Question about Dogs

[dawg]

I'm thinking about getting a black labrador puppy, and wondering if its ok to keep them outside in the backyard all day once they get older?

It would be fenced in and I would get some type of dog shelter. I'm out of the house from 8am until 6 or 7pm and I would be worried inside alone it would tear up the furniture and stuff but once I'm home I would have it inside the house with me. And if it is ok... even during summer and winter?

Sorry if this is a silly question, I never had a dog before.

 

[Scott_Thomas]

I'm thinking about getting a black labrador puppy, and wondering if its ok to keep them outside in the backyard all day once they get older?

It would be fenced in and I would get some type of dog shelter. I'm out of the house from 8am until 6 or 7pm and I would be worried inside alone it would tear up the furniture and stuff but once I'm home I would have it inside the house with me. And if it is ok... even during summer and winter?

Sorry if this is a silly question, I never had a dog before.

I have a chocolate lab (got him as a baby and he's now 10) and had a black lab before him. I have never been a big supporter of leaving animals outside unless they are barnyard animals. Zeus (chocolate lab) doesn't do well in the heat so he'd have issues being outside for so long. My suggestion would be to crate train the dog from the start or if possible have a doggie door that allows him to go outside possibly from an enclosed room. Labs are highly social dogs and DO NOT take well to being left alone long periods. The crave company and will destroy your home if you leave them alone all day. They are also highly intelligent. If no one can help by letting him out and you have no other options I would say don't get one. They need human interaction more than most dogs. Wouldn't be fair to the dog.

 

[dawg]

Thanks for the info.

If I get a doggy door going to the backyard would it be ok, or is 10 hours still too much to keep it alone?

 

[Scott_Thomas]

Thanks for the info.

If I get a doggy door going to the backyard would it be ok, or is 10 hours still too much to keep it alone?

In the beginning it is probably too long. Even if caged or using a doggy door. Labs are smart and do learn quick though. If you are religious about training in the time you have will him it could work. Being gone that long you will have to alot some time for him.

 

[MNGreg]

10 hours is a very long time, especially for a puppy to be alone..

I also am not a supporter of people leaving dogs outside unattended... Too many times I have heard of things happening to the dog.

I would go adopt and older dog, 4-5+ years old from a shelter and let them be a indoor dog.. They will most likely already be housebroken, just need to show them where to go at your house. Then also they wont be as wild with energy destroying stuff. THey would probably just lay on your couch while you are gone.

 

[VRIIClubby]

My suggestion would be to crate train the dog from the start

Please dont take this the wrong way, but how the HELL can putting your dog in a CAGE ALL DAY be good for it's mental health?

I'm aware that in other countries this is a well practised routine, due to environmental issues etc etc, but caging something IMHO is not being responsible. You are locking something up to suit your routine.

With a child, do you just leave it in its cot all day so you can go about your day? Or would you construct some super cage that has a slide and thinkthats a ok?

I have three Boxers, Boxers are notorious for Heat Stroke and Hyperthermia, they ALL live outside 24/7, the weather here goes from 45c (113F) in summer down to -3c (26F) overnight in winter.

If you provide shade and fresh cool water a dog will not overheat. If you provide a kennel that suits the dogs size, maybe even a coat on chillier nights then the cold will not affect them. There are lots of products like warmed pillows and cool beds for dogs and cats etc to provide more comfort.

Unless you have wild animal issues like some places (big cats, bears etc) then I see no reason why they cant be outside? They where once WILD animals that lived long before air conditioning and brick veneer houses!!! Would you prefer to roam around your backyard basking in the sun, smelling all those wonderful scents all day or locked up in a cage in the loungeroom waiting for someone to come home and let you out for a piss?

just my 2 cents! Caging to me is as bad as cropping ears and docking tails.

 

[dawg]

Interesting, I didnt even think of that. I guess its all about the training when they are young. Thanks again.

 

[dawg]

ok well either way it sounds like a puppy is too much work for me.

 

[Deleted member 9794]

Why do you want a dog (and why a lab specifically)? Companionship, protection, security, experience, etc? I'm just curious...it may influence the recommendations and advice you get.

 

[Scott_Thomas]

Please dont take this the wrong way, but how the HELL can putting your dog in a CAGE ALL DAY be good for it's mental health?

I'm aware that in other countries this is a well practised routine, due to environmental issues etc etc, but caging something IMHO is not being responsible. You are locking something up to suit your routine.

With a child, do you just leave it in its cot all day so you can go about your day? Or would you construct some super cage that has a slide and thinkthats a ok?

I have three Boxers, Boxers are notorious for Heat Stroke and Hyperthermia, they ALL live outside 24/7, the weather here goes from 45c (113F) in summer down to -3c (26F) overnight in winter.

If you provide shade and fresh cool water a dog will not overheat. If you provide a kennel that suits the dogs size, maybe even a coat on chillier nights then the cold will not affect them. There are lots of products like warmed pillows and cool beds for dogs and cats etc to provide more comfort.

Unless you have wild animal issues like some places (big cats, bears etc) then I see no reason why they cant be outside? They where once WILD animals that lived long before air conditioning and brick veneer houses!!! Would you prefer to roam around your backyard basking in the sun, smelling all those wonderful scents all day or locked up in a cage in the loungeroom waiting for someone to come home and let you out for a piss?

just my 2 cents! Caging to me is as bad as cropping ears and docking tails.

Not a fan of caging, but giving him options. I have a decent size property and allow my dog to run. He was only ever crated for short periods when very young because he would destroy stuff (1-2 hours max). Dogs are not barnyard animals and I would never relegate my dog to living strictly outdoors regardless of the temps nor would I crate him all day to suit my needs. The doggie door to allow outside and indoor access would be ideal. Labs love being outdoors as they are a hunting dog by breed, but they are also very much at home curled up on the bed. I've had a few Labs and they are happy being where I am whether I am inside or out. Just my $0.02

 

[dawg]

Why do you want a dog (and why a lab specifically)? Companionship, protection, security, experience, etc? I'm just curious...it may influence the recommendations and advice you get.

I would say companionship and the fact I love animals. I had cats growing up and always feel attached to labs when I see them from friends or strangers.

 

[Scott_Thomas]

I would say companionship and the fact I love animals. I had cats growing up and always feel attached to labs when I see them from friends or strangers.

Maybe do like Greg suggested and find an adult dog (maybe you can find a Lab). I rescued my black lab Cisco from the pound.

 

[dawg]

How do you find a specific type of dog from a shelter? And not to be a wuss, but I don't think I could handle going to one.

 

[Scott_Thomas]

How do you find a specific type of dog from a shelter? And not to be a wuss, but I don't think I could handle going to one.

Maybe look up Lab rescues or search local shelters online. They may list the dog breeds or have photos.

 

[VRIIClubby]

Maybe look up Lab rescues or search local shelters online. They may list the dog breeds or have photos.

This was to be my next bit of advice, Puppies (esp Lab's) require so much attention in the early years to stop bad behaviour.

An adult rescued dog would be great! If you really want a lab there would be lots of Lab rescues, If yousent them an email saying you were looking f0or one, they would be very quick to locate one for you!

good luck! I love my "furkids", My oldest ***** i call my "true wife" - she is the only one that actually listens to me! lol.

 

[MichaelInVenice]

How do you find a specific type of dog from a shelter? And not to be a wuss, but I don't think I could handle going to one.

This would be a place to start: Pet Search Results: Adoptable Dog Pets in Toronto, ON: Petfinder

You will probably want to refine the search to be close to your immediate area, or focus on one breed, age group, etc.

When dealing with rescue groups you'll find that they are really interested in the welfare of the animal. They may want to check out your home to make sure you're not going to keep them in poor conditions, and may be picky about whether or not they think you are a suitable guy to have one. On the other hand, if you're really interested and want to learn how to keep and care for an animal, they will usually be incredibly helpful in making the adoption easy. Be honest with them, and if you're not sure, ask. Questions like "would he be better in the yard with a proper shelter, or left indoors, or left indoors with a doggie door" are valid questions. They usually know the animals they're adopting out and will be helpful so long as you're being reasonable and looking for the right answers rather than the answers you want to hear.

 

[BKP]

I 2nd a rescue... I've never been without pets (cats/dogs) for the last 40 years, and the best I've ever had were rescues.

I also 2nd a more mature dog. You simply don't have the bandwidth to raise a pup being gone 10 hours a day... Not fair to the pup.
Labs happen to be well suited to cold weather, but, 10 hours a day in a Toronto winter means you need an insulated dog house, with a doggie door. And, you have to think about how to keep that *necessary* ever-present bowl of water from freezing. A doggie door into your house would be a better solution.

Think it through before you commit to this. Too many shelter animals are the result of well-intentioned owners without a clue of what it takes to raise/keep an animal...

 

[roundhouse]

i wouldn't get a puppy unless you have time to train it. being gone for 9-10 hours a day with a puppy in the back yard will lead to horrible habits that you don't have time to break.

i got my lab from the pound, he was around a year old. now 10. easy to train.

worked with the humane society of flower mound for 7 years. the biggest reason for people to owner release dogs to the HSFM or the municipal animal shelter was because the dog was uncontrollable from not being trained properly.

even if you crate train 9 hours is too long for a puppy to go without a potty break so it will never learn from the experience.

if people get a puppy and raise it in the back yard they cease to play with it as its bad habits are too much to bear.