Mastiff's outside

[JLeighL]

Well, i see all points here. I agree on having dogs inside, as well as out. If i lived alone, there would be no question. I would never choose my bf over my dog or vice versa. I love them both to death. He is one who actually got the dog for me after we put our german shepherd to sleep =(. Charlie and i are very very close, he actually still sits in my lap in the evenings after walks however, he is having his left eye removed soon so he will be staying in for a while after that =) maybe i can convince the bf to keep him there =)

 

[Jadotha]

Oh, crikey!! First, sorry for the loss of your beloved German Shepherd!!

What happened to Charlie's eye??

Warmest wishes for his rapid and good recovery!!

 

[bkcain]

We have a dog door, so our dogs come and go as they please. I had Pyr mix who wouldn't come in at ALL in the winter. The colder the better. We would lose him when it snowed. He would fall asleep and then get buried in the snow. It was always fun to call him after a big snow and wonder where he would emerge from in the yard.

 

[bullyBug]

I also strongly agree that companion animals should be inside with their people. Most breeds have a strong desire to be close to and close with their owners. It's what separates dogs from wolves. Living in a cage with scheduled human contact reminds me of how I kept my hamsters as a child. If you think dogs are dirty, don't keep one. At the very least, choose a dog that wants to be as far away from you as you want to be from it.

JLeigh, when I say "you" I don't mean you specifically. It's just a general you. YOU seem to be doing the best you can given the circumstances.

 

[angelbears]

100% they should be inside. For all the reasons everybody stated. Two of our neighbors have outside dogs. I almost hate taking my guys out because I have to see them. They just don't seem happy, they don't even come to the fence to check us out. They are just so lifeless. Now when our other neighbors let their dogs out and we happen to be out. they are barking and running around and full of life. They seem so happy. Such a difference between the outside and inside dogs.

 

[northernmastiff]

I am all for dogs being in the house, especially if the breed is known as a companion breed. But I understand keeping dogs outside as well. Many hunting breeds do better as outdoor dogs (outdoor meaning a well maintained kennel with both an indoor and outdoor area) and when we trained for hunting, I knew many hunters who kept their dogs outside, said life as an indoor dog is the quickest way to ruin a hunting dog. Petey was always indoor and was excellent as a hunting dog so I am not sure I agree with that. In addition, some breeds prefer to be outside. Siberian Huskies love being outside and usually prefer it and there are several other breeds that like being outside.

I am completely and totally against chaining and leaving a dog outside all the time chained up. It is also important to properly socialize the dogs or you can end up with severe dominance problems. My uncle had an outdoor dog that was a beautiful dog but he was mean as hell and no one but my uncle could go up to him. One day he got out of the yard and into the house. My uncle walked into the house and found it covered in blood and his wife and children hiding in the closet covered in wounds from the dog. Needless to say, the dog didn't live much longer past that and it wasn't the dog's fault at all. It was the fact that he just wasn't socialized being stuck in the backyard by himself all the time. He was a bit of the severe case though and one of the horror stories.

From the sounds of it, Charlie is getting a lot of time with you but hopefully you can convince your bf to bring him in and let him stay. If he is fine outside during the day, I would say let him spend his day outside and then have him in during the night. You will find that him and you will be a lot happier for it.

 

[Jadotha]

@ Northenmastiff
I agree that many hunting dogs do well outside. When I lived in England for over 9 years, most fox hunting stables kept outside dogs. But again, these were dogs bred for a 'working' purpose, not as companion dogs.

 

[northernmastiff]

Exactly but there is a blur between the two many times. Not so much the larger hound packs but where you have one hunting dog and one owner.

 

[lilliesmomma]

Personally if I had to have a dog outside I wouldn't have one. I want my dogs in the house for protection (intimidation) and companionship. I don't want to have to go outside to feed or love on my dogs not that they have to be on the couch with me, I just want them in the house away from the flies chewing on the ears and the other things they would be exposed to. I crate the puppy in the house still at night until I'm sure she's safe out of the crate at night.
Again this is just me but I'd rather have my dog in the house than the BF telling me I can't have my dog in the house. I did date a guy that doesn't allow dogs in the house, we no longer date but we still talk. It may have gone somewhere but my dogs won't be outside dogs, now that I have 4 dogs I'm sure it won't go anywhere. lol

 

[Rugers-Kris]

I believe that dogs should be kept inside. They are a part of your family. A companion couldn't be a companion if they are kept away from you. I am a little extreme so I understand that not everyone would do it my way. Ruger is allowed on all of the furniture and sleeps with me at night and he is considered in all things in my home but I just can't picture a mastiff that loves the heat.....Ruger runs out, does his business and hassles on the way back to the house when it is hot and the fact it, it doesn't actually have to be stifling, just really sunny (Of course, he is spoiled!). Also, I guess I don't understand why a person would get a pet and then cage it away outside? The best part of having them is the stuff we tell stories about that they do when we are spending time with them. Also, the mention of flies, fleas......etc. I guess I am just weird but I honestly am bothered if Ruger just appears to be uncomfortable in everyday stuff so I could never keep him out in the element and feel good about it. I know that he wouldn't be happy and he wouldn't be the same dog if I left him outdoors alone.

 

[musicdeb]

Since you asked, I will offer my opinion. With all respect, I don't believe mastiffs or other companion pets/guardians belong outside. They need to be with their families, and a central part of family life (again, just my opinion). If they don't have this experience, I don't believe they are able to bond as closely to their people as dogs who are part of the family, and I feel that both the dog and the family are missing very enriching and rewarding aspects of pet/human relationships. I think it speaks volumes that your dog would rather be outside than interacting/being with you and your boyfriend.

A companion/guardian dog is a completely different story from an 'outside' proper working dog. The latter's main purpose is not to be a companions to their families, but rather to do a job (guarding premises, herding and protecting livestock, etc.) Most are totally committed to their work.

Do I think keeping your dog outside (with adequate facilities and interaction as you describe) is 'abusive'? Absolutely not. But you and your dog are totally missing out on a vital dimension of pet/human experience. If it were me I would put my foot down with my boyfriend, and (if you are a dog lover) pick my dog over the bf.

Re: DD, I appreciate your offering a different perspective, but again IMHO if people are worried about dogs being unsanitary, shedding etc, they shouldn't have dogs. BTW recent studies have shown that dander and other 'dust' shed by dogs and cats enhances children's immune systems and seems to reduce the incidence of asthma and allergies.

Ditto. All my dogs have been "inside" dogs.

 

[chicano]

Well you can have a dog inside and still "neglect" it, LOL lots of people do.........

I know a few folks who make negative comments when the subject is about Dogs living Outside, these people have there dogs inside and the only time their let out is to pee or poop and come right back inn. One of their dogs is pretty overweight (Ideal weight 90lbs but his 115lbs) that's 25lbs overweight. They say they feed them kibbles but the times we've been around them we always see them eating hamburgers from Micky D's and lots of dog treats, even ice cream. These dogs stay inside watching television and get no exercise what so ever, and still they judge people who have outside dogs, that's just crazy how they don't see how neglected their dogs are.

Anyway if your dog is an inside or outside that's really no one else business but your own, I would say love your dog tho.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Re: DD, I appreciate your offering a different perspective, but again IMHO if people are worried about dogs being unsanitary, shedding etc, they shouldn't have dogs. BTW recent studies have shown that dander and other 'dust' shed by dogs and cats enhances children's immune systems and seems to reduce the incidence of asthma and allergies.

Its fine, society has changed the view on dogs in general. Especially in America, it went from dogs being outside performing a job, a luxury inside the home, to extended "children." Its your opinion but people are going to do what they want to, be it by choice, upbringing, or culture. I remember that study and for the one article there are probably a dozen more to refute it. ( I don't know for sure, just a hypothesis of mine, lol) There are other countries share the same views like my co-worker, about a dog's place outside the home, again its taboo. However it shouldn't make them "bad" people.

I just think its wrong to condemn someone who doesn't share the same views on dogs inside the home. Years ago it was "normal" for dogs to be outside now in this day in age, people think its a "crime", if a dog is not inside the home on the furniture, sleeping with them, etc. While I mentioned before that it depends on the dog, I believe so long as the dog is getting the food, water, shelter, attention, there is nothing wrong with keeping a dog outside. You can also have an inside dog and still neglect it, so to me the big picture is so long as the dog is properly being taken care of inside or outside it shouldn't matter.

LOL, heck my best friend questions me about why I have the dogs that I do. She thinks I'm "mean" because I don't allow the boys on the furniture or in certain rooms. As well as the fact when I tell them to do something I mean it. She shares the same views like most do on the forum. Try as I might I can't explain it, it was a total accident that I fell in love with the breed, but the best mistake of my life. I may not give them as many "privileges" as "true" animal lovers, but I LOVE them both the same.

 

[babyjoemurphy]

Now I am no expert on dogs but I have done ALOT and when I say ALOT I mean alot of reading on MASTIFFS. I have been reading on Mastiffs for years now and I have read somethings that I don't know if it is true but I would not be willing to take the chance of it happening.

Mastiffs are companion dogs, also known as velcro dogs, lap dogs, etc. I once read that if a Companion dog (Mastiffs) are NOT part of the family then they might become angry. And when talking part of the family I am meaning in the home cuddling, eating, sleeping near his people.

I have also read that a dog learns to except the fact that he lives outside and because he knows no better that's all he wants. The dog wanting to be back outside is due to the fact that its what he knows. It wouldn't take long for him to adjust to living in the house. And that's dogs in general, still not recommended for companion dogs.

If a dog is locked up or chained up for more then 2-3 hours they will start to go mad. Chaining a dog can change a dogs behaviour. Again this is stuff I have read. And things I wouldn't put to the test.

Now my biggest concern here is "Why is it good for one and not the other" Labs shed just wait for it. And the lab has a better chance of having accidents then the other guy. If my husband had anything to say about my dog being left outside I would lock him out of the house call all his family and friends to not let him go there and let him sleep outside. And if that didn't work I would tell him to get lost. The way I look at it is he can always find a new place to live and be cuddled and warm and loved, my dog can't.
Ok maybe I wouldn't tell him to go, ya maybe I would he drives me nuts.

Now I am not one for re homing but if this is the life he gets and he gets to see PUP laughing at him through the window I would seriously consider a new home for him,and maybe PUP before he gets to comfortable inside and gets banished to the outside because he left hair behind. I would do this because I love him so much and want him to have a better life with love and comfort all the time. But then comes the resentment for the one that didn't allow the dog in the house, double edged knife

I really don't have an opinion on Outside/inside dogs. I know a Sheppard that wouldn't come in at all. But he had life by the balls outside. And he was played with all the time. My last dog would have spent all day outside if someone was out there with him, but come bed time onto his couch he went in the house. I feel certain dogs ARE outside dogs by breed, but if you look up Mastiffs they are not.

My husband and I have had many arguments in the 4 weeks we have had Murphy. My husband says one thing, I say something else and I do my thing regardless, and then he just says ok. I keep him in mind but being he travels for work being gone sometimes for months, Murphy needs to be trained for me not him.

And please correct me if I am wrong on the points made up top

 

[Tiger12490]

I grew up with only indoor dogs like someone said my mom didn't like dogs much in general but all the ones we had were indoors... saying that though I believe dogs are animals and I don't personify them and keeping them outside is fine especially if they are hooked up with heart worm and flea meds.....this companion stuff is strange because all mastiffs have been used as outside bandogs for you know a century or so before the Victorian era made them "companions"....and why can't a companion be outside....have we come so far where animals shouldn't be allowed to be outside? Silly to me IMHO ...I think some slip to far in too fur mommyism....I love my dogs I just realize that there dogs....

Tapd on my skyrocket

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

I know a few folks who make negative comments when the subject is about Dogs living Outside, these people have there dogs inside and the only time their let out is to pee or poop and come right back inn. One of their dogs is pretty overweight (Ideal weight 90lbs but his 115lbs) that's 25lbs overweight. They say they feed them kibbles but the times we've been around them we always see them eating hamburgers from Micky D's and lots of dog treats, even ice cream. These dogs stay inside watching television and get no exercise what so ever, and still they judge people who have outside dogs, that's just crazy how they don't see how neglected their dogs are.

Anyway if your dog is an inside or outside that's really no one else business but your own, I would say love your dog tho.

This is pretty much where I'm getting at, the dogs "place" is changing in our hierarchy. So for those that don't follow the "norm" are viewed as "bad" people.

---------- Post added at 02:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:03 PM ----------

I grew up with only indoor dogs like someone said my mom didn't like dogs much in general but all the ones we had were indoors... saying that though I believe dogs are animals and I don't personify them and keeping them outside is fine especially if they are hooked up with heart worm and flea meds.....this companion stuff is strange because all mastiffs have been used as outside bandogs for you know a century or so before the Victorian era made them "companions"....and why can't a companion be outside....have we come so far where animals shouldn't be allowed to be outside? Silly to me IMHO ...I think some slip to far in too fur mommyism....I love my dogs I just realize that there dogs....

Tapd on my skyrocket

Tiger I couldn't have said it better, IMO.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

I grew up with only indoor dogs like someone said my mom didn't like dogs much in general but all the ones we had were indoors... saying that though I believe dogs are animals and I don't personify them and keeping them outside is fine especially if they are hooked up with heart worm and flea meds.....this companion stuff is strange because all mastiffs have been used as outside bandogs for you know a century or so before the Victorian era made them "companions"....and why can't a companion be outside....have we come so far where animals shouldn't be allowed to be outside? Silly to me IMHO ...I think some slip to far in too fur mommyism....I love my dogs I just realize that there dogs....

Tapd on my skyrocket

Tiger I couldn't have said it better, IMO.

 

[babyjoemurphy]

Like I said it is stuff I have read and actually read on a lot of different sites.
Tiger12490- fur mommyism..I love it!

 

[JLeighL]

I agree and think that some, not all breeds, should be with family and inside. I in no way think they are dirty or cannot tolerate shedding, otherwise why would i have one?! My dog being outside is the best i can do for now and he is 100% happy and loved on and loved very much. He knows this and is content in his situation. Otherwise he probably wouldn't be very happy, but he is! Just wondered everyones opinion on it. Might i add tho, that we live in the country....with lots of land for him to run and play. its not like we live in the city in an apt and i keep him in a small back yard. He has alot of area and when i'm with him he has free range and i have never had an incident with this. All in all, if i could bring him in, i would. but i do what i can with what i got! I love him no matter what, i love and respect the breed and probably will own more in my life time. Whether they are in or out, i make sure that they're situation is completely suitable. During the winter days when its cold, he is definitely welcome to come in and sleep and be comfortable, but honestly he sits at the door and whines to go out and play. I sometimes would have to bed him to come back in with me. I did adopt him at 3 years old and unsure of his home life before that, but as of now, he is the happiest dog around town! And where i live, most people have large yards and areas for their dogs to run and play. I never intended on getting this dog to show how big it was or to scare people by it being in my yard. I simply adopted him bc he needed a home, i feel in love with him, and he was a happy pup. We are content and he is spoiled.

---------- Post added at 03:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:13 PM ----------

And @ Jadotha, Charlie went blind within 3 days, 1 year ago last week. He has been seeing an Ophthalmologist for this and has been diagnosed with having an auto immune disease that caused the blindness. He now has glaucoma (currently treating with drops and oral meds) and is having his left eye removed in Aug. due to the ocular pressure that he is experiencing. He WILL BE INDOORS after the surgery takes place for him to heal.

 

[JLeighL]

And @ Jadotha, Charlie went blind within 3 days, 1 year ago last week. He has been seeing an Ophthalmologist for this and has been diagnosed with having an auto immune disease that caused the blindness. He now has glaucoma (currently treating with drops and oral meds) and is having his left eye removed in Aug. due to the ocular pressure that he is experiencing. He WILL BE INDOORS after the surgery takes place for him to heal.