Typically, dogs are outdoor creatures, and they enjoy being outside. That presents a problem because it puts them at risk. Most of the time, these dogs leave the security of the house to explore the world outside and play around. Whether or not small dogs can live in the yard has been a dilemma for most people. Small dogs need affection and love, but sometimes their independence is more beneficial. This article will give information on some small dog species that can stay outside, whether you should get two dogs, the age you can leave a puppy outside, and more.
Small Dogs that can Stay Outside?
If weather conditions aren’t too harsh, three small dog breeds can endure being outdoors for longer. However, always leaving a dog outside is not ideal for any dog. The small dogs that can stay outside include:
Welsh Terrier
At the withers, the Welsh Terrier stands about 15 inches tall. It is about twenty pounds in weight. It is a tough dog that was bred to guard against nasty vermin and badgers. Its wiry coat needs constant grooming. Welsh terriers love people and are friendly and playful dogs.
Norwegian Elkhound
At the withers, the Norwegian Elkhound is about twenty inches tall. Typically, it weighs about fifty pounds. The Elkhound was bred as a guard dog and hunting partner and is a good choice for outdoor life. It needs to have its thick coat brushed once a week. This dog is devoted to its family and is a proficient child protector.
Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan terrier has a height of fourteen to seventeen inches at a withers, and is under 30 pounds. Since they were specifically bred to be companions, they have a long relationship with their owners. Although they wouldn’t survive well in isolation, Tibetan Terriers can tolerate cold weather thanks to their hardy personalities and wooly coats. When confined outside, a dog feels lonely and may howl or bark in distress. Finding the right amount of time for a dog to spend indoors and outdoors for exercise is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner.
Is It Cruel to Have an Outside Dog?
Dogs are pack animals that thrive with companionship and closeness to their owners, so keeping a pet outside in good weather is not cruel. It follows that being able to spend time with family will make them the happiest. When confined outside, a dog feels lonely and may howl or bark in distress. Finding the right amount of time for a dog to spend indoors and outdoors for exercise is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner.
Your dog’s safety should come first. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your dog’s yard is secure if your pet will be outdoors most of the time. Ensure there are no toxic plants and no access to any pool and garden sheds containing chemicals. It should also be securely fenced to prevent other animals from entering the yard. Your dog should preferably have separate sleeping and playing areas.
Spending time with your dog in the backyard, park, or on daily walks is a great way to strengthen your relationship while also getting some exercise. The stimulation provided by outdoor sights, sounds, and smells benefits even dogs no longer interested in taking long walks. Therefore, you should get a balance that suits your dog better.
Should I Buy Two Dogs to Live in The Yard?
Adding a second dog to the mix is a straightforward way to ensure your dog is getting enough exercise. They can keep each other entertained and exercised, but you’ll still need to spend time with each dog daily – it’s crucial for their primary socialization and growth. Exercise time may be easier with a second dog. If you have access to a park or a backyard letting your two dogs play chase for about thirty minutes will help them burn energy compared to anything else you could have done. The only thing you need to do is relax while watching them.
If you get a second dog, you’ll have another family member nearby who adores you, an extra tail that wags when you get home, extra ears that beg to be petted, and different lips that sneak kisses whenever you let your guard down. Finding unconditional love is complex, and you’ll quickly discover its pretty addictive.
Bringing home a second dog after adopting it from a shelter means preventing the early demise of another lovable dog. Instead of a pup, or young dog, being cooped up in a cell, or scavenging on some random street, it allows you to give him a pampered and spoiled life.
See Also: Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat?
And: What Is a Small Italian Greyhound?
When Can I Start Leaving My Puppy Outside?
Puppies are unable to control their body temperature the way adult dogs can. You must allow your puppy to mature to a size and weight appropriate for the season, whether it’s freezing and snowing or hot and muggy. Additionally, compared to adult dogs, puppies are more prone to illness, diseases, and parasites. Your pet will receive vaccinations every six to eight weeks, ten to twelve weeks, and fourteen to sixteen weeks, according to your veterinarian. The transition from the house to the yard should then be possible.
At around 16 weeks of age, after the last round of vaccinations, or whenever your dog’s veterinarian advises. Your puppy should be prepared for outdoor adventures and to safely socialize with other dogs once the vaccination course is finished. However, you can choose to take them outside sooner. You could try taking your puppy for walks in secure areas where viruses are unlikely to thrive, especially on concrete walkways, around two weeks after the initial round of vaccinations.
There is no tried-and-true method to having your puppy outside, and all person’s situations and surroundings are unique. But it’s a safe bet that everyone involved would concur that a smooth transition from the home to the yard requires patience. In other words, begin gradually.
Some small dogs like the Welsh Terrier, the Norwegian Elkhound, and Tibetan Terrier are suited to live in the yard. Puppies can also be left outside, but you have to do it gradually as it is new to them. You must ensure that they are vaccinated and that your vet approves it. However, one has to ensure they are ready for the outside conditions. Having two dogs is an excellent idea as they provide each other with company and help each other exercise, which means more love and affection.
Featured image: A Tibetan Terrier lying on the grass
