Are dogs happier inside or outside?

Grady
by Grady
My friend said that dogs are happier living outside 24/7 and I think that's crazy. His vet told him that they were the happiest, most natural dogs he'd ever seen. I looked it up and it said that dogs are happier inside with their masters, and not outside all alone. But I want the real answer. Any ideas?
  7 answers
  • Jill Jill on Dec 03, 2014
    I think it has to do with a couple of factors. For instance, the breed and size of the dog. Is your dog really small, can he squeeze out of your yard from under a fence, or is he large and can he jump it? Does he have a long haired coat, or a short one? Require constant grooming? Or is your yard a safe place where no one can come in a steal him? Maybe you have a gardener or pool man who might leave the gate open? He is the type that constantly chews on things, like plants? Or maybe he digs? What about the climate where your live? Do the temps reach beyond what is comfortable for you? Is it excessively hot and could it kill him, or does it dip really low and could he freeze to death? While a dog house might be fine for some dogs, would he use it when he needs it? Can it shelter him from the elements and protect him from wild animals? Are there poisonous animals around that could kill him? Snakes? Mountain lions? Coyotes? Is your dog a velcro dog? Does he stick to you like glue? Prefer to be in others presence? Or is he a loner? Does he bark excessively? Howl and cry during the day and night? Or when you are gone? My dogs are inside dogs. They are not small, but not excessively large either. While they do like to have space to run around in and chase a ball, they prefer to be inside with me. They are totally velcro dogs and do stick to me like glue. If I leave the room, they follow. Another thing, where we live, it can get really hot in the summer, and very cold in the winter. So leaving them outside to the elements is not an option. A dog house wouldn't do either. Neither of them like being cooped up in small places. We also have our share of rattlesnakes, mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes. So they really need to be watched at all times. It would be easy pickings for any of the above to bite, attack and make a meal out of even a 45 lb dog. They also are the type of dogs that need constant grooming, with longer hair, and with long hair, that means don't take to the heat well. Anything they get into being outside all the time they would drag in at an inconvenient time. My brother's dogs are a different manner. Even though he lives only a few miles away, his dogs are happiest outside. There is no chance of a snake biting them, and while they do live on the outskirts of the city limits, I have never seen coyotes or anything else where he lives. They are both big labs, short hair, shed a lot, don't require much grooming, love their dog houses and can tolerate some excess in temperature. Matter of fact, his dogs are happiest when they can roll in the mud and just be filthy. They don't bark much, except if someone tries to invade their territory, or an occasional skunk comes into the neighborhood. They are also not velcro dogs at all. Their attitude is when you are done throwing a ball a few times, I am usually not interested in sticking around to see what else you will do. Given a chance, they would rather jump into the pool when you aren't there. I personal have never seen or met a dog that doesn't like companionship. Most do, most of the time. If it's a matter of having someone letting them in and out all day, a doggy door does well. Most dogs are happy to be inside, stick by your side, and sleep next to your bed, or on it at night. If you don't like being alone constantly, how do you think a dog would feel?
  • Paula McCarthy Paula McCarthy on Dec 03, 2014
    I read once that if you are comfortable (temperature wise) then your dog will be comfortable. This was regarding air conditioning, heat etc. I suppose that would go for inside - outside too. I think you have to factor in it's breed/age and whether it will be "outside" alone - will it be in a kennel with other dogs?
  • Duv310660 Duv310660 on Dec 03, 2014
    If you are not sure when your dog is happy, try looking after cats! But seriously, dogs are pack animals, and I do not think they want to be alone in a house or a yard. That's when you get into problem behaviours. But if you are there, or a dog-friend is there, then that is filling a need for pack. Basically they are like little kids: build a routine where activity is changed an lots of love and doggy fun happens. PS vets will always say positive things about pets at the beginning of an appt. Next comes whats wrong with the dog and what you should do. Think about it. What is 'the most natural dog"? One that is muscular from taking down deer for his dinner? Or one that plays ultimate frisbee twice a day? The vet was just commenting on his condition, not the best way to raise a dog - that would be out of line.
  • Marianne Mazzenga Marianne Mazzenga on Dec 03, 2014
    Dogs are pack oriented creatures, they do best with their pack members, (family)
  • Nolahorserider Nolahorserider on Dec 03, 2014
    Dogs like to be with their owner! If their owners are outside, then they like it there. Sometimes during the sunny days, my dogs prefer to be outside! It just depends on the circumstance. Mine would freeze to death if I left them outside for 24 hours in the winter, even though I live in Florida!
  • Kate Dyson Kate Dyson on Dec 03, 2014
    Dogs are domesticated animals, not wild animals. Sure they love to play outside sometimes, but most of all they love to be with you! They are a social animal, and to leave them outside all of the time is sad - they want to be inside hanging out with their pack. I train service dogs for Freedom Service Dogs (check us out on freedomservicedogs.org!) so I work with dogs, it's my passion; for whatever that's worth. If nothing else, dogs should be inside when the weather is really cold or hot (our dogs go inside if it's below 45 or above 85). Thanks for asking - you sound like a caring lady!
  • Barbara Barbara on Dec 04, 2014
    Our two dogs are very different. One is a Lab mix and our other dog is a smaller terrier mix. The terrier loves being in the house, occupying a couch or a chair as she observes my daily routine. The Lab mix loves the outdoors only when the sun shines so she can bask in the sun and warm her long self on the grass. Both dogs crave being wherever we are (the little one even follows me in the bathroom!) This is our second go round with a Lab and Terrier combination but their preferences seem to be consistent. The bottom line is: dogs are social creatures and want to be wherever you are if you are their alpha/leader!