Transitioning: Making Your Indoor Pooch Comfortable Outdoors

If your dog has lived inside his entire life, then you know how hard it can be to make a living situation decision. For whatever reason, you may have to decide whether or not to put your dog outdoors. If you need to transition an inside dog to the outside, make sure that you take time and care when doing so. You can keep your beloved pup, as long as you continue to provide him with more than enough attention.

If you are looking to put your inside pet outside, then something out of your control has more than likely come up. A new addition to the family or an illness in the family are just two reasons why a dog may need to stay outside the home. Many people view keeping animals outdoors as cruel. However, keeping a pet outdoors can be just as beneficial as keeping him in; though, you may need to spend more time with the pet. If you are unsure whether or not you will be able to provide the appropriate attention, then you may want to consider finding a new home for your pooch. Putting the dog in the backyard and ignoring him day after day is much worse of a scenario than finding him a good home.

Before you relocate your animal outside, you need to make sure that everything is ready. First, decide whether or not you have a large enough area to keep him in. Most dogs do not need acres upon acres of land (as long as they still receive daily exercise), but they should have enough room to romp and play. If you must fence in an area, make sure that the space is large enough for a dog house with plenty of space left to move around. You may also want to consider an invisible fence for the area. When the day is hot and the sun is high, your pooch will look for a cool place. If possible, let your dog have access to a nice, shady tree. But, first make sure the tree is not poisonous to animals.

Once the space is secure, you need to provide proper shelter for your dog. Make sure that his dog house is large enough for him to lie down and turn around. It should adequately protect him from the weather; if it is cold outside, then the dog house should be insulated or blankets should be provided. There should be a food and water bowl close to his dog house. The water bowl needs to be bottom heavy so that it is not knocked over easily. For outdoor pooches, it is a good idea to have two water bowls, especially for those long, hot months. Provide toys for your dog. Toys that stimulate the mind and require physical exertion are often the best. Out of boredom, some dogs may resort to destructive behaviors, such as digging. When you keep a dog outside, it is extra important to take him on walks and play with him often to release some energy.

Don’t expect to throw your dog outside one day and he will be okay with it. More than likely, your dog has spent most of his life inside close to you. The outdoor introduction process should be slow and deliberate. Start with letting him spend an hour or so in his new area. Stay outside with him and play with him around his new home. Take him inside for the rest of the day. The time you leave him outside should increase each subsequent day. After three or four days, leave him outside and feed him a meal there. It may take up to two weeks, but your pet will slowly become accustomed to his new home. Allow him access to his favorite items from inside your home, such as his favorite blanket or toy.

It may not be easy for your pet to stay outdoors. Often, barking and howling problems may result from the separation anxiety he is experiencing. Spend lots of time with your pet, and try to keep him on a schedule. Schedules help combat separation anxiety issues; he will look forward to the time he gets to spend with you.

If you must send your pet outside, make sure you take time in providing him with a safe and comfortable place to live. He should not be neglected just because he is outside; instead, you should spend the same amount of time, if not more time, with your pet. It’s not uncommon for your pet to experience separation anxiety. For this reason, you should try to keep a routine and provide ample exercise for you pooch. It may take time, but the new living situation can work. This article was provided by Shelly Seigler who writes for DISCOUNT-PET-MALL.com a site carrying quality indoor dog gates, underground dog fences and remote dog training collars.