Introduction
There are approximately 76 million pet dogs in the United States, with around 48 million households owning at least one dog (https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics). While most dog owners treat their pets as beloved family members, unfortunately some people get dogs only to leave them outside 24/7. There are a few main reasons that people acquire dogs but fail to properly care for them.
Desire for Protection
Many people keep dogs outside because they believe it provides better property protection. Dogs have strong territorial instincts and will bark to alert owners of any intruders on the premises (source). Outdoor dogs with full access to the yard have better vantage points to spot potential threats. Some owners think keeping guard dogs outside demonstrates an added security presence to deter criminals (source). Outdoor kennels allow dogs more freedom to patrol at night when break-ins are more likely to occur (source). While outdoor dogs can offer a sense of protection, owners need proper training and socialization to avoid potential aggression issues.
Lack of Space
Many dog owners choose to keep their pets outside due to a lack of adequate indoor space. According to the USDA minimum space requirements, the typical 40-50 lb dog needs at least 35 sq ft of indoor area (Minimum Space Requirements for Dogs). For a medium to large breed like a Labrador Retriever, the recommended indoor space is even larger at around 100-150 sq ft (What is an ideal size of your house if you have a pet dog …).
Many suburban and urban homes simply do not have enough square footage to adequately house a large dog. Apartments and condos offer even less space. As a result, many owners feel they have no choice but to keep their dogs outside where there is ample room to move around. This trend tends to disproportionately impact renters and those in dense, expensive housing markets where indoor space is limited.
Minimal Care Mindset
Many people get a dog with the idea that they require minimal care and maintenance. This leads some owners to leave their dogs outside, thinking they only need basic food, water and shelter to survive. However, dogs are social animals that crave companionship and activity. Leaving a dog isolated in the yard can lead to boredom, anxiety and problem behaviors like excessive barking or digging. According to the ASPCA, dogs left alone outside for long periods every day “are deprived of positive human interaction and forced to endure weather, parasites, and even harassment from wildlife or cruel people” (source). When getting a dog, owners need to be prepared to provide daily walks, playtime, training, grooming and affection. Dogs kept primarily outside miss out on important socialization and enrichment. With proper commitment and care, dogs can thrive as indoor pets and beloved family members.
Lack of Training
One of the most important reasons dogs end up isolated outside is simply a lack of proper training. Many owners don’t take the time to properly train dogs on good indoor household behavior. Unlike outdoor dogs with free roaming space, indoor dogs need to learn rules and routines to successfully cohabitate inside with people. Owners often mistakenly believe that dogs naturally know how to behave appropriately indoors, when in fact indoor manners must be patiently taught.
According to Spectrum Canine, in-home training is ideal for establishing indoor rules and etiquette. When training occurs in the home itself, dogs can directly associate the lessons with the environment. This helps reinforce that certain behaviors are expected in the home setting. Conversely, outdoor-only training or boarding facilities fail to forge this vital association.
Additionally, many owners struggle to continue training once puppies grow into adult dogs. However, dog training is an ongoing process. As the Beau’s K9 Academy points out, adult dogs still require training foundations like obedience, manners, and impulse control. Skipping ongoing training often leads to problematic behaviors like chewing, barking, or house soiling. The resulting frustration causes owners to isolate dogs outside rather than committing to lifelong training.
Lifestyle Factors
Some owners make the choice to keep their dogs outside because their lifestyle is not conducive to properly caring for an indoor dog. People’s lifestyle choices, including things like their work schedule, can impact their ability to properly care for a dog.
For example, some owners work long hours away from home and may feel they don’t have the time or energy when home to walk a dog or let them out regularly [1]. Working 10+ hours each day means the dog would be left alone for extended periods, which could lead to boredom or destructive behaviors if kept indoors. Owners in this situation may opt to keep the dog outside for convenience.
While an outdoor lifestyle may seem easier, dogs are pack animals that crave companionship and thrive when they can be with their family [2]. Leaving dogs isolated and alone most of the time can negatively impact their physical and psychological health. Owners should carefully consider their schedule and lifestyle before getting a dog to ensure they can provide proper care and attention.
Lack of Commitment
Many people underestimate the long term commitment and responsibility required to properly care for a dog. When getting a new puppy, the novelty and excitement can overshadow the reality that caring for a dog is a 10-15 year commitment on average [1]. The puppy stage only lasts a few months, and dogs require substantial time, effort, and funds for their care over their entire lifespan. However, some people fail to consider the long-term commitment and only focus on the short-term enjoyment of having a cute puppy. Without properly thinking through the long-term responsibilities, some people end up relegating their dogs to life outside once the puppy stage is over and the full reality of ownership sets in.
Dogs are social animals that require daily human interaction, exercise, training, grooming, veterinary care, and supervision. Leaving a dog isolated outside fails to meet their social and care needs. People should carefully consider if they are ready for at least a decade-long commitment to provide substantial time, effort and funds before getting a dog. Without full commitment, dogs may end up spending significant time alone outdoors rather than receiving the proper level of care, supervision and companionship.
Cultural Norms
Depending on the geographic region and cultural norms, keeping dogs outdoors may be more commonly accepted or expected. For example, in many rural areas and developing countries, outdoor dogs are the norm. They provide protection, require less maintenance, and their basic needs can often be met outdoors in those climates.
Cultural attitudes and experiences with dogs also shape expectations of their care and living conditions. Some cultures emphasize guarding and working roles of dogs over companionship, and as a result may be more inclined to keep them outside.
[1] https://www.purina.com/dogs/dog-breeds/collections/best-outdoor-dog-breeds
[2] https://wagwalking.com/breed/top-dog-breeds-to-keep-as-outdoor-dogs
Solutions
There are several ways people can properly care for outdoor dogs to ensure their health and happiness:
- Provide a well-insulated and weatherproof outdoor shelter for the dog to retreat to when needed (DodoWell, 2022). This gives them comfort and protection from the elements.
- Supply plentiful fresh water that is changed frequently to prevent freezing or overheating (SpotOnFence, 2023). Dehydration is a big risk for outdoor dogs.
- Give them access to shade, cooling surfaces, and breezy rest areas during warm weather (Pinterest, n.d.). Overheating is dangerous.
- Offer activities like swimming, fetch, and hide-and-seek for exercise and mental stimulation (SpotOnFence, 2023). Boredom and loneliness can be issues.
- Ensure they get plenty of affection, play, walks, and quality time with their owner. Outdoor dogs still need bonding and socialization.
- Take them on adventures like hiking, camping, or kayaking for variety and exploration (DodoWell, 2022). New experiences enrich their lives.
- Regularly check on their physical and emotional health. Look for signs of distress, injury or illness which require intervention.
With proper care tailored to their needs, outdoor dogs can still lead active, engaged, and fulfilled lives alongside their owners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are many factors that lead people to keep dogs primarily outdoors, this practice often stems from misconceptions about proper dog care and ownership. With education and commitment to meeting a dog’s physical and emotional needs, people can provide healthy, happy lives for their canine companions inside the home. Going forward, we must continue to spread awareness on humane treatment of dogs, emphasizing the rewarding companionship they offer when given love and proper care as family members. There are always alternatives to keeping dogs isolated outside. With an open and constructive approach, we can work to change perceptions while guiding owners toward more fulfilling relationships with their pets.