Outside dog or not

[Cary]

We are interested in getting a golden retriever this summer. We have a large fenced in yard with two shaded patios. My husband does not want a dog in the house so we would keep the dog outside. Before getting a one, I want to know if it is okay for golden retrievers to be kept outside. Most of the ones I hear about are kept in the house and I don't think I can convince my husband to do that. We have two children, 10 and 6, who really want a dog as well as my husband and I, it's just that my husband doesn't want the dog in our new house. I just want some information from anyone who keeps their golden outside, or from anyone with an opinion on this.
THANKS!

[GoldenFrost]

Goldies need people, they are not happy by themselves.

They also need a lot of grooming, so being outside all the time would be hard on their fur.
Of course this is only what I think

[johnwa]

The concensus among owners and authors on the breed, is that they need to interact with their human owners on a perpetual basis. Keeping the breed outside in some kennel, 24 x 7, with little or no human socialization, is not recommended. Please make another selection for a pet

[angenbear]

You will hear most of us will agree that goldens are ment to be inside dogs where they can interact and socialize with people. If you want an outside dog, I suggest another breed that doesn't mind being solitary for the most part. I also recommend to get an older dog, perhaps over a year. Pups shouldn't be left outside, regardless of how great your yard is. I'm sure in the beginning, everyone will focus on the dog, but after awhile, the dog would be left outside....alone. What if it rains/snows, it's going to be outside.... alone. Do you really want a dog??? I feel bad to dogs that are left outside, they get so neglected after awhile. If you are really certain that you want a dog, I suggest get two, so they can play with each other at least that will help with the companionship.

[coopersmom04]

our pup is 10 weeks old and I can already tell that Goldens are very much people dogs. I sometimes leave Cooper outside in our yard with our other dog, for about 10 minutes, but that's about all he can take ;) Then he wants to come back inside to be with us.

I honestly don't think it would be fair to ANY dog to be kept outside only. I know people have dogs that are kept outside only but it just breaks my heart. :(

Also, if Goldens are kept outside they tend to get destructive, they will dig up your yard, and eat your plants. Just something to consider.

Is there a reason your husband doesn't want your dog to be kept inside? Is he worried about the dog destroying things? Chewing things up? Having accidents in the house? If so, then maybe consider getting an older dog that is house trained and out of the chewing stage.

[Goldenglittergirl]

If you can't keep a dog in the house then you don't need a dog!!! I think this is so cruel of anyone to consider keeping a dog outside!

Maybe consider a Gold fish at this time...

[Harshy]

I agree with everyone here .
I don't understand how anyone could "really want a dog" and then not treat them as part of the family (any breed).
I would also be concerned about how the dog will be with kids if the dog is outside most of the time & does not receive alot of human contact. (Socializing a dog is so important.) What happens if the dog gets so used to being alone and then kids & their friends one day decide to let's say play ball in the yard. The noise & activity could be overwelming for the dog which could result in a negative reaction (biting) and this wouldn't be the dogs fault if he/she has not had the opportunity to learn how to interact with humans. I agree with Johnwa, please select another type of pet.

[GoldCountryGirl]

I have to agree. A Golden wants to be with its PEOPLE! Do you plan on moving your family outside fulltime? This is how it would have to be if you want your dog to be a happy pet.

I would NOT get a Golden or ANY dog who is not allowed in the house. In fact, I think ALL breeds need at least SOME inside interaction with their family. Granted, some do better outdoors, but they shouldn't be out there 24/7. I know a family who acquired a medium sized rare Korean guard dog and he ONLY stays outside ALL the time! When he was a pup I'd go over and see his sad little face at the patio door and it just killed me! I just know he would love to have some "family-time" inside with his "pack".

Is your husband concerned about the shedding and mud, etc.? If that's the case, you might consider getting a smaller breed dog who does not shed (like the one I have) who IS
allowed in the house...but won't take up as much space or make the inevitable messes that a larger breed dog does.

Our little dog (age 7½) does not shed or smell at all. She takes up very little room and yet she loves to fetch her soft squeaky toys across the room. She's a joy to have inside and I actually think your husband would do fine with having a dog like her inside the house. She loves to be with her people, too. Where ever I am, she is. :029 And, it's been said that this breed is like a "big dog in a small dog's body". Very hardy and not yappy.

I just wish she didn't feel she had to be an "Only Dog". I can bring all kinds of cats into the fold, but she wants nothing to do with puppies! :(

[HenryWI]

No way. Our Golden is sooo happy when right beside us, I could never imagine leaving him outside alone for hours at a time. It's not fair to do that to a pet.

[rockstar]

That's too bad your husband doesn't want a dog inside.

I agree with two posts in here.

1. Right now you might think you will go outside and play with the dog everyday.. and you might. But what about when you can't be outside with him/her? Most dogs just want to be by you, follow you around the house, and sit with you while you watch TV.

2. Someone suggested an older dog already house trained and out of the chewing stage. That sounds like a great idea. Puppies can be a lot of fun and trouble. But with an older dog you can ask of its behaviour and see if you are compatible with it.

Also if your husband doesn't want it inside cause it sheds, there are some non shedding breeds out there.

[Dogli]

It doesn't sound like a golden would work for you. Goldens have too much of a need to be with people,and it can't be outside all day. How much will you want to go and see your golden when it is raining? Also,if it snows heavily where you live,what will you do then? Any other extreme weather as well. The most protection I can think of is a dog house,which doesn't offer much protection from the weather. All breeds need some interaction with their family as GoldCountryGirl said,and that some interaction is a large chunk of time.

[goodtim'n]

I could never ever close my eyes for a second if my dog was left outside at night to sleep, Matter of fact, my dogs really only go outside to potty and then back inside where mom and dad are, If we are inside, then they are inside, IF we are outside, then they are outside. If we walk into the bathroom to use it, they walk into the bathroom, if we walk into the kitchen, they walk into the kitchen, and so on and so on, Get the picture, So how in the world could any one ever expect to keep a GOLDEN outside and away from the things the GOLDENS love best***THEIR FAMILY*** :dogbark

[Cary]

I kind of detected some hostility from some of you and I don't blame you. I feel exactly the same way. I would much rather have the dog in the house with me. I think it would be best if we just don't get a dog because my husband is just totally against having it in the house. I was just wondering if goldens do well outside because that was the type of dog we were considering. Now, I really don't think that would be wise after hearing what people pets they really are. Thanks! :angel1

[2blondebabes]

I also agree with most of the posts. We have a 16 week old and we are her life. She could be in what I think is a sound sleep and I get up to do whatever and she pops up and is right on my heels. We had a lab years ago that was a hunting dog and although he didn't live outside, he spent a great deal of time outside. He wasn't very happy and he dug and destroyed a lot in the back yard. He wanted to be with his people and we were too worried about the mess in the house to let him spend too much time inside. Anyway, we finally put him to sleep at 13 years old. I missed having a dog around and it took me 2 1/2 years to get over him and want to start over with our new puppy. I decided to make a lot of changes and to enjoy our puppy and to put her before the importance of a constantly clean house. As a result, I vaccuum every day and use the spot cleaner a lot, but we love her so much and she has enriched our lives in the short time we have had her. I would not get a dog if you are worried about the lawn or the house. Get a dog if you truly want to give it the love and attention it needs and craves!

[rockstar]

I kind of detected some hostility from some of you and I don't blame you. I feel exactly the same way. I would much rather have the dog in the house with me. I think it would be best if we just don't get a dog because my husband is just totally against having it in the house. I was just wondering if goldens do well outside because that was the type of dog we were considering. Now, I really don't think that would be wise after hearing what people pets they really are. Thanks! :angel1
Hostility stinks :(

Well, where I live people keep dogs outside to guard. There are some breeds who actually do well outside. You should look into those.

But like someone mentioned..puppies should be inside. I totally agree. So also an older dog may fit with you all?

Sometimes rescues will have puppies a few months old who are already house-broken. So it's not like you'd be getting an old old dog.

[Cassidy'sMom]

I agree with everyone else. All dogs have an innate need to feel a part of a pack and if they do not share a den (your house) with the rest of the pack then that is when all the bad behaviors will occur - ie. destroyed the yard, climbing the fence, even growling and biting - because hey, they don't see you as part of their pack.

A pet that can stay outside? I think any animal that WE have tamed to live at our sides deserves nothing less than just that . . . living at our sides. There is no tamed animal I would force to live back in the elements. It's just not fair.

I agree with a previous post . . . what about a goldfish?

[rockstar]

what about a goldfish?rofl


I tried not to laugh the first time someone said that cause it came across as totally rude.

But hey... it's funny. I don't agree with it though.


Is keeping a dog outside any worse than a dog that is inside alone all day? hmm

[Cary]

Rockstar, I thought the goldfish comment was rude also! Thanks! I am truly an animal person and so are my kids, but my husband really is not. We live in Louisiana and the weather really doesn't get too bad where we are. He wants to get a dog to keep outside because the kids and I really want a pet. But, I would never sacrifice the pet's happiness just so we could have one. I really was just writing in to get some info on whether or not goldens could be kept happily outside because I really didn't know and I got my answer (some more agreesively than others :laugh2 ). But, maybe next time someone asks for advice you could curb the rudeness just a tad. :) After all, I thought that's what this site was about, helping others with info on golden retrievers. Thanks everyone for your input.

[Cassidy'sMom]

rockstar:

Actually, I think it is.

The point I was trying to make in my post is kinda "deep", I was just trying to keep it simple. But my belief is we, as a superior species, have tamed some animals by bringing them into our homes, giving them food, and basically taking away all their "wild" attributes. Is it fair to the animal to then put them back outside and say "now you are to live in the heat, cold, rain, snow and I will just throw you a handful of food everyday".

I'm sorry but this is a topic I will agree to disagree with you on. I just feel VERY STRONGLY no animal should have to live outside while the rest of his pack is nice and comfortable inside. It's just goes against a dog's nature to live separate from his pack.

[Cassidy'sMom]

Everyone needs to remember that "tones" of voice travel very poorly over the internet. I don't think anyone here was intentally trying to be rude. We all simply have our opinions and I guess some of us don't "type out our word kindly". :o I'm sorry if I came across rude . . . but I still feel a goldfish is the only pet I would keep outside. :laugh2

[goodtim'n]

Sorry if you feel you have been mistreated, But with many long time Golden retriever owners, the truth was spoken, It sometimes comes across as rude, but mostly it isn't. If you were talking to all of us face to face then I feel you would have a different opinion of HOW it was meant.. But I will be the first to say that I am passionatly in love with this breed and have been for over 20 yrs. so it can be a very SENSITIVE subject on some levels. We all want the best situation for the breed and the owners. If you now feel that the GREAT GOLDEN is NOT the breed for you, then I surely hope that you and your family can find the breed that will suit your lifestyle. Having a Golden and having it live outside the family unit could possibly create a future problem for your family and we were all just trying to help you understand just that. You may very well end up with a golden, but that is your choice. (Maybe your hubby will change his mind, you never know) GOOD LUCK

[Cary]

I feel the same way you do. That's what i was trying to say. It is my husband that feels that animals belong outside. Can't blame him though, that's how he was raised and I curse his parents every day for it! :laugh2 I have gone through this with him for ten years and the only solution is just to not get a pet because I don't want to keep it outside either. I was just wondering how they do outside because if we got one and had to keep it out there I wanted to know if they can be outside dogs. Now I know they really aren't meant for outside. i also don't like to think of any animal outside either, but there really are a lot that are kept outside and seem fine that's why i was looking into it.

[goodtim'n]

CARY:::we posted at the same time and I'm glad we did. I am so very sorry for your situation with your hubby. I run across your problem every day at my training facility, I have wifes who bring there hubby's to just watch the training and to try to show how well behaved dogs can be, if properly trained. Sometimes it makes a difference, Maybe you try this with a local training facility and it may open that closed door that your hubby was raised with. If you are that serious about a dog/any dog. Then help your hubby try to see the good in a family dog that is just that a well trained family dog. If he could get involved with training, a bond would most definintly be made with him and the dog and maybe he would have a change of heart. Again I feel sorry for your need for a dog. Don't give up yet, your dream may still come true.........

[rockstar]

Rockstar, I thought the goldfish comment was rude also! Thanks! I am truly an animal person and so are my kids, but my husband really is not. We live in Louisiana and the weather really doesn't get too bad where we are. He wants to get a dog to keep outside because the kids and I really want a pet. But, I would never sacrifice the pet's happiness just so we could have one. I really was just writing in to get some info on whether or not goldens could be kept happily outside because I really didn't know and I got my answer (some more agreesively than others :laugh2 ). But, maybe next time someone asks for advice you could curb the rudeness just a tad. :) After all, I thought that's what this site was about, helping others with info on golden retrievers. Thanks everyone for your input.

Nah I totally feel you.

I had a dog at one point I ended up having to give away. Before they(this was on another dog board) heard the whole story, they all jumped down my throat about how terrible of a person I was for giving the puppy away, blah blah.

When people act like that it makes people not want to go to a "responsible breeder" for fear of getting turned down.

I understand some ppl are avid dog lovers but I think the rudeness I often come across on animal forums should simmer down just a tad.

Why doesnt your husband want a dog inside anyway? None of my business but if its just cause he doesnt want the house destroyed/fur all over..you can get an older dog who is not destructive and you can also get a dog who does not shed.

The dog I had until he passed away was a non-shedder and also non destructive. He did have to go to the groomer every so often though. High maintanence dog.

[rockstar]

rockstar:

Actually, I think it is.

The point I was trying to make in my post is kinda "deep", I was just trying to keep it simple. But my belief is we, as a superior species, have tamed some animals by bringing them into our homes, giving them food, and basically taking away all their "wild" attributes. Is it fair to the animal to then put them back outside and say "now you are to live in the heat, cold, rain, snow and I will just throw you a handful of food everyday".
.
I see what you're saying.

I never thought of it that way before and it's a good point. (Part about them being bred to be our companions)

But no matter what there will always be people who leave their dogs outside and treat them poorly.

I dont think the author of the thread has any intentions of treating a dog poorly.

But there are breeds who do better outside than others do.
And for those breeds, if left outside, the owner should atleast go out and play/walk/take it places 1-3 times a day.

[johnwa]

I kind of detected some hostility from some of you and I don't blame you. I feel exactly the same way. I would much rather have the dog in the house with me. I think it would be best if we just don't get a dog because my husband is just totally against having it in the house. I was just wondering if goldens do well outside because that was the type of dog we were considering. Now, I really don't think that would be wise after hearing what people pets they really are. Thanks! :angel1

--The inside/outside question has been asked many, many times on this board in one way or another. And I can tell you each time it is asked and answered, it usually ends up in a negative tone. I don't believe the comment about the goldfish was intended to be rude, it was intended to make a point. Perhaps it was not elegant; nevertheless, an individuals writing style is not on trial in this thread. When you come to a single-breed board like this one, you have to expect some conservative comments now and then, that's just the nature of the beast, I mean board.:laugh2 And who knows, perhaps we all just saved still another golden retriever from being surrendered to a rescue and subsequently euthanized, because it's owner did not know anything about the breed, now that would be hostile.

[prl]

A dog is a PET, not to be left outside all the time EVER!!!! This is my humble opinion - but I feel SO STRONGLY about this. It's great that you have a new house, but this is a living, breathing creature - no comparison in my list of priorities.

[SteveR]

Cary, you must live with one to fully understand the attachment that the folks on this board have come to have with this breed. It is really unique. I grew up having dogs as pets, my father to this day is a major breeder of bull terriers. I have had many different dogs during my life but I have never been touched by any as much as I have by my golden. Hostility? More like outrage because we feel so deeply for them. It was my idea to get my wife a dog. She chose the breed, a cocker spaniel. Lovely wonderful dog I love her a ton. About a year ago I decided I wanted a dog as a boat companion. My wife wasn't thrilled but I really didn't give her much choice. I got Sinbad our golden. It's been about 14 months now and she is in love with this golden goofball. She couldn't imagine life without him. Sometimes people just have to be convinced. Not sure what type of guy your husband is but I try never to deny my wife and daughter anything, within reason. Getting a dog to live with us in the house would be within reason.

[Cary]

In answer to a couple of your questions about my husband, he is a neat freak and we just built a new house and he freaks out about anything that may mess it up. I know, this is crazy, you don't have to tell me! I'm hoping it will die down a little bit once we've been in for a while. We do have to live in the house and the kids have to play in the house and he does let his guard down at times, but that's just him. I don't know if he'll ever change his mind about a dog in the house. He never had pets in the house and his parents are totally against it. Needless to say I didn't know he felt this way until after we were married. He tricked me by telling me he wanted pets !!! Ha Ha :laugh2

But, I want to let all of you know, after reading all of the input I have decided against getting a dog, inside or out. I don't think i would be able to handle seeing it unhappy outside all the time anyway. We had a lab a couple of years ago that my husband had gotten for a hunting dog (he was kept outside, of course). Every time the dog got out my husband had to chase him down the road and it was a big mess. We had him for about a year and then I decided that it would be best if we gave him to a friend who lived out in the country with other dogs and kids and so we did that. The dog is very happy to this day. I really don't want to get another dog and then feel that i have to give it up again, though. We have been considering getting another dog when we put up a fence and I just wanted to get some information on goldens being outside because we heard they were the best dogs for kids.

Our new neighbors, who are good friends of ours, have a golden and we absolutely love her and she is an excellent dog and really well trained. They keep her in the house and with them all the time. One of you said that keeping the dog outside may make it have a negative attitude or something and I think I agree. If they are most happy inside then that is where they need to be to really have their true temperament.

So all of you can rest better at night now knowing that I will not be getting a dog to keep outside! :laugh2 All of your comments did help me to make that decision and I'm sure it's for the best.

Gee, I didn't mean for this one to come out so long!

[SteveR]

My wife is also kind of a neat freak. Neat versus Golden, neat loses every time. Can't keep up with the hair. Sorry if you felt attacked earlier, I think it was very responsible for you to do the research ahead of time. Best of luck.

[Westin]

Cary:
You said that you live in Louisiana and the weather doesn't get that bad. Well, I'm from Louisiana and it may not get cold here, but I know my Golden hates the 90+ heat in the summer. He would be panting all day it he were outside. And his hair would probably be all matted. And the rain...oh my goodness the rain. That dog would stink. I'm glad that you decided against a dog for the time being. Maybe after a few years and a few spills on the new carpet your husband will come around. Goldens truely are the most wonderful dogs to have and they deserve to be loved inside. Good Luck,
Kristen & Westin

[Acamarrr]

I had my Riki for eight years when I met and married my DH, and he was one of those "no dogs in the house ever" kinds. He quickly changed his mind, for several reasons:

1 -- he loved me, and I was absolutely adamant on this issue. We women are often used to compromising in relationships (that is, the men get what they want), but I was, frankly, a hysterical shrew on this issue, and I fully intended to get my way, or walk.

2 -- she was an exceptional dog, full of love and good manners beyond compare. She never once in the rest of her remaining 8 years broke her housetraining, stole from counters, etc.

3 -- Once he realized that not all dogs are down-and-out DOGS, he completely fell in love with her.

Love soothes all wounds. He gave up neat-freakiness because he loved her (oh and me, too!). Yeah, we had to vacuum more than usual, and yeah, we put off buying new furniture until -- well, we haven't bought it yet (she died in November). But when you love that deeply, neatness doesn't matter all that much.

And Goldens have incredible capacity to create love out of practically nothing!

I'm not saying that you should "oops" him with a Golden! But that if a dog is something you and your kids want very much, Dad may have to learn to be flexible, in order to keep family peace. :angel1

[Cassidy'sMom]

Cary: I know your husband says "no dogs in the house", but what about another breed? There are breeds that don't shed . . . what about a poodle? No shedding at all. And you have a few different sizes to pick from (small, medium, large). There are hairless dogs, but if you ask me poodles are a lot better on the eyes . . . if you get my drift. :eek:

Don't give up hope. You sound just like my mother. I didn't relize how similar you were until you started talking about your husband. My dad has been diagnosed with clinical OCD. When I lived at home me and my mom would just gang up on him and he never really had a choice (I'm the baby so he never told me "no" anyway). But now, my poor mom doesn't have a chance. She's still fighting a battle to get another dog and I've moved out years ago. But my mom swears that if the right puppy comes along, she will just bring it home and deal with the consequences later. :mad:

I really do feel for you. I understand. I really can't offer too much help, but I can offer empathy. Good luck . . . you will need it!

[angenbear]

Cary, our intention was not to be hostile at all or rude. There are times when people get puppies without facing consequences regardless if they ask advice or not. Plus, I think we all took it personal since we probably looked at our own dogs and think if we can leave them outside. Sometimes our opinions seem to carry out louder than needed. We all care for each other and want the best for the goldens we have. I'll have to say, I didn't see any rudeness, just facts that needed to be addressed when having a dog outside.

Perhaps you can attatch an inside patio room to connect to the back of the house to gain access through a door may convince your husband that the dog can still be inside yet not all the way inside the house only in a certain area that you and your kids can go and spend time with the dog.

[leopard420obx]

I was on the road to marriage with my boyfriend however he had "dog issues" with the bed, house etc. I decided I did not want to spend the rest of my life without my dog always by my side! Currently in search of a true blue dog lover!

Seriously though I agree with the rest of the group that goldens and pretty much all dogs need socialization with us!

[GoldCountryGirl]

My advice? Get rid of hubby! :029 And, then go and find the cutest little Golden pup you can find and let him or her live INSIDE. Buy a crate. Train him or her to stay in it when you can't be there to supervise. Have him or her sleep in it at night next to your bed. Teach that pup where the appropriate places are that he or she is allowed in the house. There are some folks who do have rooms or areas that are off-limits. But, for the most part, your Golden will want to be where you are.

By the way, I was kidding about getting rid of your husband. ;) But, it does make me sad that he feels so adamantly about not letting a dog live inside. My husband wasn't raised with pets and his parents still don't have any. But, my husband did let me have a small expensive dog over 7 years ago and we always have 3 cats. All inside. Now I admit, I have been thinking of adding a Golden pup to the fold..however, it's our present DOG who would prefer one who DOES live outside! :( And, right now my husband doesn't think it's the best time for us to have one. He knows that there is a huge responsibility and financial obligations and he feels that until his union can secure a contract, he doesn't want to make a committment right now. BUT, if he did, believe me, that puppy would be right inside with us.

Best of luck to you! I know how frustrated you must be. :(



Rockstar, I thought the goldfish comment was rude also! Thanks! I am truly an animal person and so are my kids, but my husband really is not. We live in Louisiana and the weather really doesn't get too bad where we are. He wants to get a dog to keep outside because the kids and I really want a pet. But, I would never sacrifice the pet's happiness just so we could have one. I really was just writing in to get some info on whether or not goldens could be kept happily outside because I really didn't know and I got my answer (some more agreesively than others :laugh2 ). But, maybe next time someone asks for advice you could curb the rudeness just a tad. :) After all, I thought that's what this site was about, helping others with info on golden retrievers. Thanks everyone for your input.

[Harshy]

Cary, Thank you for making a responsible decision. :029 I know it must be very disappointing for you & your children (as parents, we always want to make our kids happy) but I think you probably have prevented alot of family stress & eventual heartache if you had to give a puppy/dog away. These goldens just wrap themselves around your heart and as many on this board would say, you just never want to let go. Maybe with time your husband will become less of a neat freak. I can be that way too but no mess would ever come between me & my dog! I remember reading somewhere a few months ago that nobody's obituary ever says "She/he kept a very clean house." I've decided I would rather mine say "She loved being at home surrounded by family, friends & pets !" jump2 I think about that a lot as I'm cleaning fur balls off the floor & doggy spit off the windows! :roll2 :dogbark

[prl]

Kudos for doing your research & deciding against a golden. How many of these wonderful, wonderful dogs end up in rescue because their owners didn't!!!

[Cassidy'sMom]

After re-reading through this thread I just have to say that I am so happy I have found this place where I am surrounded by people who see goldens the same as I do (or all dogs for that matter). :029

I must say that in my group of friends I am considered "obcessive, complusive" about my dogs. Now I know I'm not the only one . . . you guys are too. I always tell people that if they open their heart to a dog it will be a love beyond words - unconditional and unfaultering. Some people "just don't get it". I'm so glad that "I do"! banana

[Chris]

I dog that is kept outside only is a possession NOT A PET. Why would you want to do that to an animal?? If your husband cant or won't have a dog in the house maybe some fish would be a better choice....

[rockstar]

A bit repetitive on the responses.........


geez.

[Merlinsmom]

Hi rockstar......

Yeah-we're all saying the same thing-but I dont think anyone here had the intention of being rude-it's just that-having a golden in your life is a bit like having an extension of your heart walkin around!!We adore our dogs-and maybe it comes across the wrong way sometimes..

I think its great you asked about it-and well-the answer is obvious-I wont repeat what you've been told many times-LOL

Good for you for doing some reseach-and I hope you find a dog that suits your situation,

Kind regards,

Jules :)

[sandybch]

Please don't get a golden or any other dog for that matter if your husband won't allow him to live inside with his family. The poor thing will be miserable. Please read what I said here:

Poll: inside outside? (http://www.topgoldenretrieversites.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3107)

[Rusty-14]

I would probably drive your husband crazy. I have lots of dogs and they all live in the house. They sleep with us as well.

They have a doggy door and go in and out all day but at night they are all in with us.

My husband new that he could never change that part of me when he married me and now he loves them as much as I do.

Put this image in your head> 5 dogs in bed with you. No room to turn around because you don't want to wake them up. :D

[TimmerK]

My turn. I have always had this opinion, raised this way, a dog outside is NOT a pet, period, it is a nuisance plain and simple. It's something that "you have to go feed", " you have to go clean the pen" It sickens me to see any dog tied up to a doghouse or in a pen but a GOLDEN? You'd have to be one cold hearted person to expect a GOLDEN to live outside. A GOLDEN is 3/4 human for God's sake, they demand as much attention as a child. My two are my children! :dogbark TimmerK

[goodtim'n]

***AMEN***

[Hunnybug]

Now I have to tell this story about when I got my golden puppy. I love dogs, and had wanted one for quite a while. My mother grew up with dogs, and was happy to have one if I did the work. My Dad never had pets in the house of any kind, didn't want hair in the house, etc, etc. I knew I wanted a golden, and I researched and found a great breeder. Mom and Dad surprised me and decided to get me one for my 18th birthday/graduation present. In April we picked up a female puppy that I named Honey. The deal was that she would be in the house when it was a puppy, but really she was going to be an "outside dog", by the time it was warm in the summer she would be outside all the time. We made her a really nice kennel, fully enclosed area, heated dog house, covered area, and large yard. Well, to make a long story short, her transition to being totally outside never happened. She was such a good puppy, housebroke very quickly, didn't chew on us, never destroyed anything, no slippers chewed up, and she loves to cuddle. We all fell completely in love with her, including my Dad. Those big brown eyes of hers totally did it for us. Honey is three years old now, and she is a spoiled house dog. She has a bed in almost every room in the house, and follows us from room to room. Yes, she does spend time in her kennel, but only a few hours a day, and only when I am at work. She has never spent a night outside; the barn cats sure make good use of her warm dog house! I vacuum often, and comb her everyday. Yes, there is still dog hair, but even my Dad has learned to put up with it. That's what they make lint brushes for! After having her, I would never think of having an 'outside' dog. There is no way I could do it, it would be like leaving my kids outside! I could never marry anyone who would not let me have dogs in the house.
I have just one more thing to add. Why does everyone immediately think that it is totally horibble to leave a golden outside, because it won't get any attention? Those of you who are gone to work at least 8 hours a day don't spend that much time with your dogs either. If the dog is alone, what difference does it make if the dog is inside or outside, as long the dog has shelter, water, etc?

Sarah :)
Dichi Hunny Acre Woods, CGC, TDI, TT

[abzndbonnie]

my golden and boxer are both. Inside and outside. inside when we are home(90% of the time) outside when we are out for a couple fo hours. We are having a real problem with the smell though. I only wash the dogs every couple of weeks so i don't wash off all the good oils they need for their skin. I'm sure they would be inside all the time if the smell went. Because it really does stink out the house. Does anyone have a sulution? thanks
abz

[Cassidy'sMom]

I've been told that as long as the shampoo you bathe your dog with isn't too harsh, you can bathe as often as you like. I've been using J&J baby shampoo on Cassidy and it is working wonderful. The nice smell lasts longer than any of the dog shampoos I've tried. I bathe her 2-3 times a month and so far her skin and coat are not drying out.

I think a point to be made on the inside/outside debate is that inside the house is a controlled environment - ie. temp stable, no rain or snow, no outside bugs, etc. So for example, if you let the dog sleep inside where it is nice and warm in the winter cold and wind then suddenly put it outside all day while your gone, then bring it back into the warm house when you get home . . . this is quite traumatic on the dogs system. I also don't believe in always leaving a dog outside, but I feel in a lot of ways its better than going in, out, in, out. The dog's body never has a chance to get acclimated to its surroundings.

I'm still a believer that dogs were orginally "tamed" by man to live by man's side, in our home, sharing a common den. Anything less is just not fair.

[goodtim'n]

Cassidy'sMom:::::::::EXCELLENT :029 banana

[Harshy]

Two other things I would be concerned about with leaving a dog outside is:

1. The dog getting loose & then lost or hit by a car. They can break their ropes, chains runs etc. or jump over or dig under a fence.

2.The dog being stolen by someone who wants a golden or kids as "just a prank".

I live in NH but in Massachusetts since this past fall / winter 3 Goldens have been killed & the person/people responsible have not been caught yet. One was hog tied, put in a sack and thrown into the ocean. The papers won't even describe what happened to the 2nd one and the 3rd was shot (the owners found her just after she bled to death.) This stuff scares the heck out of me. I never left my last dog as well as Harley outside unattended for very long. I know she could be stolen or lost if someone broke into my house but I feel the chance of that happening are far less likely.

[theGoldenPup]

And when they break the tie with about 10' still attatched to the collar, you have further problems. That happened with our 'first' golden (who yes, was an outside dog, but we didn't know there was anything 'wrong' with that then. Now we know.), and he was found a WEEK later by someone walking in the woods. Thankfully he survived that incident.
I still can't believe everything we did when we had 'outside dogs'. But we just didn't know....

GoldenPup

[Trilby]

Cary, I just wanted to say I think it’s wonderful that you took the time to come here & ask before bringing a GR home. I couldn’t think of a better dog owner (or future dog owner) then one who does his/her homework first. Right now might not be the right time for your family… I feel from reading your messages that I can honestly say you would make a lovely mother to a furkid someday. I think you’ve shown real class through these honest (made out of love) comments that have been tossed at you here. I had to laugh at the ‘ditch the hubby’ remark though. Any man for me has to pass the furkids approval first!! Hang in there, maybe your husband will come around yet. bonex1

[Cassidy'sMom]

I live in NH but in Massachusetts since this past fall / winter 3 Goldens have been killed & the person/people responsible have not been caught yet. One was hog tied, put in a sack and thrown into the ocean. The papers won't even describe what happened to the 2nd one and the 3rd was shot (the owners found her just after she bled to death.)

:mad: :( :mad: :(

It's a proven fact, all serial killers and mass murders started with animals. I hope they are caught, and soon!

[Harshy]

Me too! :mad:

[curlyjoe_mom]

I got my GR when he was six months old. We kept him outside untill a month ago. It is true, they wrap themselves around you. I wanted to say that this forum is very helpful. Please do not get mad because I kept him outside, he is very well trained, and we had almost constant contact with him when he was outside.
One of the main reasons I brought him in with us is this forum, and the fact I really wanted him to be with me. My husband is not a dog person either, but guess what? My husband has fallen in love with him. Now he wants to know why I did not bring him in earlier. I want to get another GR in the future and now I know my whole family will be happy.

[angenbear]

I got my GR when he was six months old. We kept him outside untill a month ago. It is true, they wrap themselves around you. I wanted to say that this forum is very helpful. Please do not get mad because I kept him outside, he is very well trained, and we had almost constant contact with him when he was outside.
One of the main reasons I brought him in with us is this forum, and the fact I really wanted him to be with me. My husband is not a dog person either, but guess what? My husband has fallen in love with him. Now he wants to know why I did not bring him in earlier. I want to get another GR in the future and now I know my whole family will be happy.

That's great. And no noone will be mad at you for keeping the pup out. Glad that you see that you can interact with your puppy more and appreciate more when he's more inside than out.

[Cary]

Thanks, Trilby! I'm very glad I did the research also because I think I would have just been too unhappy having to watch the poor dog outside knowing he/she really wanted to be with us. Hopefully one day I can convince my husband to agree with having one inside, but if not, then that's okay. I'd rather not have one than have an unhappy one. My kids weren't too happy when I told them we may not have a dog for a while. I told them that I decided it would be best not to keep it outside now. My husband was still wanting to get one to keep outside but I explained what I had been reading on this site and he said it was up to me but he still doesn't want to deal with a dog in the house. But, we'll keep working on him and maybe eventually he'll just give in to make us happy! :029