Is there anything wrong with a dog being an outdoor dog?
Is there anything wrong with a dog being an outdoor dog? Dog Breed Discussions
I am a DS regular, and I have noticed a major increase of people asking "will my dogs be okay outside" Will they freeze" etc. From the answers I have given I have had people telling me its cruel you leave your dogs outside over night, or all the time. And you don't give them the attention you would give your "pet" dog. I have 5 "indoor" dogs. They are allowed in certain areas of the house (kitchen, hallways, main floor living room, and the porch (kennel room). Only one of my dogs has free reign of the house and she is a 13 year old well behaved staffy. She is a retired dog now, she gets more freedom. She sleeps in my bed room etc. The other 4 dogs are a 3 year old APBT, a 5 year old ACD, a 2 year old border collie, and a 9 month old border collie. They are true working dogs (the pitty is new and is in training for dog sports, and "work"). These dogs I am more aloof with, they don't get babied, they don't get "treats" or spoiled. They get brushed, and are well taken care of, have all training. These are my WORKING dogs. They are not my pets in my opinion, they are my partners/workers. Then for my livestock (150 head of sheep, and two rams) I keep 2 LGD in with them. They are outdoors year rouond (shaved in summer) I don't really have a bond with them, although they do know leash manners, and basics. They are a spayed female, and a intact male. They have a really nice barn shelter, and the sheep for company and do the job well. I have been told by multiple people in my area, as well as gotten personal emails from people on here.Is it mean that I don't let the other 4 "indoor" dogs have free reign in the house, when they see my old dog have free reign? The akbash and the maremma are outdoors year round, but they were bred for it right? Its warm enough with the sheep, and the coat they have? I am starting to doubt my practices with my dogs, and wondering if I am being to strict.