Transitioning from inside living to outside living...is it advisable?

[moz205]

I agree Jemarserena. The only big change was if hubby wasn't home and Rommel had to go out. We lived in an apartment building. I would have to strap my son to me, gear up for the cold weather, (December in NYC) and head out for our nightly walk. I think it definitely helped Rommel realize our son was part of the "pack" by having our son around him as much as I. There was no reason to repay my Rommel for his love and devotion by banishing him anywhere. Really, nothing changed much for us and my son was lucky to grow up with such a fabulous Rottie like a brother. My son grew up adoring Rotties and all animals. Hubby always says I am the most stubborn woman he's ever met and he knows not to argue with me about my dogs. Period!

[dogsbydoug]

The OP already has a young child and there is another one on the way (congratulations!).

The OP is looking for support for the idea her BF has to transition the dogs to being outside most of the time versus inside, due to small living space...not for info on the dogs and kids being together...

[Karyn]

You love them like your babies? Would you put your babies outside? There are certain things in my life that are non negotiatable. My dog is one of them. Rehome the boyfriend. He can fend for himself - your dogs can't. It would be cruel to exile them at this point in their lives. They would not understand. How happy would you be?

[rottnkidd]

Originally Posted by Karyn

There are certain things in my life that are non negotiatable. My dog is one of them. Rehome the boyfriend. He can fend for himself - your dogs can't.

Amen to that, Karyn! You read my mind!
kathy

[spoiledbabies3]

Your 7 yo girl is geriatric...Please keep her inside the house and cherish every moment you have with her...I lost my 7 yo girl LY to cancer...My old man who will turn 11 in April is KING of the house!

This is not open for discussion in my house! DH knows...rotties stay, but if he is so inclined..."don't let the door hit him on the way out!"...Sorry I don't mean to sound harsh, but rotties are non-negotiable...DH and I have been married many, many years...and he and I have both learned to pick our battles...He doesn't pick the rotties to battle with (BTW...I have 3 living in my house )and I don't battle with his golf...Fair deal if you ask me! ...

I think you know if you heart what you want to do, now it's just time to stand the ground with BF...Good luck...and congrats on the new addition to your family!

[moz205]

dogsbydoug, no support for moving these guys outside here. I lived in a junior one bedroom apartment in NYC. Believe me when I say small! Everyone told me not to get a large dog but my very smart dad said they're not THAT big!- like having another person around, just make sure he gets his exercise. To that I added a large hubby and infant. I didn't have the luxury of a patch of grass never mind a yard. The bf is looking for an "ideal" living situation. What is that?! None of us were traumatized by our living situation. The girl living underneath me in a 1 bedroom apt had 4 kids and 2 adults and none were worse for the wear. What would happen when/if #3 comes along? Who goes outside? The dogs will find it traumatizing to all of a sudden be put outside, away from what they've known and away from bonding with the new members of the family. I would be concerned they won't bond and to the dogs will be just other people, not pack members. You could build them the TajMahal but Rotties just want to be with their family as that is what they know. I would never repay my dog for his love and loyalty by banishing him outside in my selfish search for the "ideal" living situation. PERIOD! Hold your ground, I did.

[SABELLESMOM]

We have a large (150x150) semi-private, wood, decorative, fenced yard and a large 20x15 chain link kennel within that. So there's lots of ways to use the yard and space.

However... my dogs, like most Rottweilers, are "people dogs." They want to be with US, at all times. They put up with being out for a bit of romping and running time, but otherwise seem disappointed if not with their "people."

Your dogs are even older. That makes them more prone to stiffness, and arthritic pain, especially where you live. Add to that being away from you and the family would be unkind and sad. (and unecessary!) If he wants to build something, do some removable fencing. GREAT if you're renting! These are solid... push in metal poles type at Home Depot or Lowes. The wire is squarish, comes on a roll; 5ft high might work well. Maybe your boyfriend is handy enough to make his own gates. It would be far more useful to all concerned.

[Sheenagirl]

I realize you are stuck between a rock and a hard place right now and I am sorry about the added stress you are going through with a new baby (congratulations!) and having to deal with your boyfriend vs your dogs.
But my biggest concern for leaving the dogs permanently outside are the health issues - you won't be able to monitor their health as well. Your dogs could have a UTI or have a fever and you would not know they are sick like you would now. I really worry about the health of your seven year old.
I hope your BF will work with you and come to an agreeable situation for everyone. Good luck!

[Princess8478]

I agree with all of you, thank you. I think my boyfriend is the only "ignorant" one at this point. I went home and talked to him last night after receiving the good advice from all of you. Now the truth comes out!!!! It's not necessarily the "space" now, he thinks that the dogs may all of a sudden bite the kids. Well, I don't think that will happen. The dogs have shown no sign of agression since I brought Pheenix (my son) home. Royce, my male, was very anxious...constantly panting and whining. Because of this I kept him gated off where he could see the baby but not "touch" him. After two weeks, and several "supervised" visits later, Royce was back to normal. Both my dogs are lovers...licking Pheenix every now and then. They wine when he cries, but I am sure it's not out of concern but more or less because the cries hurt their ears. Either way, my BF and I are VERY cautious. We don't keep the dogs "away" in another room or anything, but we don't leave our son unattended...(well, we try never to). I am dissapointed in my BF right now, since I thought it was because of the living situation not being ideal. But, like a previous reply said, what is "ideal". My dogs are amazing and have adjusted to life in a small home. Especially now, I DO NOT plan to allow my babies to spend life outdoors! I made that clear last night. I think my BF understands, but throws the rude comments out that "If those dogs growl or show any signs of agression towards the kids, they will be gone!" It's like he is setting up our dogs for failure. Anyhow, I appreciate all your feedback. It helped me make my decision to stand my ground and fight for my first two "children".

Thanks!!

Rena

[moz205]

Good for you. I know it will work out for you. You are a responsible mother first AND responsible Rottie owner. Like I said, my guy was 4 1/2 yrs old, intact and lived only with me for his first 3 1/2 years until hubby came along. Things worked out wonderfully for us. He never showed signs of any aggression towards my son even when as a toddler he fell over Rommel while he was sleeping on the floor. The only time Rommel showed any annoyance after the changes was when he would actually seperate hubby's clothes from a pile and promptly pee on them! Maybe Rommel overheard him saying he needed to go! I actually have a picture in the members gallery of my infant son and Rommel. Show it to bf. Things will settle down. Best wishes to you all!

[rottcrazed]

Well, unfortunately, the reality is, the dogs likely will growl once or twice at the kids. It is called a warning, and the parents are the ones responsible to pay attention to these warnings. My old man has been fallen on and stepped on because he does not like to get out of the way as he likes to lay in hte middle of the action (the girls are a little smarter in that sense). He has growled when fallen on, he has never bitten, he has been corrected. He is also sore in the rear and back, so as the kids have gotten older, they have been taught to be careful and respectful of the dogs, which at the age of 6, they are VERY good and respectful of the dogs, their space, etc...

Make sure your dogs are exercised, and that their schedule is not drastically changed and things should be okay. If your boyfriend is going to be hard headed about it, and you are adamant about keeping those dogs, you need to be the one to make sure you are on the dogs during the transition, get them used to going to and staying in certain places NOW (ie... go to your bed. They can be taught to go to a bed when you are busy, and stay there until you are free to watch them) rather than trying to do it all later. It will help.

I have also put a permanent dog/baby gate on our bedroom, so when the dogs are too much or the kids are too much (or we have non-doggie people company), the dogs go into our bedroom, a sort of sanctuary for them with beds, a bowl of water, some toys. They have some peace and quiet.

Just some thoughts ...

Kristi

[moz205]

rottcrazed, I had to have a place for my guy to go to when he didn't want to be bothered with the kids. When he had enough, he knew to get up and go there himself. This place was off limits to all except me and hubby at all times if the dog was there. At our beach home, we have loads of visitors every weekend. My mother, sister, hubby, 2 kids, ages 3 and 5, two other nieces, 12 and 17 and ourselves are there. (not including their friends!)Rommel would spend his time in my bedroom for safety sake and he was very happy there. Believe me, I needed that peace too! The only one in our house that bit my son was a small mixed dog we rescued. You just gotta play smart.

[lovemypuppies]

You sound like you are keeping it together and know how to handle yourself and your family---which like everyone here includes the dogs. We live in an apartment also. But even when we lived in a large home we tended to hang together in the same room. We enjoy the closeness. We are all scrunched together on one sofa and a chair as we speak. Husband does get underfoot at times but the dogs --- never.

[moz205]

lovemypuppies, LOL, I know, hubby gets underfoot around here too. So does my son! I am more than happy to spend the time with my dog. Hubby and son will be away for 5 days next month and I am thrilled. It'll be just me and my pup. I'm ready for quality time with my Buddy with no interuptions!

[lovemypuppies]

Well, it is a pleasure when we ALL agree about something! The dogs stay! Yea! Moz: If you come to the Flatiron District give me a heads up.