by Paula Countryman

Created on: June 15, 2008

Because dogs are pack animals they should be as close to their human pack as possible. Dogs as pack animals sleep together, not separately. They are sentient beings who feel love, sadness, pain and loneliness just as we do. Dogs don't do well isolated from others anymore than humans do. It must be quite a lonely existence to watch the back door waiting for someone to come out and give some attention to you. It must be awful to hear the sounds of the family laughing and grouping together at the dinner table, or smell the aroma of the food being prepared.

Leaving a dog in a fenced yard with shade, shelter, food, and plenty of fresh water during the day is not wrong as long as the dog is paid attention to when the owners come home. Also, no dog should be left outside overnight. In a county near where I live, several dogs left outside overnight were shot and killed by still unknown suspects. These dogs were merely sleeping on the porch or by the fence.

In my opinion, dogs should be allowed access to the inside and the outside. A doggy door is a great invention specifically designed to keep insects and other creepy crawlies out as the dog comes and goes. It can be sealed at night if you do not want your dog going out overnight.
I have six dogs and they are all prized members of my family. I wouldn't consider for a second leaving them outdoors anymore than I would leave a child outside.

Another problem with leaving a dog outside is chaining them. This is really quite cruel as the dog will not have enough shade at certain times of the day and often becomes tangled around the object his chain is attached to which in return, leaves him with no access to his water bowl. The water bowl is easily forgotten by pet owners during inclement weather and that is a fact. This is no way to treat a member of the family. Why would one want a dog just to sit outside imprisoned on a chain anyway? Or in a small kennel? I've never really received any satisfactory answers yet to this question. Why not just get a stuffed animal instead and leave pet ownership to those who are able to really care for them?

Instead of taking the lazy way out, by placing that once cute puppy outside, train your puppy in housebreaking, the rules of the house, and simple commands? Take your dog to obedience school or google dog training tips. The library is another great resource. Give your dog love, food, fresh water, treats, and gently loving guidance and you won't have to put him outside to live. Believe me, you'll both be happier.

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