160 Bear Christiana Rd
Bear, De 19701
302-322-6488
Dr. Jim Berg
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Dog Questions
Dear Dr. Berg,
Is it OK for dogs to stay outside in the winter? We are thinking of getting a dog, but my husband will agree only
if the dog can stay outside so that he doesn't destroy the house. We plan to make him a nice doghouse, but I'm
worried that that's not enough.
Sincerely,
R. H., Wilmington
Dear R.H.,
The answer is…it depends. Technically, it IS possible to construct a dwelling for most dogs that will be safe and
comfortable when the cold winter winds blow. When you build your doghouse, there are a few things that you should
keep in mind.
First, make that the house has relatively airtight construction. A dog keeps his doghouse warm by using his own
body heat to warm the air around him; this becomes very difficult if the air is constantly leaking from the structure.
It's also a good idea to build in some sort of baffle or flap to cover the door to help hold the warm air in.
Many people make the mistake of making the doghouse too big, because they want their dog to have "lots of
room". Please be sure that the house is SMALL enough; it should be big enough for your dog to stand up and
turn around in, but no bigger. A smaller house is much easier to keep warm.
Place the doghouse in a sheltered area of the yard, perhaps next to a row of bushes or up against the house, so
that it will be sheltered from strong weather. Keep the house up off the ground on cement blocks or treated lumber
and, when possible, insulate the bottom. Make sure that the bedding that you place inside stays clean and dry,
and if you make the top of the doghouse removable, it will be easier for you to keep it clean. Clean straw, old
rags, cedar shavings can all make fine bedding materials. When in doubt about the bedding, ask yourself if you'd
be comfortable sleeping there.
In addition to the house, you must make certain that your dog has plenty of clean water, and remember that frozen
water is impossible to drink. There are devices on the market that will keep the water supply liquid, even in the
winter. Shade in the summertime is also essential, so please pick your site accordingly.
Personally, I am not a big fan of keeping dogs outside. While I am sure that there are circumstances where nothing
else is possible, I often wonder why people bother to own dogs that constantly live in a fenced area or chained
up in the back yard. What kind of a life does that dog lead, and what possible enjoyment are the owners getting
from keeping the dog in such a manner? Dogs can bring so much joy and happiness into their families, but thrive
when they are truly part of the pack, and this means living with the other members. I have seen refrigerator magnets
that say, "The best kind of dog house is one with people inside", and it is very true.
Dogs are, by nature, pack animals, and they feel most secure and comforted when they are included and accepted
in their pack. This means living around and sleeping near other members of their clan. Dogs that are left outside
often become neglected. Their basic needs of food, water, or shade will probably not be as carefully attended to
as if the same dog were living inside with his family. And, most important of all, dogs that spend their lives
"out back" often are woefully lacking in one essential need…that of human interaction.
Dogs that are not given the proper social interaction with others are often the dogs that tend to bark endlessly,
and which also may become scared and nervous around people (who they rarely see). These same dogs may also do poorly
if let into the house only occasionally simply because they've not been given the chance to learn proper etiquette
of indoor living.
Please think long and hard about what kind of life your dog will lead outside, and whether you will be able to
give him the proper care and attention. And, while younger children's intentions may be to assume care of the pet,
it is usually the parents that end up taking care of things. So ask yourself if YOU want a dog if you plan to get
one "for the kids". Sharing one's life with a dog is a privilege and honor that is not to be taken lightly,
and which carries responsibilities with it that last long beyond when that cute puppy has grown up.
Take the time to match the care that you are able to provide with the type and breed of dog that you are thinking
about. Learn as much about the average temperament of the various breeds, their needs for exercise, what health
problems you should watch for with each breed. Take the time to get a good book on caring for a dog, and pay special
attention to the section on "selecting your puppy". You can perform certain tests that will give you
a clue as to your puppy's personality as he grows. Talk with others that have dogs of the breed that you are interested
in, and remember that puppies are only puppies for a few months, but dogs for many years.
I would also strongly encourage you to take your puppy through a good obedience school, no matter what breed you
decide on. Obedience school not only helps to establish clear communication between your puppy and you, but also
helps to define the pecking order within your "pack". Obedience school stops many behavioral problems
that may develop as your dog "tests you" during his growing months.
Most of all, remember that the most important ingredient in a happy dog's life is the love and acceptance given
to him from the other pack members. When you share your life with a dog, they ask so very little yet give us so
much in return. It is truly one of God's great gifts to us in this world.
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