Don't Want to Start a Controversy, but I'm PUZZLED

[shecass]

Originally Posted by StewiesMom

Why is it that so many people will feed their large dogs crappy food or store brand food while they feed their Yorkies or other toy breeds premium foods? Are large dogs not as special or beautiful?

and why can large dogs be in the yard alone while Yorkies can't?
why is it OK to leave your Great Pyrenees in the car while you run in for coffee, but if you did it to a Yorkie, you would be castrated? The same goes for Yorkie vs. Spaniel or Yorkie vs. whatever other medium breed. Why do people love their Yorkies more?

I don't understand the Large breed/small breed distinction at all. I had a Lab that I loved DEARLY. More than anything. I would never treat Stewie any differently or "better" because he is smaller or "cuter".

I feed my chocolate lab Ol Roy Premium dog food. We have friends that work for a major dog food company one of the premium dog foods. I will not name any names as not to get anyone into trouble. We were told by our friend. That the Ol Roy Premium dog food is the same as this well know premium food just packaged by Wal Mart exact same ingredients. So this is what I have been feeding my lab for years. She has a gorgeous coat and have never had any problmes with her.

I'm not posting this to make anyone mad. So please don't take it the wrong way. This is just what we were told.

[shecass]

Originally Posted by MeganS

I COULDN'T AGREE MORE!! the ONLY time my lab, rusty, is outside is to go potty or when we're taking him for a walk/playing. i think it is cruel to keep a dog out side 24/7. rusty is just as much my baby as tucker. i couldn't imagine not letting him inside! what i don't get is, if you're not going to get a dog to love and cuddle, why get one at all? for guarding reasons? get a security system for pete's sake!

I guess on this one we will have to agree to disagree. I have a chocolate lab and she stays outside exclusively because myself & my son have asthma and allergies. It's not worth the risk having to rush him to the hospital because of dog hair. I love my lab as much as my yorkie she gets treats all the time and gets her fair share of belly rubs we have almost an acre fence in completely with a well insulated dog house, 2 5 gal waters full of water all the time and she gets fed twice a day. There are plenty of trees for her to lay under and we have a concrete patio and porch so she has plenty of areas to get cool. If it does get supper hot or cold I do bring her in. I don't see anything wrong with this. I love her dearly but, I am not going to let her live inside and possibly have to make a trip to the emergency room with my son. She is not neglected. Someone is outside with her several times a day.

I'm not posting this to make anyone mad. But, not everyone can have big dogs especially ones that shed inside. I would rather have it this way than to give her up.

Sheila

[JCarlson2004]

I have read this entire thread and I understand how everyone feels. I personally don't believe in leaving a dog outside all the time -- regardless of the size. When I lived at home, my parents had a male German Shepherd named Blacky. He was the heart of our family. My parents feed him premium food, gave him monthly heart worm pills and took him to a groomer to have a bath and his nails trimmed every 6 weeks like clock work. My parents spent $3,000 on Blacky when he needed 2 tumors in his stomach removed. He was pampered and spoiled and loved until the end when my parents had to put him to sleep because of old age (15) and cancer. Blacky was allowed in the front yard during the day. There was a HUGE padlock on our gate so my parents were never afraid of Blacky getting out or being stolen. My mom had a big doggie door so that Blacky could come and go in and out of the house as he pleased. They also bought a baby pool and a sand box for him to play in. And my parents to this day mourn his loss and they still keep framed pictures of him around the house. He was my dad's best friend and he saved my mom's life from a fire in her laundry room. They both always get misty eyed whenever we talk about him. I have so many pictures of me and my sister as little babies kissing him and laying next to him. He was a gentle giant, a beautiful family member.

[shecass]

Originally Posted by JCarlson2004

I have read this entire thread and I understand how everyone feels. I personally don't believe in leaving a dog outside all the time -- regardless of the size. When I lived at home, my parents had a male German Shepherd named Blacky. He was the heart of our family. My parents feed him premium food, gave him monthly heart worm pills and took him to a groomer to have a bath and his nails trimmed every 6 weeks like clock work. My parents spent $3,000 on Blacky when he needed 2 tumors in his stomach removed. He was pampered and spoiled and loved until the end when my parents had to put him to sleep because of old age (15) and cancer. Blacky was allowed in the front yard during the day. There was a HUGE padlock on our gate so my parents were never afraid of Blacky getting out or being stolen. My mom had a big doggie door so that Blacky could come and go in and out of the house as he pleased. They also bought a baby pool and a sand box for him to play in. And my parents to this day mourn his loss and they still keep framed pictures of him around the house. He was my dad's best friend and he saved my mom's life from a fire in her laundry room. They both always get misty eyed whenever we talk about him. I have so many pictures of me and my sister as little babies kissing him and laying next to him. He was a gentle giant, a beautiful family member.

My outside dog gets everything that my inside ones do just not the luxury of being inside all the time. I do not skimp on heartworm preventive or flea control. The only luxury that she dosen't have is being inside all the time. I personally see nothing wrong with this. Now if you have a dog outside that is being mistreated not having a dog house adequate food or water and tied up all the time. That is totally different.

[JCarlson2004]

Originally Posted by shecass

My outside dog gets everything that my inside ones do just not the luxury of being inside all the time. I do not skimp on heartworm preventive or flea control. The only luxury that she dosen't have is being inside all the time. I personally see nothing wrong with this. Now if you have a dog outside that is being mistreated not having a dog house adequate food or water and tied up all the time. That is totally different.

Your dog does sound very loved. I just personally don't think a dog should primarily live outside. But then again, I live in Brooklyn (NY) so there is really (imo) no way a dog could happily live outside. We don't have large grassy lawns or things like that. We have cement.

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

I would never "judge" anyone for feeling that an "outdoor life" is okay for their big dog because they have to make that decision. Our rotties when we owned them only came in for about an hour each evening unless the weather was bad. Frankly they loved it outside and they had posh quarters with lots of room to run and play, really nice dog houses and a fabulous view of the entire neighborhood so they could watch what was going on all around us.

When the thread about the breeding kennel, Puppy Haven, was posted and I defended that breeder's accomodations for his dogs because they contained large indoor kennels with a very large outside run for each kennel, almost everyone was appalled that I would think it was possibly okay for a dog to live like that, "outside all the time", but I do think there are a lot of people in this country who have strictly "outside dogs" and I was just making the argument that, if they are well provided for, as Suecass does for hers, I think it can work and not be abusive. JMHO

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

Kristy~

I am curious about the law in Chicago that says dogs cannot be kept outside. Have you read it or just heard about it? Is it possible to find it and post the link so zi can read what it says. I have never heard of a law like that and maybe it is because of the extreme weather or maybe it is just the urban city area for noise control or whatever.

[shecass]

Originally Posted by JCarlson2004

Your dog does sound very loved. I just personally don't think a dog should primarily live outside. But then again, I live in Brooklyn (NY) so there is really (imo) no way a dog could happily live outside. We don't have large grassy lawns or things like that. We have cement.

I most definatley see your point. My dog dosen't like to come inside. The only time she does is over the 4th of July or New Years Eve she hates fireworks. So of course we do let her in in circumstances like that.

[shecass]

Originally Posted by SoCalyorkiLvr

I would never "judge" anyone for feeling that an "outdoor life" is okay for their big dog because they have to make that decision. Our rotties when we owned them only came in for about an hour each evening unless the weather was bad. Frankly they loved it outside and they had posh quarters with lots of room to run and play, really nice dog houses and a fabulous view of the entire neighborhood so they could watch what was going on all around us.

When the thread about the breeding kennel, Puppy Haven, was posted and I defended that breeder's accomodations for his dogs because they contained large indoor kennels with a very large outside run for each kennel, almost everyone was appalled that I would think it was possibly okay for a dog to live like that, "outside all the time", but I do think there are a lot of people in this country who have strictly "outside dogs" and I was just making the argument that, if they are well provided for, as Suecass does for hers, I think it can work and not be abusive. JMHO

I am one of those that has an outside dog all the time. But, she has it made there is no way I would leave her outside if she did not have the right accomodations. She has a huge insulated dog house and 2- 5 gallon waters with water in them all the time. She is feed twice a day. Someone is out there several times a day. She likes it better outside. So I can't see making her & us miserable. Plus my son has asthma and this is a Chocolate Lab we are talking about. So I must put his safety first in this situation.

[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.

[JCarlson2004]

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.

Very nicely said. I don't think anyone should be offended. You were polite and to the point.

[red98vett]

I have never had a big dog but I agree with what you just said Centralnewyorki...IF the dog prefers it outside ...great - Shecass & others ....your dogs have their own HOUSE - I can agree with THAT ....but if it's only due to size or convienence that someone keeps them out & they have no shelter or house - I think that's wrong.

I think the Chigago Law is great because it DOES protect the larger breeds and I know there are many many people who do keep outside dogs and never pay attention to them - Not saying that's the case here - because what I just read of large dog owners it sounds like they were all well cared for - but I've had neighbors who didn't care and they had the most miserable dog chained to a tree 24/7 ...their excuse was no one but the Man in the family could handle him - but really - he was super confined and lonely & not useed to ANY people ...it was no wonder he was as mean as he was. This was long ago and if I could do it over - I'd have reported them in a hearbeat

[shecass]

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.

No one on here as ever offended me. Every one has different opinions and feels strongly about them. I hope that I have never offended anyone if I have I'm sorry that is definately not my intention.

[lily]

Well had big dogs and they didn't like being the house. Most big dogs need more space to run than little ones do! My big get the same as my little one do! I would never leave any size dog in the car when it it's hot or cold! lily

[shecass]

Originally Posted by lily

Well had big dogs and they didn't like being the house. Most big dogs need more space to run than little ones do! My big get the same as my little one do! I would never leave any size dog in the car when it it's hot or cold! lily

I agree with you completely. I did the same as you with my big dog.