Need Dog Buying Tips (1 Viewer)

[Jayrod]

Am I in freaking bizarro world?

Are you people legitimately saying it isn't OK to own a dog if you don't let it live in the house? Everything I've ever known is dogs outside. My family is all farmers. I grew up with dogs outside my whole childhood.

I think you people are freaking crazy.

 

[gianmarco]

Also, there are dogs that don't shed and are hypoallergenic. If it's the "neat" freak part that is keeping them from staying inside, then that can be fixed.

Look into a Boston Terrier, for example.

 

[Ned]

Thanks for all the responses. I may push the wife to consider a pound puppy again as that is my preference.

Also, regarding the outside/inside issue, We spend a TON of time outside. There are five of us. I guaranty those dogs will be a huge part of the family. But we are neat freaks. Having dog hair all over the house is not an option.

And the main reason for two dogs is for the times when we just can't be with them. They will always have each other and a large yard to run and play in. I love dogs, my kids love dogs. I drive a truck and we will take them with us every place we can.

Long story short, I think it is very possible to have well cared for family pets that do not live inside.

there's no law saying you cannot do this, good luck to the dogs, i fear they are going to need it. Assuming you do not lie to breeders, you are going to have a real tough time finding one to sell you outside dogs.

It seems you have made a lot of arbitrary decisions.

If you are neat freaks how is a yard full of giant lab crap gonna go with you? And are you aware dogs that live outside are simply dirty all the time? How's that going to go during storms? Are you gonna be willing to pet filthy outdoor dogs? Do you know a lot of dogs like to roll in and/or eat their own feces, now put them living outside all the time and see what happens...

I'd seriously like you to reconsider this and talk to some vets or breeders and seek professional opinions. Buying 2 animals is a big commitment, you owe it to those dogs to do some homework and make sure dogs are really what you want.

I grew up with dogs living exclusively outside in a fenced yard. They were well cared for, exercised and didn't just roll around in poop.I'm starting to wonder if any of you people actually own dogs.

Again, what's the point of having a dog if you're just going to leave it penned up outside?

 

[Jayrod]

How long have all dog breeds become accustomed to indoor living? Maybe the last 20 years? I'm pretty sure the dogs will do great outside since they are descendants of wolves. You guys are freaking insane.

Give me one good reason a dog HAS to be allowed inside.

There's a reason there's been an overwhelming response here that dogs aren't meant to be kept outside. Dogs are social animals. Dogs have a desire to be part of a family. That means living inside. It's ok if you don't want to have a dog living with you. But then the answer is DO NOT GET A DOG. If you want to be selfish and get one anyway, then no one will stop you. But it's not the right thing to do for the animals. It's the 100% selfish thing to do. That's why everyone is piling on. That's why adoption agencies to let dogs go to owners that will keep them outside. And doing it to not one, but two animals makes it even worse.

So what did dogs do before they became domesticated? Didn't they live together in packs? How was two dogs not better than one? Why do they have to be with people 24 seven? Are they not able to bond to one another? Am I just like the only sane person in the world?

 

[AcerFC]

If given the choice to keep a clean house, I would keep my kids outside and the dog inside

 

[B-Deep]

Am I in freaking bizarro world?

Are you people legitimately saying it isn't OK to own a dog if you don't let it live in the house? Everything I've ever known is dogs outside. My family is all farmers. I grew up with dogs outside my whole childhood.

I think you people are freaking crazy.

just go talk to a vet about it, ask what they think about outside dogs. Talk to a breeder.

how hard is that? Isn't it POSSIBLE that you are incorrect and an outside dog is not likely to be happy? Why not take some time and make sure. And thinking 2 dogs is going to make things easier is crazy. You'll still have to train outdoor dogs and training 2 puppies is not easy.

 

[comfortably numb]

PM Kirsta now

She will take the dogs off your hands when they lick your sofa and your wife wants to get rid of them

 

[B-Deep]

Also, there are dogs that don't shed and are hypoallergenic. If it's the "neat" freak part that is keeping them from staying inside, then that can be fixed.

Look into a Boston Terrier, for example.

or any poodle mix

like a laberdoodle

 

[Jayrod]

Thanks for all the responses. I may push the wife to consider a pound puppy again as that is my preference.

Also, regarding the outside/inside issue, We spend a TON of time outside. There are five of us. I guaranty those dogs will be a huge part of the family. But we are neat freaks. Having dog hair all over the house is not an option.

And the main reason for two dogs is for the times when we just can't be with them. They will always have each other and a large yard to run and play in. I love dogs, my kids love dogs. I drive a truck and we will take them with us every place we can.

Long story short, I think it is very possible to have well cared for family pets that do not live inside.

there's no law saying you cannot do this, good luck to the dogs, i fear they are going to need it. Assuming you do not lie to breeders, you are going to have a real tough time finding one to sell you outside dogs.

It seems you have made a lot of arbitrary decisions.

If you are neat freaks how is a yard full of giant lab crap gonna go with you? And are you aware dogs that live outside are simply dirty all the time? How's that going to go during storms? Are you gonna be willing to pet filthy outdoor dogs? Do you know a lot of dogs like to roll in and/or eat their own feces, now put them living outside all the time and see what happens...

I'd seriously like you to reconsider this and talk to some vets or breeders and seek professional opinions. Buying 2 animals is a big commitment, you owe it to those dogs to do some homework and make sure dogs are really what you want.

I grew up with dogs living exclusively outside in a fenced yard. They were well cared for, exercised and didn't just roll around in poop.I'm starting to wonder if any of you people actually own dogs.

Again, what's the point of having a dog if you're just going to leave it penned up outside?

It is not going to be pinned up. They are going to be running free over .6 acres fenced in yard on a .9 acre lot. These dogs will be able to have the time of their lives plane and frolicking with my children on a daily basis. And for the few times when they are left alone they will be able to play with each other.Is it seriously better to let animal sitting in an apartment by themselves all day and then get let out when their people come home from work?

I hear about that kind of crap all the time. I guarantee you these dogs we better off than apartment dog.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Get a lab .

In my experience, the alleged "pure" bread dogs tend to have 28484848484 more Heath problems then mutts.

 

[Bucky86]

I'm convinced this is No one can be this dense.

 

[bigbottom]

Am I in freaking bizarro world?

Are you people legitimately saying it isn't OK to own a dog if you don't let it live in the house? Everything I've ever known is dogs outside. My family is all farmers. I grew up with dogs outside my whole childhood.

I think you people are freaking crazy.

I think there's a difference between having farm or ranch dogs, and having a dog that lives 24/7 in a fenced in suburban backyard (even if it is half an acre). My father-in-law had three ranch dogs on his 40-acre ranch. But they had a whole lot more room, and they ultimately weren't family dogs. They were ranch dogs.

 

[Poke_4_Life]

My local shelter will not let you adopt if you plan to keep the dog exclusively outside.

 

[bigbottom]

Also, there are dogs that don't shed and are hypoallergenic. If it's the "neat" freak part that is keeping them from staying inside, then that can be fixed.

Look into a Boston Terrier, for example.

Or any poodle mix.

 

[B-Deep]

How long have all dog breeds become accustomed to indoor living? Maybe the last 20 years? I'm pretty sure the dogs will do great outside since they are descendants of wolves. You guys are freaking insane.

Give me one good reason a dog HAS to be allowed inside.

There's a reason there's been an overwhelming response here that dogs aren't meant to be kept outside. Dogs are social animals. Dogs have a desire to be part of a family. That means living inside. It's ok if you don't want to have a dog living with you. But then the answer is DO NOT GET A DOG. If you want to be selfish and get one anyway, then no one will stop you. But it's not the right thing to do for the animals. It's the 100% selfish thing to do. That's why everyone is piling on. That's why adoption agencies to let dogs go to owners that will keep them outside. And doing it to not one, but two animals makes it even worse.

So what did dogs do before they became domesticated? Didn't they live together in packs? How was two dogs not better than one? Why do they have to be with people 24 seven? Are they not able to bond to one another? Am I just like the only sane person in the world?

if you spend the time you say you will with these dogs your family is their pack, and you are isolating them. when the rest of their pack goes inside they'll want the same. If not allowed they are likely to dig or howl or bark or do something else to get the attention they want.

if you do not spend the time you say then these dogs are going to crave attention all of the time, which is sad

 

[Bucky86]

PM Kirsta now

She will take the dogs off your hands when they lick your sofa and your wife wants to get rid of them

Will she take the kids as well when one of them sits on the sofa after playing with the dogs and gets hair all over it?

 

[gianmarco]

How long have all dog breeds become accustomed to indoor living? Maybe the last 20 years? I'm pretty sure the dogs will do great outside since they are descendants of wolves. You guys are freaking insane.

Give me one good reason a dog HAS to be allowed inside.

There's a reason there's been an overwhelming response here that dogs aren't meant to be kept outside. Dogs are social animals. Dogs have a desire to be part of a family. That means living inside. It's ok if you don't want to have a dog living with you. But then the answer is DO NOT GET A DOG. If you want to be selfish and get one anyway, then no one will stop you. But it's not the right thing to do for the animals. It's the 100% selfish thing to do. That's why everyone is piling on. That's why adoption agencies to let dogs go to owners that will keep them outside. And doing it to not one, but two animals makes it even worse.

So what did dogs do before they became domesticated? Didn't they live together in packs? How was two dogs not better than one? Why do they have to be with people 24 seven? Are they not able to bond to one another? Am I just like the only sane person in the world?

What did humans do before running water and electricity? They got along just fine. Doesn't mean it's better. There was a time when women couldn't vote and blacks weren't considered citizens. We've since come to learn the error of our ways.

Dogs are now domesticated animals. It's why you don't see dogs randomly running around this country. And we've since learned that dogs are social, domesticated animals that want to be part of a family. That means living inside. People that get dogs and keep them outside 100% of the time are selfish owners.

If EVERYONE in here is saying one thing and you're the only one with the "voice of reason", you may want to reconsider if you're truly the voice of reason. Or actually just do some research on your own. Or just be a complete ####### and get the dogs and stop posting in this thread since that's what you'll likely do anyway.

 

[Jayrod]

By the way if you're some kind of a jackass you puts his dog in clothes you can just stay out. Your opinion means nothing to me.

 

[fasteddie_21]

Thanks for all the responses. I may push the wife to consider a pound puppy again as that is my preference.

Also, regarding the outside/inside issue, We spend a TON of time outside. There are five of us. I guaranty those dogs will be a huge part of the family. But we are neat freaks. Having dog hair all over the house is not an option.

And the main reason for two dogs is for the times when we just can't be with them. They will always have each other and a large yard to run and play in. I love dogs, my kids love dogs. I drive a truck and we will take them with us every place we can.

Long story short, I think it is very possible to have well cared for family pets that do not live inside.

Clueless.

This

 

[Bucky86]

By the way if you're some kind of a jackass you puts his dog in clothes you can just stay out. Your opinion means nothing to me.

yet, that person is STILL a better dog owner than you will ever be.

 

[johnnycakes]

How long have all dog breeds become accustomed to indoor living? Maybe the last 20 years? I'm pretty sure the dogs will do great outside since they are descendants of wolves. You guys are freaking insane.

Give me one good reason a dog HAS to be allowed inside.

The dogs are going to bark and raise hell outside because they want to come inside. Neighbors will complain and poison your dogs in retaliation.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

By the way if you're some kind of a jackass you puts his dog in clothes you can just stay out. Your opinion means nothing to me.

yet, that person is STILL a better dog owner person than you will ever be.

FYP.

 

[B-Deep]

By the way if you're some kind of a jackass you puts his dog in clothes you can just stay out. Your opinion means nothing to me.

no one's opinion means anything to you

 

[Jayrod]

How long have all dog breeds become accustomed to indoor living? Maybe the last 20 years? I'm pretty sure the dogs will do great outside since they are descendants of wolves. You guys are freaking insane.

Give me one good reason a dog HAS to be allowed inside.

There's a reason there's been an overwhelming response here that dogs aren't meant to be kept outside. Dogs are social animals. Dogs have a desire to be part of a family. That means living inside. It's ok if you don't want to have a dog living with you. But then the answer is DO NOT GET A DOG. If you want to be selfish and get one anyway, then no one will stop you. But it's not the right thing to do for the animals. It's the 100% selfish thing to do. That's why everyone is piling on. That's why adoption agencies to let dogs go to owners that will keep them outside. And doing it to not one, but two animals makes it even worse.

So what did dogs do before they became domesticated? Didn't they live together in packs? How was two dogs not better than one? Why do they have to be with people 24 seven? Are they not able to bond to one another? Am I just like the only sane person in the world?

What did humans do before running water and electricity? They got along just fine. Doesn't mean it's better. There was a time when women couldn't vote and blacks weren't considered citizens. We've since come to learn the error of our ways.

Dogs are now domesticated animals. It's why you don't see dogs randomly running around this country. And we've since learned that dogs are social, domesticated animals that want to be part of a family. That means living inside. People that get dogs and keep them outside 100% of the time are selfish owners.

If EVERYONE in here is saying one thing and you're the only one with the "voice of reason", you may want to reconsider if you're truly the voice of reason. Or actually just do some research on your own. Or just be a complete ####### and get the dogs and stop posting in this thread since that's what you'll likely do anyway.

I will probably do what I want. But I'm just trying to understand where the hell you people are coming from.It wasn't until the very recent history the dogs have been kept inside. Yes they are social animals. They are pack animals. That means they bond with other animals including each other. Doesn't mean you have to bring them inside for them to have a relationship with you.

What about all the farm dogs and work dogs? Are they missed treated because they are left outside all the time? How is it cruel to have a defined outdoor space for a dog if it is plenty big with plenty of food plenty of water and lots of attention and a companion? Seriously what will go wrong with the dog if I do this?

 

[sbonomo]

Our family is buying a new home soon with a large fenced in yard (about .6 acres fenced). We have an 8 yr old son and a 4 yr old daughter and we have decided to get 2 dogs.

My wife is really adamant about not getting mutts from the pound and I'm OK with that because it is really hard to know what you are going to get. My son is pretty set on a Chocolate Lab and my daughter and wife seem to want a Golden Retriever. All research seems to indicate these are both good family dogs. Goal is a male Lab and female GR, spayed and neutered and living exclusively outside. We live in Southwest Missouri and both dogs should be fine with the weather. It can get up to 100 degrees in the Summer and down to zero in the Winter, but only for very brief times. Most of the year it is quite mild. The house does have a mud room we could use in cases of extreme cold and there is a ton of shade trees in the backyard for hot summers.

What I'm looking for is where in the world do you find a good puppy? I've never bought a dog personally and I'm not sure how to even go about it. I did some searches online, but didn't really find an option I was real comfortable with. Also, any tips on how to make a smooth transition for the dogs to their new environment, must have equipment and general advice on raising puppies with young children would be appreciated.

TIA, Will answer yours.

You can't be serious. How long before that poor thing ends up at the pound to be put to sleep because you don't or your kids don't want it any longer. You really showed you true colors in the cat thread. You definately should not own an animal. Get a fish or something.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

How long have all dog breeds become accustomed to indoor living? Maybe the last 20 years? I'm pretty sure the dogs will do great outside since they are descendants of wolves. You guys are freaking insane.

Give me one good reason a dog HAS to be allowed inside.

The dogs are going to bark and raise hell outside because they want to come inside. Neighbors will complain and poison your dogs in retaliation.

Neighbours won't have to poison them. He'll just have them put down then go get another. It is just a pet. No big deal.

 

[3C's]

Am I in freaking bizarro world?

Are you people legitimately saying it isn't OK to own a dog if you don't let it live in the house? Everything I've ever known is dogs outside. My family is all farmers. I grew up with dogs outside my whole childhood.

I think you people are freaking crazy.

Buy a farm then. .5 acre is not a farm.

 

[playin4beer]

Hmmmmmm...

I had a few dogs growing up.. none were "indoor" dogs.. Two german sheperds and a lab...

They were allowed in the polebarns, garages, sheds etc.. but not the house.. I really didn't think it was a big deal but according to this thread

it looks like we abused them..

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Lol at people saying that. 20 years ago dogs were kept outside and that was perfectly acceptable so why isn't it appropriate today.

It was once acceptable to lynch folks in the street , doesn't mean it was right.

I think BigBottom hit the bail on the head . Having a ranch/farm dog that stays outside with acres to roam is acceptable.

Being a jackass who keeps his dog in a cage or tied up outside 24/7 is just that, a jackass .

 

[Hawks64]

I'm convinced this is No one can be this dense.

Was going to say that.

 

[comfortably numb]

Maybe we need to speak in a language he may understand.



Proverbs 12:10King James Version (KJV)10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

 

[Jayrod]

By the way if you're some kind of a jackass you puts his dog in clothes you can just stay out. Your opinion means nothing to me.

no one's opinion means anything to you

Believe it or not I am actually a very sane person. I change my mind on things in this forum on occasion. Unlike a lot of other people. But I'm looking for an actual answer stead of like oh my God you are just the worst person in the world for keeping the dog outside.

 

[AcerFC]

What percentage of farm dogs were labs on your farm

 

[urbanhack]

Am I in freaking bizarro world?

Are you people legitimately saying it isn't OK to own a dog if you don't let it live in the house? Everything I've ever known is dogs outside. My family is all farmers. I grew up with dogs outside my whole childhood.

I think you people are freaking crazy.

Do you still live on a farm?

 

[bigbottom]

How is it cruel to have a defined outdoor space for a dog if it is plenty big with plenty of food plenty of water and lots of attention and a companion?

How much attention will it get when it is 0 degrees or 100 degrees outside?

 

[Hawks64]

Lol at people saying that. 20 years ago dogs were kept outside and that was perfectly acceptable so why isn't it appropriate today.

It was once acceptable to lynch folks in the street , doesn't mean it was right.

I think BigBottom hit the bail on the head . Having a ranch/farm dog that stays outside with acres to roam is acceptable.

Being a jackass who keeps his dog in a cage or tied up outside 24/7 is just that, a jackass .

And having a WORKING farm is key as well, often those dogs worked or work with the live stock. And the farmer is out from sunrise to sunset working, a bit more often than your typical family.

 

[bigmarc27]

I used to be like you...

"No pets in the house"

"Its just an animal, it wants to be outside"

"Humans live inside, pets live outside"

I was wrong. Leaving a dog outside is a terrible idea - they absolutely have personality and feelings and that kind of isolation is unfair.

 

[Bucky86]

By the way if you're some kind of a jackass you puts his dog in clothes you can just stay out. Your opinion means nothing to me.

no one's opinion means anything to you

Believe it or not I am actually a very sane person. I change my mind on things in this forum on occasion. Unlike a lot of other people. But I'm looking for an actual answer stead of like oh my God you are just the worst person in the world for keeping the dog outside.

We've already explained why.

Can you explain to us why you even want a dog that is to be kept outside, on its own, until it's convenient for you or your kids to go outside and play with it?

Why not just visit a dog park and play with other peoples pups when you or your kids get the itch to play with a dog?

 

[Jayrod]

Lol at people saying that. 20 years ago dogs were kept outside and that was perfectly acceptable so why isn't it appropriate today.

It was once acceptable to lynch folks in the street , doesn't mean it was right.

I think BigBottom hit the bail on the head . Having a ranch/farm dog that stays outside with acres to roam is acceptable.

Being a jackass who keeps his dog in a cage or tied up outside 24/7 is just that, a jackass .

Cage? Tied up? Where are you getting this?

Do you people have any idea how big .6 acres is? It is bigger than most zoos use for bears, lions and tigers. Our yard is freaking massive. Most entire lots are only .25-.3 acres. This fenced in portion is more than twice that.

 

[Hawks64]

How is it cruel to have a defined outdoor space for a dog if it is plenty big with plenty of food plenty of water and lots of attention and a companion?

How much attention will it get when it is 0 degrees or 100 degrees outside?

but it's okay. It has .6 acres to run on!!!!!@!@!ONE

 

[B-Deep]

By the way if you're some kind of a jackass you puts his dog in clothes you can just stay out. Your opinion means nothing to me.

no one's opinion means anything to you

Believe it or not I am actually a very sane person. I change my mind on things in this forum on occasion. Unlike a lot of other people. But I'm looking for an actual answer stead of like oh my God you are just the worst person in the world for keeping the dog outside.

so you'll go talk to some vets? let them know you want 2 outside dogs and a bunch of wackos on the innerwebs say dogs should not be left not live outside. odds are he or she is not wacko and tells you how right you are.

 

[Ned]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2glOppqBRg

 

[Hawks64]

Lol at people saying that. 20 years ago dogs were kept outside and that was perfectly acceptable so why isn't it appropriate today.

It was once acceptable to lynch folks in the street , doesn't mean it was right.

I think BigBottom hit the bail on the head . Having a ranch/farm dog that stays outside with acres to roam is acceptable.

Being a jackass who keeps his dog in a cage or tied up outside 24/7 is just that, a jackass .

Cage? Tied up? Where are you getting this?

Do you people have any idea how big .6 acres is? It is bigger than most zoos use for bears, lions and tigers. Our yard is freaking massive. Most entire lots are only .25-.3 acres. This fenced in portion is more than twice that.

Well then get a frigging Bear, Lion or Tiger.

 

[Jayrod]

By the way if you're some kind of a jackass you puts his dog in clothes you can just stay out. Your opinion means nothing to me.

no one's opinion means anything to you

Believe it or not I am actually a very sane person. I change my mind on things in this forum on occasion. Unlike a lot of other people. But I'm looking for an actual answer stead of like oh my God you are just the worst person in the world for keeping the dog outside.

We've already explained why.

Can you explain to us why you even want a dog that is to be kept outside, on its own, until it's convenient for you or your kids to go outside and play with it?

NOT ON ITS OWN!! TWO DOGS!!

Or does that relationship not count for some reason like it did for thousands of years before the last 20?

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

.6 acres is massive ?

 

[AcerFC]

.6 acres is massive ?

i thought it was just me

 

[gianmarco]

By the way if you're some kind of a jackass you puts his dog in clothes you can just stay out. Your opinion means nothing to me.

no one's opinion means anything to you

Believe it or not I am actually a very sane person. I change my mind on things in this forum on occasion. Unlike a lot of other people. But I'm looking for an actual answer stead of like oh my God you are just the worst person in the world for keeping the dog outside.

If you're looking for an answer, then start looking. There is plenty available on the internet that will discuss how damaging and unhealthy it is for dogs to be kept outside 100% of the time. Or talk to a local shelter. Or talk to your vet.

Link 1

Link 2

Link 3

Link 4

Here's a quote from one of those that is all the answer you need:

DOGS ARE PACK ANIMALS THAT THRIVE ON COMPANIONSHIP. Much like their wolf ancestors, dogs are very social. In fact, dogs are more social than humans and need to be part of human families. When you own a dog, you become the dog's pack and he wants to be with his pack. Forcing a dog to live outside with little or no human companionship is one of the most psychological damaging things a pet owner can do to a dog.

Once again, it is 100% selfish to a dog to keep it away from the family and not let it in the house to live.

 

[Jayrod]

How is it cruel to have a defined outdoor space for a dog if it is plenty big with plenty of food plenty of water and lots of attention and a companion?

How much attention will it get when it is 0 degrees or 100 degrees outside?

Those 10-15 days? Probably plenty. We will make a point to take good care of them. Probably let them come and go from the mud room when it is cold and our kids have been outside every day this week of the 100 day heat. Fire up the sprinklers and the dogs will be running and playing with the kids in the water. I guarantee you that is exactly how it will be handled. They will be played with EVERY DAY. How many of you can even say that about your pets?

 

[Bucky86]

By the way if you're some kind of a jackass you puts his dog in clothes you can just stay out. Your opinion means nothing to me.

no one's opinion means anything to you

Believe it or not I am actually a very sane person. I change my mind on things in this forum on occasion. Unlike a lot of other people. But I'm looking for an actual answer stead of like oh my God you are just the worst person in the world for keeping the dog outside.

We've already explained why.

Can you explain to us why you even want a dog that is to be kept outside, on its own, until it's convenient for you or your kids to go outside and play with it?

NOT ON ITS OWN!! TWO DOGS!!

Or does that relationship not count for some reason like it did for thousands of years before the last 20?

You're wrong. French Bulldogs have been family pets since the early 1800's.

 

[bigbottom]

How is it cruel to have a defined outdoor space for a dog if it is plenty big with plenty of food plenty of water and lots of attention and a companion?

How much attention will it get when it is 0 degrees or 100 degrees outside?

Those 10-15 days? Probably plenty. We will make a point to take good care of them. Probably let them come and go from the mud room when it is cold and our kids have been outside every day this week of the 100 day heat. Fire up the sprinklers and the dogs will be running and playing with the kids in the water. I guarantee you that is exactly how it will be handled. They will be played with EVERY DAY. How many of you can even say that about your pets?

And the zero degree days? How about all the days below freezing? Hours and hours of outdoor companionship? Or do the dogs live in the mudroom on those days?