well as other breeds.
We where thinking more of adopting and we are quite often popping back in the day it isn't 6 solid hours as we work shifts and split days.We quite often have weeks off work and would being timing any new arrivals within a period we could spend our time with them. We had thought of having them inside when we weren't there but all previous dogs of our have lived out side through choice and it's been a struggle to get them in and if we have they where unhappy and want to go back out.
I am aware this may not be the case.

Our neighbors are both retired on one side and loved keeping an eye / watching our dogs they used to come over in the day and let the dogs play[ they have keys to our gates] the others are family friends and both work from home most days a week also have a key.

OP posts:
Original poster
Le011133 · 12/04/2017 23:05

I 100% agree to the risk of theft. I although I couldn't imagine how someone could have the heart to do it.

OP posts:
PenelopeFlintstone · 12/04/2017 23:09

6 hours in a garden alone seems long, but with each other for company it sounds fine to me.

Original poster
Le011133 · 12/04/2017 23:12

The six hours would be broken up not a solid block. There's also a high possibility this would be considerably less.

OP posts:
SparklingRaspberry · 13/04/2017 00:14

Personally I don't see the point in getting dogs and keeping them out in garden - doesn't matter how good the kennel is I just couldn't do it!

It's not worth the risk of theft.

With your schedule and keeping them outside, why do you want these dogs? What will you get from having them?

For me there's nothing better then getting comfy on an evening after dinner and cuddling up with the pup. Or having her sleep under my chair whilst I'm eating dinner.

I personally couldn't imagine keeping her outside and not having any of that. But each to their own Smile

BiteyShark · 13/04/2017 05:52

I am confused, are you planning on just having them outside when you are out? If so I see this as no different to leaving them inside, just make sure they have shelter and it is secure. I know someone who does this and it works for them. The dog is safe, secure and has more room than a crate and can toilet if it wants. Dog comes inside as any other dog when they are in the house.

However, you mention having previous dogs outside who didn't want to come inside. Personally I would hate that as it is more like owning pure working dogs rather than having a pet.

If you have had dogs previously and they have been outside I am not sure what you are asking to be honest. Are you just wondering what people will think of you?

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