No, dogs should NOT live outside I don't care who you are, how "bad" your dogs is, or how "much" your dog loves to be outside. The truth is, no dog that has a home and family should ever be subjected to living outdoors. Other people might justify subjecting their dog to life outside by claiming the dog will protect their property and alert them to trespassers. The problem there is that many dogs, out of boredom, will bark at almost anything that moves. They often bark at anyone they see, hoping to get attention. Although the barking of an outside dog will disturb the neighbors, everyone becomes so used to the noise that they wouldn't notice if the dog were barking at a real intruder. Some kids will tease, torment, and bully animals. Misguided kids who think violence is cool may intentionally hurt a helpless dog while trying to impress other kids. Sleepless, angry neighbors, annoyed by constant barking and howling, might decide to eliminate the source of their frustration by cruel means or getting the authorities involved. Dogs eventually become anxious, agitated, even territorial and aggressive when they are constantly left outside. The area they are kept becomes theirs and ONLY theirs, creating a dangerous environment for ANYONE including the owners. The old adage "not MY dog" is a myth. It can, and will happen given the right combination of circumstances and being in the yard long enough. Dogs that live outside through pouring rain, frightening thunder storms, oppressive sun, heat and biting insects in summer. These dogs frequently spill their water, leaving them with nothing to drink for hours. Hot summer weather can be fatal to dogs without shade and not enough water. They may not have access to a warm, dry shelter in winter. These dogs endure bitter cold, ice and snow in winter, often without drinking water, since that's frozen. They may even suffer from frostbite. And no, a doghouse will not solve the problem, and yes, even if it's a "heated" one. That's one of the most ingnorant things we've ever heard from customers coming to us to put their dog outside. We will say this again: No. And we will not sell you any products to assist you to do so, either, including the dog house - heated or not! Some people are actually cruel enough to not only keep the dog outside, but to also chain them up outside, too! Supposedly the thinking behind this is that the dog can "enjoy" being outside but ensures further protection from being able to escape. When dogs constantly pull and strain to escape confinement, depending on the type of collar they're wearing or how the collar fits, their necks can become painfully raw and covered with open sores. Their collars can become deeply embedded in their necks. We have personally rescued dogs with these wounds and know the horror and torment these poor dogs suffered needlessly. The dog may not be straining and pulling when you are watching but we can guarantee that they are when you are not watching... and you are obviously not watching them every minute as long as they are out there. A dog's chain can become entangled with tree branches, shrubs, or other objects and the dog can strangle to death. Chained dogs have also been accidentally hanged to death. Chained dogs are easy prey for thieves looking for animals they can sell to research labs or to the vermin who buy bait animals for dog fights. Trust us, we have rescued dogs from them, too and know the techniques, motives and methods. Chained dogs can't escape if they're attacked. They can be attacked by roaming dogs and other animals. If they do survive the wounds, dogs who are victims of attacks by raccoons or other possibly rabid animals must often be euthanized. Perhaps the most compelling reason why a dog should not live outside is because dogs are loving, sociable beings. They live for and crave love, attention, and companionship from their humans. Dogs who must live outside, suffer immense psychological and emotional trauma. Sometimes obvious, other times concealed until it's too late. If you currently have an outside or chained dog and need help, please contact us. We will help you and your pet.
If you know of a dog in your neighborhood, please contact us so we can help the animal. YOU CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS.
randtanimalrescue@aol.com 718-886-1930 | 
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