by Paula Geister

Created on: September 15, 2008   Last Updated: March 21, 2010

Adopting a dog or buying one always includes decisions. Smart people ask the right questions and come up with answers to go with their lifestyles and desires. Most dog breeds were not made to be inside animals. However, I do believe some can be kept indoors without trouble.

When I was a child we always had a dog for a pet. A couple of the dogs were breeds that lent themselves to hunting with my dad as well. The dogs were always kept outdoors in a house that kept them warm. They weren't chained to punish or to restrain them as much as to protect them. We lived on a busy road within the city limits and dogs have a way of wandering no matter what their size. It just made sense for us to keep them outside because we had a large family and there wasn't room for a dog in addition to the kids. I don't think it even occurred to my parents to keep the dogs inside when they could be perfectly happy and cared for outdoors.

Our pets never missed out on food, exercise or attention with six kids around. And they did their part as watch dogs by barking whenever someone came into the driveway. They fulfilled multiple purposes for us by being loyal companions, watchers over the property and in some cases, hunting dogs.
Indoors dogs provide a great service to owners, but it's been my experience that dogs smell like dogs. They do doggy things that aren't appealing to company or to the furniture. Dogs are great companions, but they also are animals and it's good to remember that they act on instincts, not on wisdom.

Dogs must be bathed and parked outdoors for their 'duty' at regular intervals or the presence of a dog indoors becomes overwhelming. I've seen this happen. Unless you have a breed that doesn't shed, you get hair all over everything. Even in food. Unless you make sure of their bathroom habits and bathe them regularly, the house begins to take on the doggy odor. With outside dogs, cleanup, while an issue, isn't as much of an issue.

I have to say that depending on circumstances, dogs and owners will be happiest when the dog is in a place where he's cared for and comfortable. A dog can be fine outdoors even in inclement weather. That's why they have hair coats. That's why we provide for them a safe place to be.

Since dogs are considered man's best friend, it makes sense to ask those important questions about an animal you want to consider your friend. Will I make sure the dog is comfortable? Will I make sure the dog is healthy and properly cared for? Will this animal interfere with my lifestyle depending on how I care for it? Am I being fair to the dog?

Some of those questions will be answered best if the dog is outdoors. Dogs may be man's best friend, but they are still dogs.

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