[vainchick5]

Originally Posted by centralnewyorki

This is all my opinion and I hope no one takes this post too personally or become offended by it:

IMO, I think that all dogs (and cats for that matter) belong in the house other than play times, walks, and potty. I've had larger dogs my whole life- mixed breeds, mainly 70 lbs. and over. We've had some damage (major at times), hair all over, etc. Dogs are social creatures and, IMO, need as much interaction with people as possible. I'm not picking on anyone that has posted here (although I know someone mentioned it) because I always hear this, but I don't understand leaving a dog outside because of allergies, either. I think that should be considered beforehand. I applaud Chicago for their law that all dogs have to sleep inside at night. Animals can be very vulnerable, and can be attacked- by animal or human- off guard when they're sleeping. My cousin and her husband have a 200 lb, not yet fully-grown, English Mastiff. His size can be overwhelming, but they took that into consideration when decorating their house and buying furniture. IMO, I think people should consider if the animal's grown size and energy level is going to be manageable as a house pet when they buy a dog. My yorkie has the same feelings as a dog 10 or 20 times her size, and I can't stand the thought of her wishing to be with me and not.

Now, I will say that some dogs prefer to be outside (I say this after reading other members' posts saying such, I can't say this from personal experience) and, if this is the case, these dogs should be outside- whatever makes the dog most happy. But, I don't think that a dog that is given no choice other than being outside will ever necessarily choose to be outside, more than likely he or she will just get used to it and accept it.

I'm with Megan. I don't understand the point of having a dog if it's just going to be outside all the time. As she and Kelly mentioned, I feel much safer with my guard dog sleeping on the bed next to me as opposed to sitting in the back yard, unable to protect me. I know that this is something others disagree with, and that's fine.

This is all just my opinion- not meant to offend anyone.

I totally agree. I think sometimes we can tell ourselves that they LOVE the outside but I think sometimes we don't want to feel guilty for leaving them out there so we think they prefer it. Which dog would prefer to sit alone outside when they could sit in the warm indoors with their favorite people? I think if you get a dog that's outside most of the time, whats the point, even if you do have playtime when you go outside? They need human interaction, even if it's just following you around or sitting with you on the couch, like our furbabies do. That's why I would never get a big dog. I'm not comfortable leaving them outside and I wouldn't want a huge dog inside my house. So yorkies are perfect for me.