While it's not cruel to keep a pet outdoors in mild weather, dogs are pack animals who thrive with companionship and being close to their owners. So it's only natural that they will be happiest spending time with the family. A dog kept solely outside experiences social isolation and may bark or howl out of loneliness.
Ultimately, yes you can leave your dog outside all day if you think it would be good for it. But if you prefer your pet to stay in the house while you are away, that's fine too!
While small pups can spend a few hours outdoors in temperatures between 60ºF and 90ºF, keep outings in temperatures below 32ºF and above 90ºF to short spans of no more than 10 to 15 minutes, recommends Dr. Wooten.
It's normal for your dog to miss you when you leave. Separation anxiety is different – because the response is more extreme. Symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs include: Barking, whining, howling or crying (the sort that neighbours will notice)
Most experts agree you shouldn't leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can't last that long. DO prepare your dog before you go.
Some dogs are left outside because they shed and their owners want to keep their houses clean. Other dogs are locked out because of destructive behavior or other bad behavior. And yet other dogs are left out in the cold because someone in the household is allergic to them.
That's not a good idea. A dog needs human contact. A dog needs to be let outside to do his or her business. A dog needs someone to tend to their food and water dishes.
Even old dogs that are no longer interested in long walks benefit from the stimuli of outdoor sights, sounds, and smells. Dogs are happier when they can spend time with their humans and also get outside for some fresh air when the mood takes them. Bad weather is one reason to limit time outdoors.
#2 Dogs get lonely
Dogs who spend most of their lives outside are extremely lonely and yearn for attention and companionship. Such loneliness inevitably leads to behavioral problems, including aggression towards humans and other animals who step into their territory.
While your pet may love being outdoors and is well-trained, it doesn't mean he will be safe. There are many dangers that your dog will experience when he's left alone outside, such as weather conditions, poisonous plants or chemicals, or attack by other animals.
As a professional dog trainer, this is easily one of the most common questions that comes up during consultations. Many pet owners assume their dogs would prefer to play outdoors alone, but that's not always true. The simple answer is no; you shouldn't leave your dog outside unattended.
The best way to avoid the in and out game is to establish a routine with your dog that allows him adequate time outside but is in your control. Starting from his first arrival in your home, develop a pattern or routine in your home that he can quickly learn and rely on so that you both know his needs are being met.
The Short Answer
On average, dogs need to go outside at least 3 to 5 times per day to have the opportunity to relieve themselves. Veterinarians recommend that adult dogs go no more than 6-8 hours between trips outdoors.
If you notice a behavior change in your pet due to being alone too long, it could be a sign to take some action. Examples of behavior changes include increased lethargy, depression or disinterest in once-beloved activities, and destructive tendencies.
Pooches with this type of personality are eager learners and don't rely on their owner to keep them company throughout the day. Dog breeds that can be left alone for long periods include Labrador and Golden Retriever, Beagle, Peekapoo, or Shiba Inu.
Leaving Your Dog for Three Days
Preparing to leave your pup during a three-day trip won't be too different from leaving for a day or two. You'll find it easiest to recruit someone to stop in a couple times a day to check on food, water, offer plenty of love and provide potty breaks.
Dogs owners should not leave their dogs alone for more than four hours at a time, according to the RSPCA. The animal welfare charity has issued this guidance after they carried out a survey recently. They found that 20% of owners thought it was fine to leave their pet unattended for more than a day.
Environmental factors also affect a dog's life expectancy. For one thing, indoor pets tend to live longer than outdoor pets. This is because living outside can expose the dog to extreme heat, frosts, and cold temperatures.
50-60 degrees and higher are safe temperatures for your dog. 85+ degree temperatures are a different beast in itself, but we're just talking about cool to cold temperatures here. 45 degrees or so are generally acceptable, but you'll still want to keep an eye on how your dog is handling itself in these temperatures.
Approach the door and cue your dog to touch the bell with your command word. When they do, react with excitement, open the door, and take them outside. With enough repetition, your dog will learn that you will open the door and take them out whenever they ring the bell.
While most dogs love going outside, some suffer intense fear when they must venture outdoors. As owners, it is important that we all learn to recognize the signs associated with this fear, such as panting, trembling, freezing, and pacing. Dogs can be frightened of going outside for several reasons.
Your dog's reluctance to come inside might be due to a sudden change in the living environment. The dog might feel anxious inside your home if you recently did a complete renovation. Or it might be as simple as cleaning the house with a new household cleaner that smells bad to your dog.
Don't even let on that you are grumpy. Instead, let your dog know what it missed by not getting there earlier. Waggle an extremely tasty treat in front of the dog's nose, tease the dog with the treat and then give it to another dog, or even eat it yourself.