dog outside

[K99]

My mother looks after my dog for me during the day whilst I am at work. I don't ask her to, she insists on me bringing him round. The thing is she often puts him out in the garden for long periods of time by him self which I don't like because I feel sorry for him (dogs like company) plus its getting colder now and I'm worried he may be cold. I've talked to her about this but she says theres no harm in it, there is no getting through to her. I've also tried leaving him in my house, I only work 5 mins away and pop back at lunchtime/breaks etc.. but I find that she has already been and took him back to hers. Just wondering is it harmful or cruel to do that to a dog? Will he suffer from the cold? Any tips on what to do?

[andyjevs]

I would imagine that as long as your dog has good shelter, ie protection from cold wind and rain/damp, a warm bed such as an old duvet and has sufficient fresh water and/or food, the dog should be fine.
My father was a dog handler in the police and our dogs lived outside in a kennel all year....but they knew nothing else and were fully adapted to living outside.
Saying that, if it was minus 10 outside and the dog was still there, i'd be a bit concerned.

[maggie01]

We had a dog that lived outside but he had a proper kennel etc. He did not like being inside. Having said that, If my dog was used to being inside with me then I don't think I would like him left outside. Does he not bark to be let in? I think I would be firm with your mum (not an easy task) and ask her not to leave him out too long or perhaps she could just pop in to your house for a bit of company for him. It must be hard trying to work while you are worrying about your dogs welfare.

[K99]

thanks maggie01

My dog rarlely barks which I've always thought a bit strange maybe if he did my mother would let him in!

I will try to talk to her again about the situation.

We do have a kennel but he has never gone in it no amount of treats will lure him in and actually now its used as a play house for my nieces and nephews!

Also I got him from a shelter two years ago when he was only 5 month old and I cant help but think it will remind him of being back there. I know I'm a total softy when it comes to dogs.

[woofgang]

I think there is another issue here. Your Mum should be treating you as an adult and doing as you ask her don't you think?

[SC00BY]

I have a rescue lurcher. She hates being inside as she is not used to it. She comes in from time to time, however, she spends a lot of time outside (with her jack russell friend) and they are perfectly ok. They have a nice warm duvet though.

[Vics]

Dear K99.

It is nice that you are concerned about your dog - but I think Woofgang is absolutely correct - the issue here seems to be more about your Mum than your dog!!

Having parents live nearby can be a nightmare as they still treat you like kids BUT for the sake of YOUR dog you must be firm and just say politely - thanks Mum from from now on I will leave him in his bed and pop home myself to let him out. Use the excuse of the cold weather to reinforce your decisive decision.

Some dogs ie. working dogs can be left out all day - but as a general rule, working at the RSPCA , we would not home animals to people knowing they would be outside on their own for most of the day.

Hope this helps K99 - Go for it - I think you know in your heart by the way you asked the question what you have to do!!! Vics

[ezapf]

Ditto to Woofgang.

[funnywebsite]

Yes tell your mum to leave the dog at home. Tell her you do not want your dog left outside with the cold. Not only that there are people who nick dogs nowadays to get rewards. This is a big craze and it's getting worse.

[joko]

Why does she bother is she is just going to leave outside all day - what is the point? I could undertsand if she loved the dog and wanted some company but she's ignoring him and taking him from a comfy warm house to sit in the cold!

I agree with woofgang, my parents have keys to my house but they only use them in an emergency, not just coming and going as they please.

You need to be firm.