Outside Puppy

[ellz]

I could easily ring the first BYB in the trading post, buy a SBT and throw him in the backyard. Instead, i'm gathering books, reading articles, asking plenty of questions, and most importantly discussing with the family. Surely this counts for something?

And the sad fact is that you'll get what you pay for. A bargain-basement priced dog with bargain-basement type rearing and husbandry and more problems than you could ever have imagined.

By listening to what reputable and responsible breeders are saying, you would be more able to acquire a quality bred dog and LIFETIME backup, 24/7 for you and your dog (and beyond sometimes). The transaction doesn't just end when the money is handed over.

There probably are breeds out there that would suit your circumstances. In fact, of my current doggy family, my greyhound would more than likely fit right into what you require of him. But you won't know that if you purchase a puppy and you certainly won't get it from any of the Staffords that I have owned or bred. Simply, because I wouldn't place one in your environment.

[brigie bear]

sluggo - could you not just compromise? maybe give yourself a little more time to wrap your head around having a dog inside - do more research etc and learn a great deal more about the right dog for your family... then maybe say that the dog can be kept outdoors where it will have sufficient housing while you are all out of the house at work/school etc then let the dog inside when u are home? it could possible sleep in the laundry even? that way you, your family AND your dog get the best of all worlds? whilst the family is watching a movie on the couch, the dog can be a part of that and sleep in its own bed next to the couch. even that much interaction - even just BEING with their family is enough to satisfy the dog. he/she wont be destroying your house, putting mud and fur everywhere etc. you can train it to just be there with you. play time can be outdoors and he/she can be an absolute model citizen indoors. what do you think?

[Sandra777]

I could easily ring the first BYB in the trading post, buy a SBT and throw him in the backyard. Instead, i'm gathering books, reading articles, asking plenty of questions, and most importantly discussing with the family. Surely this counts for something?

Yes you could do this, but by coming on here and asking for advice you are obviously wanting what is best for your family and the dog. And the best thing for both is not to buy a SBT as an outside dog. This is the only advice most people have given you (others have responded to other people's posts).

So - move along. You should not buy a Stafford as an outside dog so you have two choices. Think about other breeds or reconsider the outside dog idea.

Other breeds suggested are a Whippet, which is even less an outside dog than a Stafford so not sure where that's going :D

What other breeds interest you?

[poodlefan]

Other breeds suggested are a Whippet, which is even less an outside dog than a Stafford so not sure where that's going :D

Inside I think.. Sluggo only mused about a Whippet as an inside dog..

[Sandra777]

Other breeds suggested are a Whippet, which is even less an outside dog than a Stafford so not sure where that's going :D

Inside I think.. Sluggo only mused about a Whippet as an inside dog..

Yes PF - but if they're not going to move on the outside dog thing they need to consider other breeds.

If they are going to move on the outside dog thing then they don't really have to consider other breeds - SBT or Whippet seem good choices to follow up as inside pets for a family.

[sluggo]

Good. Starting with kids who don't shriek in fear at the sight of a dog or puppy is a definite bonus. I think provided you can tolerate the odd accident that's an almost inevitable part of early toilet training and adopting a crate as your pup/dog's resting place inside, you may be pleasantly surprised how little dirt dogs track in. Personally I don't see an issue with limiting the dog's access to the house to a limited area or even to outside when you aren't home provided you can provide a warm place for it to sleep.

Staffords and Whippets are both close coated dogs. Personally I think a Stafford might make a more robust family pet but PPS has both breeds and a young child so she'd be worth asking about that.

The important thing with any dog is that it will grow into a reflection of the time and effort you put into raising (a lot like kids really). A dog that's not socialised well, not given basic manners like being taught not to pull on the lead, jump up or mouth, or that's desperate for attention is a dog that gets locked up when visitors come because it has no self control. Your observation that your kids handle well behaved ones is a good one - most people, regardless of age enjoy the company of well behaved dogs. Such dogs are more welcome in almost any place.

I hope you aren't too deterred by the responses to your questions. Whoever said DOLers were passionate about dogs was dead on. Most DOLers see the questions through the perspective of what's best for the dog, not the owner.

I've only had the experience of two Whippets and children but they do make an awesome family pet. I've not had any issue with bite inhibition with the Whippets and as crazy as they are doing their zoomies and the like, they are very careful around my child.

The Whippets have another tick in the box when it comes to indoors, as they do like to curl up and sleep a lot, where as the SBT pups are more full on.

I highly recommend the Whippet when it comes to a family pet, providing they are sleeping indoors and again have access to the family when the family is home. My Whippet happily spends her time outside during the day, she will knock on the door when she gets cold and wants to come back in.

Sluggo, I thought the above two responses were very good and hopefully helpful to you :D

They certainly were. I appreciate people taking the time to respond with constructive comments. Cheers!

[Dog_Horse_Girl]

How do people handle the problem of dogs bringing in dirt from the yard? Do you wipe their feet clean before they step inside or is there doggy footprints all over the carpets?

I guess this problem would be compounded with a doggy door, as you can't always stop them before they run in.

Don't have any exposed dirt...that's one solution.

Have towels at the door for the purpose of wiping the dog's paws...that's MY solution.

Not worrying about the dirt and just keeping the house clean...that's MY solution.

Having no carpets...that's MY solution.

In a house with carpets...buy a carpet shampooer and use it...that's MY solution.

I've read the first 107 posts before replying. But I have to say that to set out to purchase a dog, ANY dog, with the sole intention of having it so your kids grow up with a dog, and yet leaving said dog outside for the bulk of its existence, is just wrong. Dogs are pack animals, dogs are social animals, dogs do not do well without company. Hence the term "companion" which fits a large majority of dog breeds which are popular today.

If you plan to get a SBT and you plan to get one from a registered breeder, please also be prepared to explain exactly why this breed is so suited to your intentions because any decent breeder will more than likely refuse to sell you one of their dogs. As someone else said, if you don't plan to go to a registered breeder but someone advertising in the Trading Post etc, then they sure as hell won't care WHAT you do with the dog, because their motivation is money, not the welfare of the breed.

I've got three dogs. They're all rescues, they're all short coated, and they're all 99% indoor dogs. Why bother having a dog if it will spend its life outside when we all know that most families don't live outside with the dog but inside where it's comfortable?

If you are so insistent on having an outdoor dog, then you must research other breeds. A SBT will not thrive outdoors and as others have said, the pounds are full of SBTs that have been left to languish in the yard. Their boredom and distress at being separated from their pack leads them to do some things which we generally don't like: digging, chewing, destroying fences, pulling washing off the line, escaping, roaming the streets unaccompanied and at risk of being run over, attacked by other dogs, or being picked up by some unscrupulous person for who-knows-what purpose?

Even if you choose another breed, IMO to have a dog purely as an outside animal is not acceptable in this day and age. We have come a long way (haven't we?) since the times when all dogs were "outside only" and surely that's a good thing.

[sluggo]

I could easily ring the first BYB in the trading post, buy a SBT and throw him in the backyard. Instead, i'm gathering books, reading articles, asking plenty of questions, and most importantly discussing with the family. Surely this counts for something?

And the sad fact is that you'll get what you pay for. A bargain-basement priced dog with bargain-basement type rearing and husbandry and more problems than you could ever have imagined.

By listening to what reputable and responsible breeders are saying, you would be more able to acquire a quality bred dog and LIFETIME backup, 24/7 for you and your dog (and beyond sometimes). The transaction doesn't just end when the money is handed over.

There probably are breeds out there that would suit your circumstances. In fact, of my current doggy family, my greyhound would more than likely fit right into what you require of him. But you won't know that if you purchase a puppy and you certainly won't get it from any of the Staffords that I have owned or bred. Simply, because I wouldn't place one in your environment.

As a child we had had a greyhound x, he was a brilliant dog!

[Dog_Horse_Girl]

Does your back door (or whichever door leads the backyard) go onto tiles or carpet into the house?

There is timber decking outside the door which leads straight onto 'brand new' carpet.

So when did you decide to get the dog: before or after you decided to get 'brand new' carpet?

Talk about priorities! :D

[poodlefan]

If they are going to move on the outside dog thing then they don't really have to consider other breeds - SBT or Whippet seem good choices to follow up as inside pets for a family.

I agree.

IF a shedding dog is a problem allergy wise and IF Sluggo could handle an inside dog I would recommend the Miniature Poodle provided it was regulary groomed. Even my tough country boy dog chiro reckons he'd rate them as a great family dog now he's met a few. Treat them like dogs, not Barbie dolls and you get a versatile family pet.

And Sluggo would be able to walk an acknowledged chick magnet. :D

[sluggo]

sluggo - could you not just compromise? maybe give yourself a little more time to wrap your head around having a dog inside - do more research etc and learn a great deal more about the right dog for your family... then maybe say that the dog can be kept outdoors where it will have sufficient housing while you are all out of the house at work/school etc then let the dog inside when u are home? it could possible sleep in the laundry even? that way you, your family AND your dog get the best of all worlds? whilst the family is watching a movie on the couch, the dog can be a part of that and sleep in its own bed next to the couch. even that much interaction - even just BEING with their family is enough to satisfy the dog. he/she wont be destroying your house, putting mud and fur everywhere etc. you can train it to just be there with you. play time can be outdoors and he/she can be an absolute model citizen indoors. what do you think?

That could be a possibility, we have been discussing this precise setup over the last few days.

There is an upcoming local doggy day out which we will be attending for a chance to meet many different breeds.

[Guest Tess32]

Have you ever had a dog inside at all? I found when I was talking to a newbie dog owner I worked with about it, she had it in her mind that the dog was always active, running around inside etc and so she needed lots of room.

Dogs who are inside end up calm about being so and about seeing the family, and end up sitting down asleep somewhere. You don't need much room at all - I have three collies inside a smallish house and it does not feel cramped.

Certain breeds have less doggy smell than others. I live next door to a total anal clean freak who wears GLOVES to touch her daughter's dog, and even she can't smell dog in here.

[ellz]

I could easily ring the first BYB in the trading post, buy a SBT and throw him in the backyard. Instead, i'm gathering books, reading articles, asking plenty of questions, and most importantly discussing with the family. Surely this counts for something?

And the sad fact is that you'll get what you pay for. A bargain-basement priced dog with bargain-basement type rearing and husbandry and more problems than you could ever have imagined.

By listening to what reputable and responsible breeders are saying, you would be more able to acquire a quality bred dog and LIFETIME backup, 24/7 for you and your dog (and beyond sometimes). The transaction doesn't just end when the money is handed over.

There probably are breeds out there that would suit your circumstances. In fact, of my current doggy family, my greyhound would more than likely fit right into what you require of him. But you won't know that if you purchase a puppy and you certainly won't get it from any of the Staffords that I have owned or bred. Simply, because I wouldn't place one in your environment.

As a child we had had a greyhound x, he was a brilliant dog!

OK, so why don't you look into a GAP greyhound? There would still be the issue of needing to have access to warm housing, and the greyhound does enjoy people company as well, but they are essentially a clean, unassuming, VERY people-friendly dog that might suit a semi indoors/outdoors existence.

My greyhound prefers to sleep outdoors, even in our sub-zero temperatures....but I also make sure he is "dressed" for the temperatures in his pyjamas. He is also fed extra to ensure he has the caloric intake to keep him warm and if it is VERY VERY cold, I'm a nasty, mean "mummy" and insist that he sleeps inside no matter what his objections may be!

[Dog_Horse_Girl]

When I'm at home, my dogs are usually curled up asleep. I've generally got Molly (chi x) on my lap, Ruby (stafford x) on her floor blankie and Lilly (greyhound) on the sofa. When I'm out, I reckon they do the same except Molly is on her bed in her room! Yes the dogs have their own room where we keep their beds, toys, grooming supplies etc and where they are supposed to sleep at night (except Molly who has always been in our room).

It sounds as if you can't really decide whether a dog is a good choice for your family. You seem overly concerned with dirt, hair, smell, etc. I think most mammals would be out of the equation in that case. Perhaps a dog is just the wrong choice for your family at this time? Why not consider a different species, and while I don't like caged birds perhaps a bird would be a good choice for now? You could try a budgie - we bred budgies when I was a kid and they're fabulous pets. They can be taught all sorts of tricks and they can learn to speak! You can leave them outside in good weather but our caged birds came in at night. We obviously didn't relocate the aviary birds of a night time but we had a solid door to their aviary which kept the worst of the weather out (it was our old outdoor dunny building that my dad converted to an aviary).

I can only wish you and your future companion good luck! :D

[Diva]

I have no problems with dogs being kept outside, but lots of concerns with a dog being alone for long periods. The main reason mine sleep inside is so we can spend time in each others company, time just hanging out beyond the walking and training sessions. If I was at home all day to spend time with them I'd probably have them sleep outside - yes even in a cold winter, but they are a breed bred for such conditions (and have each other for company).

I appreciate the time you are putting in to do the research Sluggo. Many people get a dog not realising they are essentially a pack animal that needs company, interaction and stimulation, not just exercise. It is very important to get the right breed and individual for your lifestyle, but inevitably you'll also have to make some adjustments to ensure success. Most of our lifestyles today don't enable us to just 'add a dog' without a bit of effort to make it work. Good luck.

Edited July 10, 2009 by Diva

[OSoSwift]

I have a Stafford and a Whippet.

The Stafford as a puppy slept inside at night and was out in an area of the yard he could excavate and not cause any problems. As he grew older he prefers to be out side. He also sleeps outside - although arrangements have recently changed a little as he has spinal problems. His outside is a dog run with a brick house bit, crate inside it with a cover, a matress, polar fleece blankets and when it was very cold a double polar fleece coat and a waterproofed lined coat. He now sleeps in the passage with access to outside on a heated dog bed with his coats on.

Do I have the only Stafford that prefers to be outside? Having said that we spend lots of time outside - I don't work and the kids are out rain hail or shine, and I also live on acerage so plenty of exercise.

The Whippet spends lots of her time inside and is basically with us. I found her to be one of the quietest easiest to get along with puppies i have ever had (My other two dogs were Dobes, they can be a bit full on) She has been taught froma young age to lay in her bed, only gets on the lounge when invited and does not run around the house. Zoomies are for outside.

She also goes into a dog run at times, usually when I am out, and also to eat her bones as it is the only place she can relax enough to do so. She sleeps in a crate at night outside the bedroom door. I have found Whippets shed very little and if she is throwing a little coat I attack her with a Zoom Groom and that takes care of most of it. I never notice her hair on the tiles. She waits on the mat infront of the door and has her paws wiped before trotting to her bed.

My OH was brought up that dogs do not come inside at all, I wasn't. Even he is happy having the Whippet inside as she is so quiet that I sometimes forget she is there. The Stafford now also has an inside bed and comes inside especially if it is cold, he is more content now than he was when younger, half an hour was his max before becoming annoying. He also stays on his bed and doesn't hhon around the house. - now just to train the kids not to do zoomies flat out around the kitchen table!

Any dog or breed of Dog needs quality time spent with them. Some people have a dog in the back yard spend maybe an hour with it at most and wonder why it is miserable. Some dogs can be "inside" but segregated to one area that the family are not in often and that isn't quality time either.

Good one you for researching. I have my dogs inside with me and love it. There are strict rules of what is and is not allowed, and we are all happy working within those. Nothing better than sitiing on the lounge with a cuppa and a Whippet on a cold day. I also have an almost 2 and almost 4 year old, we got the Whippet puppy when the youngest was 5 months. She has been inside since day dot, I had a puppy pen set up so she could go in that when I couldn't watch her. She is fantastic with everyone and is great with the kids.

When it is hot all doggies and people are under the aircon as it is just too hot outside.

[aspenleaf]

Eeeeek....you have three children under five and want to add a puppy to the mix? I take my hat off to you. That's alot of work.

[Tilly]

My dogs have always preferred being outside.

The main reason is because inside they have to be controlled (no running around crazy) where as outside they can go nuts ... they definately prefer the freedom of outside.

Even if we do bring them inside - they tend to sit at the back door patiently waiting to be let out.

Even the pup runs to the back door in the morning ... he had all his fun outside so he enjoys going outside.

[Ben62w]

I havnt followed this post much as its gone off like a rocket.

Back in NZ we have got a boarder collie called dusty. We got him when i was 5 and hes still going strong today (hes 14) I grew up on a farm and hes still there so we used him sometimes (Not often at all as we only have 20sheep) for a sheep dog. Hes always slept outside. Hed get nervous if we called him inside!!! He has a doghouse that dad built which is about 30mtrs from the house. And a big bed under cover on our deck. He would have to be the happiest dog ive ever met. Hes got a great nature and has never ever seemed to be unhappy. We would occasionally let him sleep inside (for those of you who know... Wellington can be VERY cold and stormy) So on nights like that hed sleep inside but most of the time he prefered his kennel or bed.

I think if you go about it the right way dogs love to live outside. It may be different if you have a small back yard as opposed to 25achers to roam. Just get a boarder collie great dogs!

[kyliegirl]

I havnt followed this post much as its gone off like a rocket.

Back in NZ we have got a boarder collie called dusty. We got him when i was 5 and hes still going strong today (hes 14) I grew up on a farm and hes still there so we used him sometimes (Not often at all as we only have 20sheep) for a sheep dog. Hes always slept outside. Hed get nervous if we called him inside!!! He has a doghouse that dad built which is about 30mtrs from the house. And a big bed under cover on our deck. He would have to be the happiest dog ive ever met. Hes got a great nature and has never ever seemed to be unhappy. We would occasionally let him sleep inside (for those of you who know... Wellington can be VERY cold and stormy) So on nights like that hed sleep inside but most of the time he prefered his kennel or bed.

I think if you go about it the right way dogs love to live outside. It may be different if you have a small back yard as opposed to 25achers to roam. Just get a boarder collie great dogs!

border collies are different in temperament and personality to a staffordshire terrier. Collies were typically bred to work outside on farms and be an outside dog...staffords were not..