“But my dogs loves being outside” is often the explanation when people have when defending why their dogs are only dogs. Sure, my dogs love being outside too, but only when I’m out there too WITH them. So why is it a problem when dogs are “parked” outside?
Dogs are pack animals. They need to be with their pack. We – us humans – are part of their pack. They need to be together – all together. That is what makes dogs so cool, so affectionate, makes them follow us around where ever we go. In the wild the pack punishes a mis-behaving pup by ejecting him from the pack. Yes – being separated from the pack is PUNISHMENT! So when the family goes inside to eat dinner and the dog is left outside, she is extremely confused because she can’t figure out what she did wrong to be punished so harshly. She probably did nothing wrong. When the family goes to sleep at night and the dog is left outside – dog house or not – his heart is breaking because he can’t be with them and he feels punished, yet he did nothing wrong.
How many times did I open the back door because my dog stood in front of it wanting to go outside. The moment I opened the door he dashes out and marks a tree. Then he turns around because he’s ready to play – with me! If I did not come out with him then he goes to the door and stands there until I let him back in. And then he stands there and waits for me to let him out again, but I’d better be going out with him so we can play together.
It is also inconsiderate to your neighbors to park your dogs outside. It is normal that dogs bark when they hear something they don’t understand or consider a possible danger. That gives a dog a LOT of reasons when they are outside, resulting in them barking a lot. It is in their nature and is not their fault, it is your fault.
It is simply cruel to park your dogs outside. Most people don’t know better, don’t understand how dogs really work, don’t understand their nature, their social structure. I hope nobody does this knowingly. I am glad that more and more rescue organizations like GRRR who won’t adopt to people who want an outdoor only dog.
Please share this with anyone who may need to learn about this and post below what your experiences and opinions are.