Where should they sleep?

[doberkim]

Originally Posted by Rubylove

Really? Is that because they would wreck your yard or because you are worried that something might happen to them?? I just say that because Ruby is in a medium-sized, fully enclosed, very comfortable back yard, she is out there while we are at work and she sleeps out there in the shed. But whenever we are home (and awake) she is with us. We were told by our vet that dogs need to learn to be alone when you are home (not always - just for periods of time) or it can cause real separation anxiety should you ever have to leave them.

because god knows what would happen to them outside.
they would not wreck the yard - but i cannot control what people can do to them when they are out there without me -- people can attempt to steal them, taunt them, they are exposed to elements, they could be poisoned, they could escape -- (all things that have happened to people i know).

my dogs are never outside unsupervised. they are both able to be left alone in the house during the day with no problem and show no separation anxiety. i just do not believe dogs should be left outside without supervision, because you cannot control who has access to them and what could happen when you are not home. proper training and socialization can prevent separation anxiety.

[Rubylove]

I agree with what you say - re stealing, taunting etc... I know of people who have had their dogs poisoned and it's just heartbreaking.

Ruby has been trained to never accept any food or anything from anyone except myself or Max. She has a special command to eat and will not eat ANYTHING until she gets that command. I did that for peace of mind more than anything else. It was hard to teach but worth it!

Our property is also locked by a full perimeter fence so that no one can get in or out - or even look over or through the fence. It's like a prison!!! Lol.... We also have really high trees around the fence line as well. Our neighbours can't see in, people from the street can't even get past the footpath. It's cool!

If we didn't have that I think I'd probably be more worried about her being outside alone. This morning she was so knackered after her walk I swear she's just going to sleep all day!