To live....inside or out...

[nbattad]

Hello all..... I was going to be taking home a 6 month old this week, but the deal fell through so... will need to wait till another chance comes along. I did want to get a concensus however. I know A LOT of people have theirn rotts as an inside dog, however 3 issues come up... 1. brand new house 2. In my opinion a rott is a big dog to have in the house 3. when growing up, we never had a dog indoors. Would an all outside rott be seen by all you rott lovers as cruel and unusual punishment??

Thanks...

Will be learning all I can on this site and by other means until my rottie comes along...

[Brooke&Ryan]

I would never have an outside dog. Julius lives inside with his family. Rottweilers like to be with their loved ones.

Julius does have a fenced in area that he plays in when we're home but is not outside when we're gone.

You can purchase a crate so that the dog is contained when you're not at home.


Brooke

[carolynnl4]

Originally Posted by nbattad

1. brand new house 2. In my opinion a rott is a big dog to have in the house 3. when growing up, we never had a dog indoors. Would an all outside rott be seen by all you rott lovers as cruel and unusual punishment??

1. That's great, congrats on the house! ...But. A house is a house, but quite frankly, it wouldn't be a home without a rottweiler. If you're worried about damage, get a crate. And believe me, I've heard of plenty of dog damage to the exterior of homes too.
2. It is a large dog, but I had Athena (80 lbs +) in my 600 sq ft apartment. She's a little rambunctious, but if you have/had kids, it's the same kind of kid or dog-proofing. I've had 2 rottweilers over, and play like crazy (lots of wrestling on and off the furniture!), and they didn't damage anything inside.
Rottweilers are also fairly clean animals. They shed quite a bit, but a good diet and regular grooming will help immensely. Plus, it's not like humans don't shed. (Says the girl with hair down her back.)
3. I don't see it as cruel or unusual as other things (i.e. chaining your dog to a tree), but you run a lot of risks. There's a lot of dog napping going on out there, and rottweilers are prime targets...puppies and adults. I met 2 different owners at my vet's office who sadly told me their stories.
In addition, rottweilers have very strong personalities, and it's difficult to be a good influence when you don't see your dog more than a few hours a day. If you live with your dog, you can correct problems the instant you see them. When they live outside, you may not observe the issue until it's much more difficult to correct. Same with medical issues - which I know from personal experience.

Hope that helps!

[mmgy]

Originally Posted by nbattad

Would an all outside rott be seen by all you rott lovers as cruel and unusual punishment??

Yeah, pretty much!

Unless you yourself are in your yard about 10 hours a day, your dog won't be happy outside 24/7.

You need to learn about crate training, and that will allay most of your issues. Search here in the behavior forum for lessons on that. These are social dogs that require interaction, and they won't get enough being outdoors all the time.

Now I'm one of the minority here that leaves dogs outside during the workday, and I know some of these folks would like to berate me for that. But with proper security, a dog can happily spend your workday hours in the sunshine.

[Squeaky2004]

Squeak is an indoor dog, due to our personal preference. I do not see anything wrong with an outside dog as long as there is a PROPER area for the dog to have shelter,and TONS of human interaction which includes many things that have been discussed on the forums here quite thoroughly. Rottweilers love to be with their people, they are a very sociable dog and like the contact. To me leaving my dog outside to live would not be an option and not even thought about. I would read on the forums here and then make a decision before you have your decision signed sealed and delivered.

[LikeToRun]

nbattad,

I believe that rotties are the type of dog that does best in a social environment. They will perform better, be healthier, bond better, and best of all, communicate better if they live with you and your family within your home.

Being worried about the state of your house is probably not an argument that will get you much sympathy. Dogs do tend to create some disorder, we all must accept a certain amount of that when we choose to open our lives to them...but a well trained and socialized dog that is exposed to the home through it's puppyhood/training period will tend to make a lot less mess and chew through a lot fewer walls than one brought in only once in a blue moon. If you aren't ready for hair everwhere, and the everyday mess a big animal in your home can create, you may not be ready for a rottie.

The big-dog in the house won't carry too much weight either, yes, he's a large animal, but still, he's generally smaller than an adult human, and we live in the house, don't we?

And as for how we grew up with our dogs outside, well, times and the understanding of our beloved rotties have changed. I'm assuming of course that you don't want a junkyard guard dog, and rather a real useful working dog and companion.

Some dogs can be outside dogs, pack dogs like huskies seem to do well in kennels, as do some of the hounds, but I think that most people will agree that a well kept Rottie is a house/family/social dog.

I wish you all the best in your search and eventual adoption of the perfect dog for you!

Cheers,

Trevor

[jbach]

Rottweilers have a strong desire to be with their human companions and will follow you from room to room all over the house. Both of my dogs are inside dogs as they are members of my family. I don't want my two best buds living in the backyard. They have two different personalities for inside and outside. They know all hell can break loose outside but are rather docile indoors. The times when we are not home they are safely crated. And they usually go in their crates on their own for some rest when we are home. You can certainly train your dog for desired behavior to live indoors. Keep a leash on him/her the first couple of weeks (or however long it takes) to enforce the no furniture/no chase the cat scenario.
Many of us are very passionate about our Rotts and where they live. I think you will be surprised at the amount of positive that could come from a Rottweiler in the house with you. Lots of patience and training with the new dog will get you everywhere. And there is no better ornament for the inside of your new house than a Rottweiler.

[nbattad]

Thanks all for your opinions.... growing up, I've had various types of dogs.. (i.e. malteese, chows, german sheperds, dobbie) It is possible (hopefully not) that a rott is not the breed for me. Possibly just not at this point... When at home, we do spend almost all our time out of the house (except sleeping) and am a teacher, so have a pretty short work day (considering what it could be with another profession).
Seriously, I would have thought that crate would be pretty cruel to be left in while not at home... no room to really move around..or anything... The reasons/intentions for wanting a rott were good ones... reading up about the breed.. loyal, good family dog, obedient (when properly trained and socialized) good guard dog...

[jbach]

Originally Posted by nbattad

It is possible (hopefully not) that a rott is not the breed for me. Possibly just not at this point...

Then I would strongly suggest you hold off on the Rottweiler until you can make a positive 12 year commitment.

[Lorrie]

Good Article ... compliments of the Michigan Humane Society

Outside Dogs

by Michigan Humane Society


Many potential adopters ask "Is this an 'Outside' dog?" Our answer is, "Not anymore." We attempt to place dogs with people who understand the need of a dog to be a part of the family. Even thousands of years ago when man and all animals lived "outside", there was a cave or den for shelter, and man and dogs lived in small groups or "packs". The truth is, times have changed but we and the dogs haven't. Both humans and dogs are "pack" animals, we do not tend to be solitary. Domesticated, companion dogs no longer have packs of other dogs to live with, so dogs now need to be members of human families or packs. Furthermore, both people and dogs are "den" animals. This is the reason that dogs can be housebroken. Dogs want shelter in a safe, secure den - your home - and they want their den to be clean.

Obviously dogs can be forced to live outside, alone and away from their families. But to force this kind of life on a dog is one of the worst things you can do to him. Such a life goes against a dog's two most basic instincts: the pack and the den. If you have any doubts about these ideas, think of all the whining, barking, clawing dogs you have seen tied up alone outside. Dogs trying desperately to get their human families' attention, and then just giving up to become hyperactive, listless, fearful, or vicious when the stress of enforced solitude becomes too much to cope with.

The rationale given by people who permanently keep their dogs outside is that they will spend time with the pet outside. Even the most well-meaning pet owner does not spend significant time outside, particularly when it is raining or cold. Consequently, under the best of circumstances for the outside dog, a bowl of food and water hastily shoved before him, a quick pat given, and his owner, his WORLD is gone, leaving the animal to spend another 22 or 23 hours alone.

A dog brings you the gifts of steadfast devotion, abiding love, and joyful companionship. Unless you can responsibly accept a dog's offer of these great gifts, please do not get a dog. If you already have a dog, perhaps this article will help you to see things from his point of view, and possibly motivate you to change your relationship with him. A sad, lonely, bewildered dog, kept outside, wondering why he cannot be with his family, brings only sadness and unhappiness to the world.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The Outside Dog"

by Brandy J. Oliver, MA


Many people ask me:
"How do I provide proper care for my outside dog?"
"When is it too cold for him to be outside?"
"How do I tell if he may have heat stroke in the dead of summer?
"How can I stop him from digging up my entire yard?"
"He barks non-stop sometimes.... what will make him shut-up?"
"He is covered with fleas even though I bathe him often, what am I supposed to do?"
"His coat is always dirty and he actually stinks! What can I do about this?"
Going back to the original question, "How do I provide care for my outside dog?" My very sincere answer is: Make him an inside dog, or better yet, an inside/outside dog. Dogs are "pack" animals. They are social by nature. Dogs are social animals. If the rest of the "pack" is outside, they will probably accompany you. If you are inside, they most likely will prefer to be with you inside as well. I have never met an "outside dog" that was living up to the best of his potential. Many are unhappy, neglected, poorly behaved, and downright dirty. If your dog has a clean place to spend his time (inside), he will stay clean.

"I don't want fleas in my house." Your dog doesn't want fleas either. Get rid of the fleas on your dog and in your yard, and this will no longer be a problem. Not to mention that you'll have a happier and healthier dog!

"I want my dog to guard the house and yard at night." If you want your dog to guard you at night, what better place to have him than in your bedroom! If you want your dog to have access to your yard, install a doggie door. I highly recommend doggie doors. Once you've lived with a doggie door, you will never want to do without one. And neither will your dog.

If at all possible, allow him to sleep in your bedroom. To your dog, this is your "den." Dogs and wolves in the wild all sleep together in the den. It bonds them together and lets every one of them know that they belong to the family. If you can't trust your dog not to be disruptive, then have him sleep in a dog crate, or block off an area so that he can see you but still be confined to a safe area. I have found that many obsessive behaviors disappear by themselves when dogs are allowed to sleep in the bedroom and feel like part of the family.

I live in a rural neighborhood where some dogs live on chains twenty-four hours a day. I have seen playful pups turn into aggressive dogs, I have heard (and helped) chained dogs barking because they couldn't reach their shade or water. I've helped dogs that I've heard crying because they've become "hung" on a fence with their chain. On one particular day, my neighbor's dog came over for a visit, but was not his happy usual self when he arrived. He had a worried look on his face; he paced and whined. I walked him home to make sure everything was all right. Upon reaching his house and his owner, his owner and I began a casual conversation. His owner casually mentioned that he just buried their new puppy in the backyard. The puppy had gotten tangled in her nylon tie-out and had strangled to death sometime that morning. Their other new puppy had witnessed the whole thing and, in fact was tangled but not strangled in the ordeal. Ironically, a week later they brought another puppy home and chained her as well.

I've talked with many people who state that their dog is "fine and well-adjusted on his chain." But, just what is their dog well-adjusted to... life on a chain? Dogs that become complacent on chains may be demonstrating what is known as "learned helplessness." Dogs that have realized that they are restricted to the length and entanglement of a chain usually become sedentary and listless while on their chain with intermittent bouts of barking out of frustration and boredom. Thus, these dogs pose little "problem" to their owners because they are "out of the way." Many times these dogs bark when their owners are not even home, so they are not even aware of a barking problem. However, in spite of the owner's claim that their dogs are well-adjusted, usually these same dogs are reported to be uncontrollable in normal family situations. Many of these dogs are too "hyper" to be brought indoors. Those that are brought inside may demonstrate aggression to other animals and even people that they are not familiar with. Others may be unruly and destructive, running circles around the house like the Tasmanian Devil! They may be viewed as "stupid" or "smart but stubborn" by their owners. Dogs that live on chains have a greater chance of becoming aggressive and unruly.

Chained dogs learn nothing except that they hate isolation and hate being restricted while the rest of the world (including other dogs, cats, and all animals and people) may come and go (on their territory) as they please.

Dogs are social animals. They choose to live in "packs" and rarely spend time alone. When dogs are chained, tethered, or tied-out they are essentially isolated from their "pack" (your family). I often wonder why a person chooses to have a dog when the dog lives his life isolated on the end of a chain. I've been told by some people that they want a "watchdog" so they chain their dog outside. What can a dog do to a would-be intruder while restricted to a chain? If you would like a family watchdog, a competent watchdog needs to be in the house (with you) or in a fenced yard. Ideally, a dog will have access to both the home and yard via a doggie door.

The ideal time for a dog to be chained or tethered is when you are at the other end. However, there are times when dogs may be tethered while you are busy but near by. Such situations include a picnic lunch. If your dog is not reliable at the "Down Stay" command, it is necessary to tether his leash to the picnic table so that you can enjoy your lunch without having to constantly stare at your dog and re-command him to "Down." Also, if you like to take your dog with you while you're doing yard work in your unfenced yard, tethering him in the shade nearby where you are working will allow your dog to be outside with you and keep you company at the same time. These tie-outs are short-lived and always under supervision. They can be advantageous to you and your dog because it allows you to take him more places, and it allows your dog the opportunity to accompany you and participate in your activities. This is the proper way to tether or chain your dog.

[SABELLESMOM]

Originally Posted by nbattad

Would an all outside rott be seen by all you rott lovers as cruel and unusual punishment??

Yeppers! Most of us anyway:

1. Rotties are a breed that simply is NOT at it's happiest when unable to physically be "with" their humans.

2. Rotties may be a large breed but they neither tolerate heat and humidity well, nor cold...even with shelter.

3. Things have changed. My father thinks dogs should be tied up or confined somewhere outside. But he's an old cantankerous man unwilling to modernize his thinking. ALL of my siblings who own pets have then INSIDE. Not only that but we make sure the dogs, in particular, are part of the family activities, but we are involved with dog things: Conformation, Agility, Carting...etc.

4. Having a new house is ever so lovely and I share your enthusiasm over it. However, it's not an excuse to put a dog "outside" and away from sharing that new home with you. So you have to vaccuum a bit more. Maybe you'll have to use a crate (when you're not home) to keep your furniture free of errant puppy chewing. If you are home, maybe the pup will have to be on a leash tied to you, so you can properly train him/her. For every problem it's up to you to find a solution. It's not outdoors.

5. If you truly want a dog, any breed...consider the time and effort you will have to put in. If you find yourself unwilling, then change your mind.

I've gotten so much out of my time/energy/training investment...I'd do it again in a heartbeat. In fact I AM!! New pup comes home on the 28th!

[carolynnl4]

Originally Posted by nbattad

Seriously, I would have thought that crate would be pretty cruel to be left in while not at home... no room to really move around..or anything...

There are *many* articles on crate training if you'll do a search for it, so I won't go into too much detail, except to say that a crate should be large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around. I have an exceptionally tall and long rottweiler, and she is quite comfortable in her crate. To prove it to my boyfriend, Athena and I once got inside of it together (with the door closed), and I read a book while she napped.
I don't own a particularly large or custom made crate either -- I just bought the largest size carried by the pet shop across the street. I believe it's made by PetMate...whatever company it was, it plays a very dominant role in the market.

However, if you have doubts about owning a rottweiler, then as jbach said, please consider the long commitment as well as the joys of having a velcro dog.

[nbattad]

yea.. good article... thanks for posting it....

but honestly... here in HI.. I do not "personally" know a lot of people who have "big" dogs as "house" dogs....

[LikeToRun]

Originally Posted by nbattad

yea.. good article... thanks for posting it....

but honestly... here in HI.. I do not "personally" know a lot of people who have "big" dogs as "house" dogs....

Then you have a great opportunity to be a wonderful example to your neighbours when and if you decide you are ready for a dog. They will all be in awe of the well-adjusted and happy beast who will live to please his family. And when they ask how you bonded so well with your dog...well, you will have the answer!

Best wishes on your decision-making,

Trevor

[babybluetx23]

IMHO I dont think the rottie would be a good mix for you unfortunatly. They have a NEED to be with their Pack. That includes Humans. They do SO much better when they are in a social environment.