How do you train a dog to be content staying outdoors for several hours?

Would YOU be content staying outside for several hours?

stay out there with him for a long time and when hes not looking go in side

Put the dog outside for a longer amount of time each day, with fewer visits in between. He'll learn, even if it's lonely out there.

You have to get him or her a space to be comfortable. Like a dog house and put hay or a pillow in it then leave and the dog should get used to it.

make sure he has things to keep him occupied

I don't know the answer to this question but I think it is a really good one.I have been wanting to know this same thing. We just got a new dog 9 months old from the Humane society and she hates being outside. She will give up a treat to go back inside. It takes a while to get her to go to the bathroom and she looks back to make sure we are still standing there before she will go.But, its inevitable that we will go back to work and she will have to spend a few hours out there. What do people think about getting another dog to keep our dogs company. If that is an option for you?

It is important to give your dog a safe place to go, not that they will always use it but the sense of security is very important to dogs. Cats like to wonder but dogs like to stay in a den like space if they feel threatened considering in nature they are typically pack animals they feel more vulnerable. That's why you will notice dogs are more loyal to there masters then cats because you are part of their pack it is in their nature, so my answer is give your dog a safe place and tie them out so they don't get lost and your dog will be very content staying outside while you are gone. Make sure you give them some extra water as well now that weather is getting warmer. Have a great day !

I think most dogs hate to be alone. They are pack animals. I have five dogs, so they are okay if they can be together or see each other. I have one that will actually cry if he can't see anyone. Two of my dogs are outside all the time, but they are together. The other three are outside while I'm at work and then I bring them in when I get home. So in the morning, they are excited to go outside and in the evening they are excited to go inside. I try to always have them something to chew on or play with. I even have a small swimming pool for them. I keep them were they can see what's going on. Cars driving by, people walking etc... Having a dog house is a good idea, it gives them their space. They feel more secure.

The best way to do this is make the outdoors a good experience for the dog. Go outside and paly constantly, spend hours with the dog outside, loveing on him/her etc. And the dog will associate being outside with good things, and when you get home make sure to love on him/her take him/her for a walk and so on. Also, make sure the dog has plenty of water and food. My dog refuses to eat outside, but I have a 5 gallon bucket of water for him outside everyday.

I breed Labs and Parson Russell Terriers. The person who mentioned that dogs are pack animals hit the nail on the head. No dog wants to be alone, unless they are old or ill. Then they go off in a corner to avoid danger until they die. I have had numerous people come to me within one year of buying a puppy to get a second dog. Not only does a playmate releave the pressure to play with your dog constantly (puppies have so much energy), but it gives them a doggy pack when you are gone. You are part of the pack when you are there. Remember the movie series "Planet of the Apes"? Charleton Heston was kept in a cage and his captures and rulers were apes. Until he found a female human companion, he must have been terribly lonely. Having one dog is the same thing. Your dog wants to be with his or her own kind, as well as with you, and when you are gone, the dogs have each other.Other than getting a playmate, which is the best solution, you should give your dog numerous toys that challenge the intelligence. If he or she does not destroy toys with sqeekies, then get some of those. Some of my dogs destroy them, but the ones that do not love them and will spend hours playing with them. Get hard Kongs that you can put peanut butter in (unless your dog is allergic to it). Get one of those toys that you put treats in and they dog has to roll it around to get a treat to fall out. Get balls. I had a dog once that would throw the ball and chase it herself!Some dogs would rather be in the house in a crate if you are gone for a while. I crate most of my dogs at night and they love their crates. Crates are not bad unless the owners abuse them. Dogs can spend up to 8 hours in a crate (if they are old enough to hold their urine and feces). If it is hot, then it is better to keep the dog crated while you are gone so the dog has air conditioning (assuming you have that). Always have a supply of water available whether the dog is indoors or outdoors. My dogs love to lay in their buckets of water when they get hot, so I use really big buckets that are low and wide.Good luck (and I hope you get him or her a companion),Annette