Tips for Happier Outdoor Dogs – CAAT Community Corner

Making Life Better for Dogs that Live Outside

Many pet owners in remote and rural communities have always had the dogs live outside, at least most of the time.  There are many communities we visit that now have bylaws restricting free roaming dogs, so owners tie their dogs outside of their home. Tying a dog outside without a concerted effort for interaction and stimulation, changes a dog dramatically. If your dog lives outside, there are some things to remember that can make the dog’s life (and yours) better…

Dogs are Social Creatures.   They need human and other dog interaction.

Dogs have a need to be social just like we do. They need time with people to learn what the rules are and also to have fun and bond with their family.   Tying a dog outside with no interaction is socially isolating and will cause behavioural problems. They will become bored, lonely, frustrated and anxious.   They often start to dig or bark excessively as a way to express these feelings.

They also become impossible to deal with because they are SO excited when someone comes near them and then, no one wants to go near them because they are so out of control.   It is a vicious circle that can be avoided with some interaction and teaching how to interact with people every day.

Dogs also need time with other dogs.   Ideally, you have more than one dog so they can have regular interaction and companionship.   A dog that is tied out all day without access to other dogs becomes a dog that is over reactive, fearful and sometimes aggressive toward other dogs because it has no idea how to interact with them.   The dog

needs to learn right from puppyhood, how to read dog body language, how to interact safely with other puppies and dogs.   Without this opportunity they are completely clueless on dog interaction and often fight or get attacked because of it.

So, if you get a puppy, make sure it gets interaction opportunities every day, with people and with other friendly dogs and you will have a much happier dog that knows how to behave around people so interaction is pleasant for both the dog and the person.

Dogs need Exercise

When dogs roamed around all day, they got lots of exercise.   Dogs that are out in the yard by themselves all day, don’t get enough exercise, they tend to lie around most of the day waiting for someone to come along to do something with. This adds to their frustration and extreme level of energy when something is happening, they have a lot of pent up energy!  Exercise helps for their physical energy but also their mental state as well!   Here are some ways to get your dog moving and get some of that energy out!

• teach him how to play with a ball and bring it back (fetch) – keep him on a long rope if you are worried he’ll run away
• take him for a walk on a rope or leash
• it is worth teaching him how to come to you when he is called and stick nearby so that you can take him with you out of town, to some open fields and let him run and play with you
• if he has a dog “friend” he has grown with and gets along with, let them play together (not on tethers, ropes, chains – they have to be loose to be safe to play).

Dogs that live outside need adequate housing, shade, fresh food and water daily but also need interaction and play!