Architectural Designs

Two questions: Is it wrong to leave my dogs outdoors while I am away at work? And...?

Do you know of any GOOD dog house plans (free) available on the internet or in how-to books? I've been searching all evening with minimal luck... I just can't see leaving two active 18 month old standard poodles cooped up in their crate when they could be romping and playing in their big fenced yard. Are you thinking I should crate them instead of letting them stay outside while I'm away? They go nuts everytime I try to leave the house with them indoors, crated or not. So, I've always let them out when I leave. Now its wintertime and cold, though they don't seem to think so, and I want to build them a nice insulated doghouse so they can be warm should they desire to get out of the weather. FYI:I have found them sleeping in the barn or under the deck in the past when it rains and I am away; they are standard poodles who seem to think they are yard dogs. Now, don't go nuts on me; they have been fine and are obsessed with being outdoors. I thought about getting a doggy door but that might not be smart if I'm not home. Kind, understanding advice is all I'm seeking. Don't bother to answer if you just want to start in on me. Y-a-r-d, fenced yard; safe, two-acre fenced yard. In the country.

Public Comments

1. Edit: Ohh you dont have a yard? If you're dog ends up missing or getting hit by a car god forbid, you'll regret it, so no Edit- Geez, I didnt read it properly, don't have a cow.
2. No. if you have a large fenced in yard, then let them stay outside. As long as they are not escape artist and no holes where they can get out. Nothing is wrong with leaving dogs outside, as long as it is done responsibly and they have access to water and shelter.
3. Leaving your dogs outside when you are not home is NEVER a good idea. Even with a fenced yard. Dogs need to be watched not constantly but enough. If you had a caged pen it would be better but dogs of any breed can always find an escape route to attempt to find the pack leader or missing member (you). Which leaves them to get hit by cars, lost, or abducted. Doggie doors are a good idea and Ones that lock different ways and by collar access only are available and recommended unless you live in a horrible neighborhood. Leave them inside if you're unsure. Dogs will go crazy when you leave but they will calm down after you leave eventually. Leave them food and water but no toys. As long as they behave there isnt a reason to lock them up. Simple training will fix most problems you have. Hope this helped!
4. of course its fine to leave them outside, there dogs. thats what they do in the wild. I dont see much point in crating when you've got a backyard for them. I leave my two dobermans outside when I'm not home, they love it. And when i get home they get to come inside for some extra company. what you're doing is fine. I dont know what country your in but have a look at the bunnings website if your in australia, they have step by step instructions on how to build kennel.
5. If they have a barn with bedding available - they should have the cover they need. Obviously they are happy with the arrangements otherwise they would not make the decision between the barn and the lighter cover of the deck. If they did not like it they would be glued to the back door waiting for you to bring themin.
6. they'll probably be just fine outside, but the doggy houses are a good idea. also, they make doggy doors that only open to a certain fob that attatches to your dogs collars, so when they want to go in or out the door opens, but when anything else tries, it's unsuccessful good luck!
7. My poodles would much, MUCH rather be loose outside than crated, even in the cold. We live in the high desert, and it's cold here right now. A doghouse would be great, but if they don't cause a problem in the barn, why not let them nap there? Mine love the barn. I keep their coats a bit longer in the cold months, and have their "cuffs" brought up (not so much as to cause a major "highwatters" effect) Fresh air in a nice big yard is what most 18 month old puppies need. if you want to do the doggy door thing, put it in a laundry room, or entry-way with a door, so that they have no access to the rest of the house. As far as cold and standard poo's go, they were bred to retrieve water foul out of icy water. They really love snow!!! I don't know about the doghouse thing, I like dogaloo type thingies.
8. No. Here is my reasoning. I have a privacy fence around my yard that is 8 ft. My dogs are perfectly fine back there. They don't try to dig out, and are perfectly content to just play with each other and their toys. I personally never felt comfortable leaving them out in the yard while I was gone, and with good reason. One day, I let them out to go potty and when i went to let them in I found out that SOMEONE THREW INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH RAT POISON OVER MY FENCE!!!! Someone poisoned my dogs. It was terrible. It was just a good thing I got them to the vet within in 10 minutes of them ingesting the stuff or they would have died from how much they ate. It just isn't safe to leave your dogs outside that long; so many things can happen.
9. I have a huge fenced yard and I wouldn't dream of letting my two stay out there while I'm gone. You never know what could happen, injury, angry neighbors, escape etc. I crate both my dogs when I'm out. I know they are safe, cozy and sleeping while I'm gone. They have plenty of yard time when I'm here to enjoy it with them. Doesn't matter how big a yard is, it will eventually get boring and the dog will seek other entertainment. Your dogs are much better of left inside or crated while you're gone and you provide the needed exercise and mental stim when you get back.
10. Its not a good idea if you don't have a fenced in yard. You should leave them in the pen if your only gone up to 7 hours (which is the usual time dogs can hold their pee.) But if your gone longer then that you should get a fenced yard and put one of those dog homes in your yard for when it rains
11. The crate is the safest and most humane means to keep them while you are away. Im surprised they go nuts when you leave, while they are in the crate. You may want to research 'separation anxiety" for more info. My pup goes nuts if we leave when he is out of the crate but not while in it. I give him a treat after I close the crate door so he associates it with something positive. Im dead set against leaving any dog outside for any length of time unsupervised. This can lead to more fear and anxiety or territorial behavior towards passers by. If the dogs bark, it will be disturbing to neighbors. Your dogs can be poisoned or stolen from your back yard. You will have no idea what happens while you are away and you will find new strange behaviors that you have no idea how they started. If you insist on letting them be outside, I would suggest going with a doggie door and gating off that room of the house close to the door, so they cant get free reign of the house. 2 dogs can cause a lot of damage quickly and they are still not yet adults. If something outside bothers them, they can chose to come inside for warmth and safety. But i do just think you are asking for trouble letting them out there all day.