Is it too cold for a dog to be kept outside a couple of days?

[CocoDeMoll]

I’m a complete dog beginner and have friends with a dog that want to come and stay. We are renting and can’t have their dog in our house but could keep it outside. Is this a bit cruel though? I hate the thought of it being cold or lonely. We’ve got some old blankets and a sort of shed that’s half built. If this is completely unacceptable please don’t jump on me because I’m really clueless as I’m not really a pet person.

They said it’s fine but I’ve got a sneaky suspicion that they think they’ll convince me just to take it inside once they rock up as I’m a soft touch

[Whitney168]

Perhaps you could sleep outside overnight OP without a bed or a blanket and see how you get on

Or perhaps it is not remotely the OP's fault - they have a tenancy which bans dogs and they don't have a dog. They asked the question and have taken on board that it's a bad idea.

Like the OP, I suspect that anyone who she says loves their dog to bits is just hoping that on the day, the dog will create and the OP will let them in to the house, which is very unfair.

[Costacoffeeplease]

I can’t believe anyone would actually consider this

[CocoDeMoll]

Ok Tom point taken. As I’ve said I’m not really a dog person and my dh grew up with a dog that was never allowed inside. I hate the idea of cruelty to animals though which is why I asked.

[TomHardysNextWife]

Perhaps you could sleep outside overnight OP without a bed or a blanket and see how you get on...................

[murphys]

Well if that is the case Coco I would go with the sorry, no dog. We all love our dogs to bits and want what is best for them, but there is a line there between putting other people out because of your pet.

I have no issues using the kennels that we do. They probably get more attention there than at home. And spoilt. For days after we have come home, they jump in the car as I am sure they want to go back. If they use one, then next time around it is easier for their dog as it is not then an unfamiliar place.

[Whitney168]

I’m sure they think they can just overrule me and take the dog in

I suspect you're right ...

[PositivelyPERF]

Then tell them NOT to bring their dog. Why would the fact that they want to bring their dog, be more important than your tenancy? If they care about you, then they wouldn’t even suggest bringing their dog.

[CocoDeMoll]

Reading these responses I’m sure they think they can just overrule me and take the dog in because they love it to bits (why they don’t want to leave it In kennels). I’ll say no dog full stop.

[murphys]

I have to say though, I have big dogs as well, and if i visited someone else there is no way that I would consider taking the dogs with me. I either get a house sitter to take care of them, or put them in the kennels. Change of environment is very unsettling for dogs.

[Liquoricelake]

I'd just say that they can't bring the dog at all then. It's completely inappropriate for the poor thing to be put outside and I'd be disgusted with them if they were willing to do that just so that they could stay with you.

[MrsMozart]

If the dog isn't used to being outside then he's going to be cold and confused. Will probably end up whining and barking through the night.

[murphys]

It depends on what the dog is used to tbh. My dogs sleep outside most of the year, except during midwinter, but they are used to being outside and prefer it.

How long will they be visiting you? Would they not consider boarding the dog whilst they visit you? If your landlord has said no dogs and you get tempted to bring it inside, that is then an issue for you as you have agreed to this rule.

[CocoDeMoll]

The landlords very clear on no pets full stop. I don’t want to break the rules.

[EggMayonnaise]

If you are okay with the dog being in your house then I don't think an anti pet clause in your lease really matters for a 2 day visit.

If you don't want a dog in your home though then tell them not to bring him/her with them.

[Liquoricelake]

They shouldn't stay with you if they have to bring their dog. It's cruel to keep it outside regardless of the weather. Any dog that I've had would be extremely distressed by being put outside.

[ThePricklySheep]

Why can’t you have the dog in the house? I appreciate that you’re not allowed to own a dog, but has your landlord specified no visiting dogs?

[PositivelyPERF]

If the dog is used to living indoors, then you absolutely can not keep him outdoors. The poor thing will be very distressed and frightened. Is it properly house trained and does it cast a lot? looks at two Jackrussels, pug and King Charles, then at floor 😕

[MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig]

They’re probably going to have to put it in kennels for a couple of days, or find a dog sitter. It won’t melt, it will be fine.

[CocoDeMoll]

I’m not sure exactly what sort of dog it is (clueless )it’s a mix of breeds and quite big. They don’t keep it outside at home.

[tabulahrasa]

It’s pretty cold here yes, but even if it’s not, that’s honestly a horrible thing to do to a dog that doesn’t usually live outside.

[Whitney168]

Well, it's not necessarily a straightforward 'yes it's cruel to keep a dog outside'.

It is, however, cruel to keep a dog outside that isn't used to it, and I suspect your neighbours are likely to be hugely irritated by its distress, which may be noisy.

It is also hugely breed/type-dependent as to which dogs might or might not cope with it.