Does Anybody's Doodle Stay Outside?

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

My mini doodle, Hank, is 12 weeks.  He stays outside in the courtyard during the day and only comes in at night to sleep in his crate.  He likes being outside where he can run and play which seems normal to me.  I was raised with outside dogs.  Hank is my first puppy on my own.  At first, I thought I would try to keep him inside, but the potty training got to be too much for me since I have a mobility impairment, and my reaction time is slower than normal.  He has never had an accident in his crate, doesn't cry at night, or need a potty break in the middle of the night.  Please don't think I'm a horrible person.  I love Hank as much as an inside dog owner.  Just wonder if anyone else has an all or primarily outside doodle?  Does anyone's doodle sleep outside?  If so, how does that work out for you?  Basically, I think I have one good puppy!  Just want to make things as happy for him (and me) as possible.  Thanks for any feedback or insight you have to share.  Hope I don't end up feeling guilty about considering having him sleep outside.  I really do love my puppy.  Honest.  I do.

[Katie and Sophie]

I am in agreement with everyone else here.  My dogs are my babies and I do everything in my power to keep them safe and healthy.  Dogs are social beings and can't possible get the attention and affection that they need living outside of the home.  Your doodle is just a baby and he has so much to learn.  This is a critical time in their development and extensive socialization and training is so important to raise a happy, well-rounded doodle.  This just can't happen in his current situation.  Not to mention the dangers of having such a tiny dog live outside.  I know you love him and went into this with good intentions, but you need to really think about it and see if you can provide him with what he really needs and if you should keep him.

With that being said, I would love to help you out.  I have two sister-in-laws who live in Murfreesboro and it would not be a problem for me to make a trip up there if you would like me to take him and train him to be an inside dog or help you rehome him.  Or whatever else you think you might need.  I know I could make in into a great inside dog if that is something you would want to do!  Please let me know if I can help you.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Bless  you, Katie.

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

I'll take him.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Can this young lady help you?

Or your 269 friends help you in anyway train this puppy?

Maybe all the school kids can help you?

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  Friends269

   

  PLEASE!   We care a lot around here and would like you to answer us about this post?  Are you really handicap?  Is there something we can do?  Or are you pulling our tails?
  

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Thank you.  After many years around here, we at first give the benefit of the doubt but when you did not return my mind goes a wander. 

Thank you for your patience with this statement

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Nobody was trying to be sarcastic in asking why you got a dog; we are truly baffled and want to understand. It clearly doesn't make sense to any of us, which is why we asked. Your saying that your sister's outside dog is "doing great" means nothing. "Great" compared to what? What is the criteria for a dog who's doing "great"? That he's alive? On what are you basing that assessment?

No, the fact that your sister's puppy lives outside does not help me see your frame of reference. There are people who neglect their children, and it doesn't make that understandable or okay if their sisters neglect their children, too.

I feel very sorry for Hank (and for your sister's puppy as well).  If you truly wanted to do what was best for him, and truly loved him, you'd bring him indoors. Period.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Teri, I don't know if you're still there since you haven't responded but if you are, (whoops, I'm sorry, yes you have) I 'm sure you can see from the responses that little Hank, a mini doodle is NOT meant to be an outside dog. While I think all dogs benefit from being inside and living with their people, there are some working dogs who can adapt to living outside, on farms, as sled dogs, etc. with the right care, but not your mini doodle.  First off, he's too small.  It's too dangerous.  Hawks, foxes, other dogs, dog thieves, getting caught in something -- a lot of things can happen to an unattended puppy AND an unattended small dog.  Second, you chose a dog that was bred to be an inside dog and is extremely people-oriented.  You are going to be the center of his universe and he will not thrive if he's kept outside alone and deprived of your companionship.  Third, a doodle cannot live out in the elements.  Most likely he does not have a double coat and you will have to clip him if he's outside all the time because his coat will matt and be dirty-- which means he has no insulation to keep him cool on hot summer days or warm in winter. FInally,he will be much more difficult to train because you've left him to his own independent resources so much of the time. Do you have neighbors?  What happens when he starts to bark and bark?  How will you ever take him anywhere to if he's not housebroken? And God forbid, if something happens to you, how much harder it will it be to find an untrained dog a home.  If you love your puppy, and I'm sure you do, please bring him inside.  Keep him in his crate when you can't be with him.  Take him out as soon as you take him out of his crate. As he gets a little bigger, gate him in an area -like your kitchen.  There are always pee pads.  It may take him a couple of weeks or a couple of months for him to control his little bladder and be completely housebroken but you can manage this if you love him.   If you can't, please talk to your breeder and together, find him a loving home that can.      

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Another great idea, Cheryl

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Hi Teri,

Let's start again.  Why did you get a dog?  I know I'm going to miss something here but with all the thoughts running through my mind I got a dog because: 

I wanted the constant companionship, the devotion, the exercise, the protection, the company. the challenges of training, the cold nights with a dog curled up at my feet, the rides in the car, the laughs....

So tell me your reason. As I said before, How can we help you? I believe all of us want you here with us.  We welcome you. We welcome all owners.  We feed off of each other in raising, crying, laughing over our ownership with dogs.  And... we want to help you too!  :)  When I asked, "Why did you get a dog?", I was concerned for you and Hank.  Simple enough.  Still am.  And, still want to help you.

What were your expectations?  What do you wish for with Hank? He certainly is adorable.  What do you think he would like in a life with you? 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I think what I want to say and many want to tell you, is that our lives are more wonderful since we brought our dogs into them.  We want you to also have that experience and we don't understand why you aren't making this happen for yourself and Hank.

We are a wealth of education here and want to share what we have all experienced. Bring him in. He wants you!  He wants that relationship with you.  He already knows you are awesome. Dogs are like that.  I hope you can find that too.

Or get an older dog. So many need homes. Many mellow, trained dogs  have been dumped with no homes.  I think, you would find, a great relationship in an older dog.  Best of luck.  This post will be on my mind for many months to come.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Teri, please take up the offers of help that have been made in good faith.  There is a wealth of really good information on this site and the people who take the time to respond are generally those who are most devoted and experienced.  You posted because you obviously care for Hank.  Now do the very best for this little Doodle who needs and deserves so much love.  There are genuine offers of real and practical help.   Doodles are indoor people dogs.  Sled dogs or working farm dogs they are most definitely not. You can have a wonderful companion by your side.  You came for help, now all you have to do is grasp it.

[Carol and Banjo]

If Hank spends the entire day outside and "only comes in at night to sleep in his crate"  why do you have him?   For what purpose?    I brought a dog into my life for companionship.   He's given me that and oh, so much more.   I can only hope I've given him half of what he's given me.    The life you have described for little Hank is loveless.   This post breaks my heart.    Why did you bring him into your life Teri?