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.

[Jazz & Jane]

I have a "medium" doodle, and I could not leave her outside all day. 

The outdoor elements don't work for doodles (heat, hair coat, predators), and neither does the personality allow for this - they are a loving, much more attentive, "needier" breed. 

They honestly cannot defend themselves like the BIG dogs (I had nothing but labradors until l got my doodle 4 yrs ago). 

 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Teri, almost every day when I go to work I see a very disabled woman in a motorized wheelchair walking her small fuzzy dog on the narrow sidewalks, summer and winter.  I know this woman is on a very limited income but it always makes me smile to see the bond between her and that little dog.  And from what you said about Hank's not jumping on you, it sounds like you have found an intuitive loving little guy.  Here's another idea for you -- maybe there is a good responsible breeder or trainer near you who does a 1 week or 2 week puppy "boot camp."  Terrible name :) but if done in a loving way it can introduce the pup to housebreaking, crate training and very basic commands which might help you a lot.  Then you can reinforce it.  Maybe your trainer can help you with this.  I know several single people who have done this because their work schedules made puppy training difficult and it made things work for them. Their dogs are great, and they give them lots of love and time --they just needed some extra hands in the beginning. DK people really do want to see you and your puppy have a long happy relationship.   

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Boot Camp ( I agree-not a great name but they are good)  would be a great help to keep this puppy with her  :)

http://www.k-9companions.com/BootCampForDogs.html

http://www.petsafevillage.com/dog-training

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I would like to know, too, what your motivation was for getting a dog?  I am asking because I have a neighbor who chains his dogs up outside 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and I need to understand why he wanted a dog in the first place. How is it benefiting him or the dog? There are dogs far better suited to living outside than a MINI Doodle and I still don't think any dog should ever be made to stay outside. Please help me understand why you wanted such a small dog if you were planning to keep it outside. Did your breeder know this was where the dog would live? You posted this discussion out of curiosity and I really would honestly like to understand.

[Susan, Schuester and Olive]

Teri, potty training is trying for all of us. I have 2 doodles and they each trained a little differently. It takes constant work to get this achieved. It seems to me that you must, must find a trainer who can help you. I know it will be expensive, but your little Hank's happiness and success as a great companion for you will depend on this. If this is the only reason that he stays outside, please don't let another day go by. There are also great books, articles, etc. for training, including potty training. I also agree with others who have suggested talking to the breeder. Maybe, he or she can help you out. My breeder would have kept Schuester and Olive to train them for me. And with a disability, that might be a good solution. I know that once Hank is able to remain inside with you, you will be so glad to have his companionship. I got my first doodle because I had just lost my dear Dad and I needed the companionship. It was the best decision I ever made. I promise that if you give him a chance, he'll be your best friend.

[Rebecca, Kandy & Murphy]

Our doodle stays outside during the day when no one is home (so, 8 AM - 2:30 PM).  But other than those times she is inside (other than potty breaks, walks, park trips etc).  She is 18 mo. old and otherwise gets all the love a dog could want.  And if she would figure out how to spend 10 minutes without chewing something to bits I would leave her inside all the time -- even when we are home someone has to be aware of what she has in her mouth all the time. When we are home she if very near us -- we just leave the back door open so she can get out to potty when needed.  Also we have an acre of fenced yard and perfect So. CA coastal weather so I do think she is happier chasing the birds and running around the yard than she would be in a crate or a room inside.  She definitely sleeps inside -- generally on the floor near our bed.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree with you Teri.

[Suzanne & Jack]

Well said

 

[Camilla and Darwin]

Well reasoned Teri.

[Jen Fischer]

I agree, Teri. I'm sure he's a happier fellow in his playspace outside than cooped up in a crate. You have puppyproofed and he appears safe. My puppy Axel spends a lot of time outside in our fenced yard with our two other dogs. They dig in their digging area, chase squirrels, roll in the grass, nap on the screen porch and joyfully romp together. I am home during the day, so they are in and out, but if they could speak they would wholeheartedly tell you how much they LOVE being outside. And Axel doesn't need his playmates to be happy outdoors ... he is never alone with the birds, squirrels, and exciting sights, smells and sounds.

I would definitely keep him in at night and when you are home, so he has as much time with you as possible. Maybe you could ask a trusted friend or a neighbor to check in on him during the day just to confirm he's okay.

Right now Axel is collapsed at my feet after 2 hours outside. LOOK AT THOSE DIRTY PAWS.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Teri, it sounds like you have a well thought out plan and I wish you and Hank lots of happiness together. It's obvious you love him. Please keep us posted and share lots of pictures. We're all learning and sharing here. It's nice to have you aboard.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Teri, you are definitely doing what is best for you and Hank and that is what it is all about.  The love and care you give him is all that counts.  Everyone and every Doodle is different and we all have to do what we feel most comfortable for our situation.  Having a Doodle is a lot of work but the rewards of their love is worth every minute of having them in the family.  Enjoy your Hank:)