[starflower]

keep dogs out doors? My German Shepard Mix stays out in all kinds of weather and he is thriving. After all wolves, coyotes, rabbits, deer, and all kinds of animals stay out doors.My dog knows how to take care of him self outdoors. Just because he is a tame animal, doesn't make him stupid.

[setter505]

from PETA the psycho animal rights (LOL) group.

[jashaunte]

I think that people that have dogs really think of them as a part of their family, almost like another human being. I think that is one reason why people get angry about what they think is "cruel treatment."

[john p]

Remember that those other animals are wild, and know what to do.

[lourdes r]

because they can bite someone if they stay out. that is where the cruelty comes in

[janika p]

yeah but what if its a GUARD DOG....i have 2 toy poodles and 1 german shepherd..i think its understandable that she should stay out...since shes a guard dog and all...u know...keeping people OUT of the house..if she slept inside...the people wouldve been already inside b4 she would let us know...u know?! Which defeated the whole purpose

[LH2468]

It isn't just the outdoors people have a problem with. Dogs are pack animals, to spend 90% of their time alone in your yard is not meeting the dogs needs. I do not understand why people get dogs and just leave them outside, what is the point in having a pet. Dogs are not wild animals, they are dependant on man for there survival. Not all dogs were bred to live in cold conditions, and yes they can get very cold outside and can die without proper shelter. While a dog house may keep them from dieing I think they would be a lot warmer in the house.

[don n]

Wolves, coyotes, rabbits, deer and other wild animals stay out doors and do fine because they are in their natural habitat. A polar bear would not survive at the equator nor would a parrot survive at the North Pole. Many short haired dogs would not survive freezing weather outside. It is, in my opinion cruel to bring a St. Bernard to a hot climate.

[ceci9293]

Some dogs are happier that way, it's true. But not most.Dogs are pack animals and it IS cruel to keep them alone in a backyard, separated from the human family that is the only pack they know. They are social creatures who thrive on interaction. Most dogs will choose to stay out in the cold to stay with their people, many choose to obey owners rather than take food directly in front of their noses, and sadly, return to masters who beat them rather than stray alone.Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, bred to not only enjoy but NEED the companionship of humans. They aren't wild animals anymore and shouldn't be compared to them or treated like them.

[ladysashya]

I don't get that either. I have two small dogs that stay inside (a pug and a Yorkie...the pug isn't at all attuned for being outside with a small snout, he can't breathe well enough to cool himself in hot weather and in the cold weather, his coat just doesn't cut it). But I have an 11 year old Irish Wolfhound mix that has always been an outside dog and he loves it. I have tried on several occasions over the years to bring him in and make him a part of our indoor "pack" but he's so uncomfortable being in the house. He paces around, looks out the door and whines, he hates walking on the tile or wood floor, etc. I gave up trying to do what I thought was best for him and let him decide what was best. He has a heated doghouse and water bowl in the winter and plenty of shade and room to run in the summer. We walk 5 miles together every day so he definitely is living the good life...he's a happy dog. I don't pay attention to people that make generalized statements judging folks that allow their dogs to live outside. They are animals first and foremost, dogs second, and our pets third. They have it in their genes to be outdoors, it's us humans that have made them our "babies". All my dogs are quite happy. I think it's up to the individual dog. As long as your shepard has plenty of fresh food & water, shelter and shade, with room to run and play and you give him attention, you are doing great! Good luck!