Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard

• 07-14-2009 10:29 PM

  jenn52 Joined on 08-11-2007 Ventura County, CA Posts 520 Points 130

  Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard Reply Contact We might be moving to a house from our apartment and we would have to change what we do with Rory during the day. right now she is crated while we are at work and my friend comes once/twice a day to let her out to potty and/or walk her. When we move my friend will no longer be able to come over and we cannot afford someone to come over. Obviously Rory cannot be crated that long everyday 730-5 without being let out to potty. I was thinking we could gate off an area around the dog door or put her crate up to a dog door so she can go outside to potty as needed. I am a little concerned about the change for several reasons. One, she prefers to be in her crate when were not home, she cries if we leave her in the living room and then leave the house, obviously shes just not used to it. Im sure her little space in her crate is safe and she doesnt have to worry about the rest of hte house. My second concern is letting her out in the yard unsupervised. I know people do it all the time. The yard of the house we're looking at is mostly a block wall all the way around except part is block wall about a foot up and then rod iron another 5 or 6 feet up. Even the bars are close, we would put up chicken wire to block it further. Then on one side is a 6 ft tall wood gate (about 3 ft across). I would lock the gate everyday and there is cement under it so she couldnt dig under. Is this secure enough for a beagle? I couldnt bare to put in a dog run and leave her outdoors all day, shes an indoor girl. LOL. There is no where to put a dog door in leading anywhere that could be a completely fenced and covered dog run without cutting a whole in the owners living room wall...that aint happening. Does anyone have any suggestions on getting her comfortable with not being crated and/or leavng her in the yard? Any other suggestions on the entire situation?

  Post Points: 0

• 07-14-2009 10:41 PM

  In reply to jenn52

  Liesje Joined on 03-02-2007 Posts 9,906 Points 655

  Re: Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard Reply Contact If you can't make a dog door from the house, I would make a run in the yard, one that she cannot dig out of (I think Kimberly knows how to do that) AND has a top.  It could be shaded and have a doghouse or crate in there. Or do you have a garage?  My dream dog setup would be a large indoor run in my garage that has a dog door to a run outdoors (as I described above). In either case, I personally would use a run over part of the pre-existing fence/wall simpy b/c I don't ever want someone reaching in, or the dogs running the barrier. http://vankelderdogs.dutchbingo.net http://www.schhmi.com

  Post Points: 0

• 07-14-2009 11:34 PM

  In reply to Liesje

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 10,864 Points 3,330

  Re: Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard Reply Contact To be honest, 7:30 to 5 is not overlong for a mature dog with normal control.  Mine stay here from 8:30 to 5:45 or 6:00 every workday.  Now I don't dawdle on the way home but it's the best I can do. Dogs outside will bark and howl and in MY city that's a one-way ticket to getting your dog confiscated.  The dog is also prey for bunchers (thieves) and predators (from snakes to other nasties, including wasps/bees, etc.).  For years I left my dogs outside -- I had an IDEAL set up (including a building for them to escape the heat with bedding, water, etc.) but all it took was ONE complaint to get the city down on me and I love my dogs too much.  Another day I had come home and one of the dogs had investigated a small spot of ash that blew in his eyes and I came home to both of his eyes being swollen and sore (and another trip to the E-vet). I prefer crating because it keeps my dogs safe and sane.  If one is "sick" I know who it was and I know immediately.  No one is pulling televisions off onto themselves or getting hurt.  (A friend of mine lost one of her dogs -- the two dogs got to playing knocked off a television and it fell ON one of the dogs and killed him and the exploding screen blinded the other dog.)  Everyone has their own opinions on this -- but honestly my dogs NEVER have a problem being alone 10 hours.  When you live 1/2 hr or better from where you work it is LIFE for many of us.  If someone is sick I make the extra effort and come home at lunch (which is NOT easy but I do it when I must).   But leaving them outside is honestly just really bad business.  The neighbor who gets annoyed at the barking may not call the authorities -- they may just toss poisoned meat over the fence -- and you may never EVER know it.  Mine are NEVER outside long without supervision.  It's just too risky for me.

  Post Points: 0

• 07-14-2009 11:41 PM

  In reply to Liesje

  jenn52 Joined on 08-11-2007 Ventura County, CA Posts 520 Points 130	Re: Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard Reply Contact I would worry the garage would get way too hot.
  	Post Points: 0

• 07-14-2009 11:53 PM

  In reply to jenn52

  kle1986 Joined on 10-22-2007 KY Posts 3,488 Points 915	Re: Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard Reply Contact  Can you A/C the garage? How about one of these? Small enough to move away from the dog door when you want. Looks big enough to go potty in for a Beagle. Can you gradually work with leaving her alone over a period of time? So that way she can get used to not being able to go out till you get home? Kimberly
  	Post Points: 0

• 07-14-2009 11:55 PM

  In reply to kle1986

  jenn52 Joined on 08-11-2007 Ventura County, CA Posts 520 Points 130	Re: Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard Reply Contact where do you find one this size?
  	Post Points: 0

• 07-14-2009 11:57 PM

  In reply to jenn52

  kle1986 Joined on 10-22-2007 KY Posts 3,488 Points 915	Re: Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard Reply Contact I have seen at them at Walmart and Tractor Supply Company(TSC). Kimberly
  	Post Points: 0

• 07-15-2009 12:36 AM

  In reply to kle1986

  grab01 Joined on 09-10-2007 middle of the desert Posts 1,454 Points 0

  Re: Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard Reply Contact I wouldn't leave my own dogs out..people could steal them, throw things over the fence, they could be injured, etc.  And after watching one family nearly lose three dogs to antifreeze poisoning (one dog died...the results when tissues were sent off from a necropsy showed antifreeze poisoning.  A few weeks later, they came out to find their other dogs starting to eat antifreeze soaked meat) I'd not suggest it to anyone else either. I know many people do it without issue, but it isn't something I am comfortable with for my own dogs.

  Post Points: 0

• 07-15-2009 3:52 AM

  In reply to grab01

  fuzzy_dogs_mom Joined on 09-10-2007 Davis, CA Posts 8,315 Points 325

  Re: Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard Reply Contact My fence is shared with three different neighbors, one on each side and one in the back.  We know them and I'm sure none of them would ever throw anything over the fence.  Max can't get out of the yard and it seems like he spends 99% of his time inside anyway if nobody else is home. He isn't much of a barker, so I'm not worried about him bothering other people. Joyce

  Post Points: 0

• 07-15-2009 7:11 AM

  In reply to calliecritturs

  .stacer. Joined on 06-03-2007 Ontario, Canada Posts 475 Points 10

  Re: Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard Reply Contact calliecritturs: To be honest, 7:30 to 5 is not overlong for a mature dog with normal control.  Mine stay here from 8:30 to 5:45 or 6:00 every workday.  Now I don't dawdle on the way home but it's the best I can do. Dogs outside will bark and howl and in MY city that's a one-way ticket to getting your dog confiscated.  The dog is also prey for bunchers (thieves) and predators (from snakes to other nasties, including wasps/bees, etc.).  For years I left my dogs outside -- I had an IDEAL set up (including a building for them to escape the heat with bedding, water, etc.) but all it took was ONE complaint to get the city down on me and I love my dogs too much.  Another day I had come home and one of the dogs had investigated a small spot of ash that blew in his eyes and I came home to both of his eyes being swollen and sore (and another trip to the E-vet). I prefer crating because it keeps my dogs safe and sane.  If one is "sick" I know who it was and I know immediately.  No one is pulling televisions off onto themselves or getting hurt.  (A friend of mine lost one of her dogs -- the two dogs got to playing knocked off a television and it fell ON one of the dogs and killed him and the exploding screen blinded the other dog.)  Everyone has their own opinions on this -- but honestly my dogs NEVER have a problem being alone 10 hours.  When you live 1/2 hr or better from where you work it is LIFE for many of us.  If someone is sick I make the extra effort and come home at lunch (which is NOT easy but I do it when I must).   But leaving them outside is honestly just really bad business.  The neighbor who gets annoyed at the barking may not call the authorities -- they may just toss poisoned meat over the fence -- and you may never EVER know it.  Mine are NEVER outside long without supervision.  It's just too risky for me.   Callie - I agree completely.  I was going to post all of these things :) My dogs are home all day from :830 - 5:00 or 6:00 is not unusual.  They hold it just fine.  I have a dog run going out of my basement patio door (walkout basement) but I have never considered leaving them in there.  I know my beagle would bark and annoy the crap out of the neighbours (plus I know the neighbours work shift work so they are often sleeping during the day). There are just too many unknown's when leaving a dog outside for me to feel comfortable with it.      Stacey.

  Post Points: 0

• 07-15-2009 8:50 AM

  In reply to .stacer.

  tashakota Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 2,984 Points 45

  Re: Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard Reply Contact  I will chime in on the leaving dogs home all day too.  My dogs are home from about 7:30 till about 5:30.  Most days when we return home and let them out, they go racing through the house instead of going outside.  Then they'll run the fence barking at the bunnies.  Oh and then they decide to pee.  <shaking head>  They sleep all day in their crates and/or on the couch.  I know because I've watched them.  In fact, I was home yesterday sick and they slept on the floor near me all day.  It's just what they are used to. If they have incontinent issues when they get older, well we'll deal with that when the time comes. Leslie and the kids..

  Post Points: 0

• 07-15-2009 12:16 PM

  In reply to tashakota

  Cita Joined on 12-13-2006 CT Posts 5,626 Points 850

  Re: Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard Reply Contact  I would not leave a dog outside unsupervised in a yard, especially in Southern CA (I'm not that familiar with Ventura County, but I grew up in Orange County, which is very urban and very highly populated). My reasons: 1) Maintenance-type people - where I lived, there was one phone/cable box for every 4 houses. Which means if someone had a problem with the cable, the cable guy might come into your yard to fix it. And might get bitten by your dog, or might leave the gate open, or otherwise cause a problem. I know there are restrictions about when people can come into your yard, but it's still not a situation I'm comfortable with. 2) Noise - barking, as others had mentioned. Your dog is a beagle, right? Aren't they known for barking? I know if I left Rascal outside the neighbors would be on the phone to the police pretty darn quick, because Rascal loves barking at noises, smells, etc. He would bark like crazy if left alone.  3) Safety - all it takes is one unnoticed hole dug under the fence, and the dog could be out of the yard unsupervised, with you at work. Add the unavoidable traffic of urban/suburban areas, and it's just not a risk I'd take. At least if you were home and he escaped the yard you could get him back quickly. 4) Safety - what if he gets into something in the yard when you're not home? Chewing on a stick and choking, eating a poisonous animal, who knows what. All sorts of trouble he could get into unsupervised. 5) Safety - especially with a purebred dog, I've heard too many horror stories of stolen "puppies" to not be very, very wary of someone wanting to nab my dog to re-sell somewhere. Personally, I am 99% sure that Rascal does the same thing when he's crated and I'm at work that he does when he's not crated and I'm working from home - lies comfortably in his bed and sleeps the whole time. Since he's just going to sleep anyway, I figure the risk of him getting into trouble/danger by being left to his own devices far outweighs the minor inconvenience of being confined during my work hours, when he's going to be sleeping anyway. When I have to go into the office, Rascal is crated from about 7:30 to 5 or so, and takes his dear sweet time to pee when I take him outside (which to me means he's not bursting at the seams, so to speak).  Congratulations on the (potential) new place - hope you enjoy the yard :)

  Post Points: 0

• 07-15-2009 12:26 PM

  In reply to tashakota

  aerial1313 Joined on 02-12-2008 Atlanta, GA Posts 1,519 Points 95

  Re: Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard Reply Contact My boys are home alone most days from 8am-5pm, sometimes later than that. tashakota: Most days when we return home and let them out, they go racing through the house instead of going outside. Same here.  Not racing through the house, but being sure they have greeted me to their satisfaction, which sometimes requires 5 or more minutes of rubbins, lol.  I usually have to tell them "go pee already!"   ~Heather~

  Post Points: 0

• 07-15-2009 2:46 PM

  In reply to aerial1313

  stormyknight Joined on 12-16-2006 Posts 375 Points 55

  Re: Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard Reply Contact aerial1313: tashakota: Most days when we return home and let them out, they go racing through the house instead of going outside. Same here.  Not racing through the house, but being sure they have greeted me to their satisfaction, which sometimes requires 5 or more minutes of rubbins, lol.  I usually have to tell them "go pee already!"     Ditto. Our dogs are left home alone, on average, 8-10 hrs day. Two are crated, one has free run of the house.They have a few minutes of "zoomies" in the back yard before they even take a squat. We are putting up a privacy fence in our backyard (currently chainlink) and have talked about letting the other malinois outside during the day, but we decided against it. I worked at the animal shelter too long and saw far too many owners come in looking for their lost dog with the "I put Fido outside when I left for work this morning, and when I got home 20 minutes ago, he was gone" situation. I always felt so bad for those owners who were trying to give Fido the benefit of fresh air and room to move around while they were gone, but dogs can jump, climb, dig, or otherwise find their way out of a yard if suitably motivated.

  Post Points: 0

• 07-15-2009 4:39 PM

  In reply to stormyknight

  Dog_ma Joined on 06-25-2007 San Diego County, California Posts 1,389 Points 860

  Re: Leaving a dog unsupervised in backyard Reply Contact  Mine typically have free run of the house and the yard while we're gone. My neighbors have always been good about letting me know if the dogs were being a nuisance. Back when we first got dogs we learned that we needed to fence off two areas of our yard because the dogs would sit on the slopes and bark at all that happened below. Removing access to the slopes fixed it.  Sasha is a sunbathing beauty and spends much of her day in the yard. Eko is more of a house dog but I'm less stressed knowing he has access to the outdoors.Our fence is 6 ft tall and double gated to the outside. My dogs would be hard to steal - neither would walk off with someone they didn't know.  For us letting them be in or out as they please works. "Are you a dog trainer?" "No, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night."

  Post Points: 0