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

[Princess8478]

Looking for constructive feedback... (I'll make it as short as possible.)

I have two Rotties; 7 year old (female) and a almost 4 year old (male). They were both brought to my home at 8 weeks of age, and have always been inside dogs. They have always enjoyed being outside in the summer, but are very anxious to come inside when they have "had enough". I have a 7 month old baby, and another on the way in August. My boyfriend and I live in a very small house (already not the typical environment for a Rottie; however, we ensure adequate excersize and play). My boyfriend has suggested that the dogs become "outside" dogs after the 2nd baby arrives...not for fear of their behavior, but that the environment is not "ideal" for all of us. (We can't move to something larger for some time. However, I think they have been just fine living in this house since they were brought here as puppies. I think it's for selfish reasons on my boyfriend's part.) I don't think it's a good idea, even though I know my boyfriend would build a wonderful dwelling for them. My female has mild arthritis in her hips and has been living indoors her whole life. (I wouldn't want the weather to affect her arthritis; excuse my ignorance here if that wouldn't happen.) I am not convinced that she would adjust very well. I feel as though my male would probably adjust; however, I am not sure I am willing to compromise them to a outside world. (Bearing in mind that based on the climate of where I live, they would never be completely outdoors if it was freezing or below, and accommodations would be made during hot weather as well.)

Has anyone ever done this with Rotties of this age, or with arthritis?

[brunie's mom]

I think it would cruel and inhumane to force these dogs to live outside!
At the age of 7 your female is considered a senior for this breed...and with arthritis she would not be comfortable. Does not matter how nice a dwelling you have built.

Rottweilers are people dogs...they love to be with their family, and share their life with you. Now you have a baby and another on the way...and boyfriend wants them out of the house???

Not only would they be unhappy living outside...they will in all probabilty start barking and become protective of their yard....and become annoying to neighbours.

Keep them inside, with their family. Can you baby gate an area for them...so that they are not underfoot?

Gina

[KatarinasMom]

I've known a few people that had "outside" dogs that they would bring inside only during severe weather, but I've never known anyone to have "inside" dogs that they tried to make into "outside" dogs. Personally I know it wouldn't work in my household. I wish you luck in your decision making process

[brunie's mom]

I've just been reading some previous threads that you have posted about your dogs...and just wondered if you have corrected some of the problems you were having?

Have you fenced in your backyard? or are you still tying them outside on chains?
Has your male dog broken anymore collars and gotten away? or have you found a collar that does not break?

IF it comes to the point of your boyfriend insisting that they live outside...I would try to re-home these dogs.

Gina

[bleh60]

I agree; I dont think it is right that the dogs should have to live outside. Especially since they were inside dogs for so long already. I too think it would be cruel and inhumane. I agree with brunie's mom, rehome them if you have too.

[Princess8478]

The problem with my male and his former collar issue has been resolved. I listened to the advice I was given. He does not have a jumbo collar or anything and is much better outside. (I believe his behavior was anxiety related at that time, as he is much more calm since the addition of the baby.) Plus, we were given a huge outdoor kennel (8x8), which opens to a fenced in area, probably an additional 18 ft. long and 8 ft. wide. So, they like to be in there for a little while in the summer.

So, your only suggestion is to find a new home? I would not let it come to that...those dogs are like my children. I am assuming you have never done this then?

Thanks!

[Princess8478]

Oh, and I agree, I think it would be inhumane as well; however, my boyfriend thinks otherwise. I am sure I will win this battle with him, just looking for feedback to see what others thought and whether or not it's advisable. (And, it doesn't appear that anyone thinks it is.)

[jakesfostermom]

I wasn't going to post, since I agree with Gina that it would be cruel and inhumane 'to me' to do this to your dogs. Does that mean that some people haven't done this - no - I'm sure others have banished their dogs to the outside for any number of reasons - I have to tell you that other than rehoming the dogs, you could consider rehoming the boyfriend - but in all seriousness, if you are co-existing currently, with everyone inside, how could the arrival of a small newborn baby change the space requirements that much? Specifically - enough to warrant moving your beloved INDOOR pets, outside? I don't mean to sound harsh - it's just pretty selfish sounding from here........and you don't really seem sold on the idea yourself. Personally - I wouldn't do it - if they had been inside for 7 and 4 years respectively - they would be until they passed from this world.....if I could make it work - and I think you can - at least from where I'm sitting here

[Princess8478]

Originally Posted by jakesfostermom

I don't mean to sound harsh - it's just pretty selfish sounding from here........and you don't really seem sold on the idea yourself. :

I agree...which is why I said it was selfish on my boyfriend's part.
(We can't move to something larger for some time. However, I think they have been just fine living in this house since they were brought here as puppies. I think it's for selfish reasons on my boyfriend's part.)

I guess I should've been more specific...looking for someone who has done it and it was successful. I am assuming more often not.

Looks like they are staying in doors, and I will have to fight for my dogs!

[jakesfostermom]

Originally Posted by Princess8478

Looks like they are staying in doors, and I will have to fight for my dogs!

Good for you - I think we all fight for our dogs when warranted ....and I would venture to guess on this board, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who would openly post "Oh yeah - I put my dogs out last year and they never knew anything different" - because we might eat them for lunch

[rottcrazed]

Love ME, love MY DOGS!
Period.

Nothing more to say.

There is not a person on this Earth who could make transition my dogs out of my bedroom at night, let alone outside 24/7.

Hey, I have kids and dogs - no worries. Just a little bit of work and all can and will be peaceful on the home front!

Kristi

[EmmysMom]

Originally Posted by Princess8478

Just wanted to show all how beautiful my dogs are. I can't even look at their faces and think about putting them outside...love them!

Good for you and stick to your guns! Just remind your boyfriend that when "Mom is happy, the whole family is happy"!!!

[moz205]

Stand up for your dogs. I had to when we were living in a 1 bedroom apt and had our son. There were 2 adults, an infant and a large male Rottie. Hubby thought it would better if Rommel went. I thought it better if HE went! Rommel nor hubby went anywhere but I was willing to go it alone. He didn't push the issue. My son and Rommel bonded from day one. This was an intact 4 year old male who was with me alone for the first part of his life. Living under one roof I think helped bond my son with him. I don't see that happening when basically they'll be seperated -with the dogs in the yard and the kids living in the house. I would imagine it could cause problems down the road when toddlers and beyond. Rommel was with us 13 great years. Hubby and I are going strong and son is now 9 yo. Byw, we have a 10 mo Rottie puppy, compliments of me and our son! Dad, move over!

[zorro13]

Maybe we can help with reasons 'to keep' the dogs in the house when you discuss this with your boyfriend again. For starters, your 7 year old female, being a senior canine, and arthritis to boot, just wouldn't do well outside. What would she sleep on? the ground? concrete? grass that would soon become wet, muddy, and soggy and smelly? And just basically living on the same footing day after day, I am afraid your female would deteriote very rapidly. Let's not forget the weather neither, hot weather is very dangerous for rotties, they are more susceptible to heat stroke, and cold weather is just as bad, especially for a dog with arthritis problems. This should get you started. I am sure many others can jump in here with more reasons for ya!!

Moz!! --You go girl!!!!!

[JemarsSerena]

Originally Posted by Princess8478

...looking for someone who has done it and it was successful.

That would be me. My kids are now 6, 7 and 9. We have always had a rottie in the house minus two years. I got my first rottie when my wife was pregnant with kid #2. We really had to change nothing when adding a child to the mix. There is a lot of literature out there about bring home the baby to the dog. Like bringing home something from the hospital that smells like the baby before the baby comes home. Allowing the dogs to smell and explore new pieces of furniture is another good one. If you act like it is no big deal around the dogs they will follow your lead. (obviously it is a big deal, congrats!). I had a harder time bringing a puppy home to my kids last year than I did bringing a baby home to the dog.