Reasons why it is preferable not to keep dogs as outdoor pets only
As a rescue organization, we do not recommend dogs being kept exclusively outdoors, i.e. with no access to the interior of the home. Here are some reasons why we do not feel it appropriate (of course, this does not apply to dogs who may be kenneled whilst outdoors, or under supervision, or those that are walked outside of the garden on leash regularly):
1. Dogs are wonderful companions and as such, we believe they should be as much a part of your family as possible – hence wishing them to be allowed inside the house too. If you feel that a dog could potentially cause too much destruction inside the home, then perhaps getting a dog is not the best thing to be considering.
2. Many people have dogs outdoors because they feel that this is more of a burglar-deterrent for example. However, in our experience, it creates more barking problems than if the dog was allowed inside and responded to someone entering the home without authorization. Keeping them outdoors only can cause more barking problems, and this in turn can create more issues with neighbors if your dog is repeatedly vocalising.
3. Many outdoor dogs develop other bad habits, because of lack of human interaction and basic boredom – digging, destruction/chewing of items within the garden, climbing fences (and consequent escaping or leaving the property to ‘investigate’), hyper-activity when around people etc.
4. Lack of socialisation with other dogs and people can lead to more aggressive tendencies when the dog does meet other dogs/people.
5. Dogs kept exclusively outdoors can develop some more health issues, for example external parasites and fly-bites to the ears and other parts of the body.
They can also develop obsessive behaviours, like tail-chasing, self-mutilation and others from lack of contact with others.
6. Dogs kept exclusively outdoors can become frustrated and develop door-dashing/gate-dashing behaviours – whilst the family may remember to keep gates and doors closed, people visiting the yard (e.g. meter-men, gardeners, repair men etc) may forget, and this gives another opportunity for the dog to potentially escape.
7. Without supervision or containment, dogs who are kept outdoors all the time could become subject to taunting by children/people from outside the fence, and they could also develop fence-fighting behaviors.
8. Whilst it may not be common, there is always the risk of dogs being stolen from gardens/yards.
This is only a sample list of our own personal reservations.
