Keeping a dog outside?

Tenyearstogo

Our next door neighbours have a Rottweiler and I'm not sure what's normal as I've never had a dog.

The dog is outside most of the time, the garden is fully paved and the dog just seems to pace around and bark a lot. I can't see a kennel or anywhere for the dog to lie comfortably, but there could be somewhere by the back door. The dog mess is all over the garden.

Is this normal or is the dog neglected? He does look well nourished, not over or underweight.

pawsies

If he has food, water and shelter then nothing can be done.

If any of these are missing then call the RSPCA.

beckysbobbles1

I personally wouldn't keep my dog outside all day. Does the dog sleep outside at night?

My dog is probably the opposite, he has his own sofa, lots of blankets and access to the garden during the day to explore and do his business.

Everyone is different when it comes to pets. It may be difficult to approach this with your neighbour without offending them.

So long as the dog is fed, watered and sheltered (which it sounds like he may not be) then he is being cared for.

krlyr

Its not a route I'd go down (Rotties being so attached to their owners too) but it doesn't automatically mean the dog is neglected. You might want to look up the RSPCA "five freedoms" and see if you feel they're being met.

If the barking is excessive, you could report it to the council's environmental health team, but it does have to be assessed as being a nuisance, the odd bark here and therewouldnt warrant any action. It might be better to approach the neighbour with your issue, if it is one, to give them a chance to address it first.

Sagz_2

Some dogs are kept outside, I've owned dogs that from choice stayed outside most of the time but they had comfy beds and a heated kennel to snooze in.

If the noise and faeces are an issue then have a word with your local dog warden and see if they will go around and offer 'advice'.

Tenyearstogo

I can't smell the faeces so it's not a problem for me. The noise can be a bit excessive at times but our living room and bedroom are to the front of our house so I tend not to notice. I worry more that it's a problem causing the dog to bark. He reminds me of those polar bears pacing around zoo enclosures.

The dog's out a lot often until late at night and early in the morning. The owner goes to work at about 4am so I think he lets it out then.

Thanks for your input everyone. I think I'll keep an eye and try to get a better view of the situation.

chatterup

oh, I hope that the dog has access to the inside of the house, where it's nice and warm. I don't like the idea of a pet just stuffed outside all day. It sounds like neglect to me if he is.

southcoastrgi

I really don't understand some people, you get a pet it becomes (or should be) part of the family, then you leave them outside all day & night, what sort of family member is that :mad:

wilykit

I hate that if a dog has shelter, food and water than it is considered to be 'cared for'.

To me that is not enough, a dog deserves to be made to feel like part of the family, taken for walks and given cuddles etc...otherwise what is the point of having a dog?

Nikky2003

wilykit wrote: »

I hate that if a dog has shelter, food and water than it is considered to be 'cared for'.

To me that is not enough, a dog deserves to be made to feel like part of the family, taken for walks and given cuddles etc...otherwise what is the point of having a dog?

Well said wilykit - I agree :T

Hintza

There are many working dogs that never get inside and that is not a problem, if as pawsies said it has food, water and shelter.

You would however wonder why people have a dog in a suburban environment if it is not inside and does not work.