Need Dog Buying Tips (1 Viewer)

[Jayrod]

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.

ETA: Before you get all bent out of shape, I have realized the error of my ways and will not be keeping the dogs outside all the time.

 

[Chemical X]

if you spend money on a dog thinking it guarantees disposition, well.........

find a breed, find a rescue.

 

[Frostillicus]

pitbull

 

[ChiefD]

Never had a problem with a dog from the pound.

 

[jwb]

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.

Don't get dogs.

 

[pollardsvision]

I know you'll get sick of hearing this, but it's a million times more true if you are getting a couple of labs....paying for a pure bred is silly. The pounds will be chocked full of lab mixes with some pure breds.

I have no idea where you got the notion that you could predict temperament better with a pure bred from a breeder than a puppy from the pound. Again, especially with labs.

Also, are you absolutely sure about the outside only thing?

My experience with outside dogs is that they rarely end up as true family dogs.

After the initial excitement wears off, they don't end up getting much attention. Particularly when being outside all the time makes their coats nasty and stinky.

When it's 90 degrees all summer, nobody in the family will make time to hang out in the backyard in the sweltering heat with a couple of hot, mangy dogs begging for attention. For the Winter, make that muddy dogs.

Outside dogs almost always end up being seen as a nuisance to ignore.

You may be worried about damage on the inside of the house, but don't forget to factor in the cost of a pair of rambunctious labs starved for attention being outside. They will destroy the door to get in, dig the hell out of your yard, and god knows what sort of reinforcements you'll need around the fence to keep them in as they try to escape all day.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Those are both fine, family-friendly breeds (generally speaking).

What follows is anecdotal, so take it with a metric ton of salt:

As someone who grew up with hunting dogs, I can tell you that inbreeding has made many Retrievers dumber than an oyster. They're fairly easy to train, but don't expect them to be much more than a licking, eating machine. Mutts are much more intelligent and also live longer - at least those I've been around. That can be good & bad.

Here's what I'd do if I were looking for a Retriever: I'd find a hunter's network/MB on Al Gore's interwebs. At least those folks KNOW those breeds and aren't always just puppy mills. Poke around some and find a guy you're comfortable with. That's probably the best path to a couple of healthy pups. AKC would be an alternate source, though I haven't dealt with them in decades.

 

[3C's]

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.

Don't get dogs.

Seconded. And my alternate personality thirds it.

 

[Hawks64]

if you spend money on a dog thinking it guarantees disposition, well.........

find a breed, find a rescue.

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.

Don't get dogs.

First things first. If you go to a reputable breeder and don't want hunting dogs most won't sell you a dog to live exclusively outside. I really don't understand why you wouldn't want to have them in the house with you, they become part of the family. Also, if you go to a breed rescue I would be shocked if they allow you to adopt one with them living only outside. And why male and female? Go with 2 females and you'll generally have better temperament luck.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

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.

Don't get dogs.

 

[Bucky86]

I'd also like to go on the record that I do not agree with someone buying "family" dogs and then wants them to live outside.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Chihuahua - They're aggressive, but I think your kids could take them should they act up.

 

[Parrothead]

I'd also like to go on the record that I do not agree with someone buying "family" dogs and then wants them to live outside.

x2

 

[avoiding injuries]

https://www.akc.org/classified/search/landing_breed.cfm

 

[avoiding injuries]

I'd also like to go on the record that I do not agree with someone buying "family" dogs and then wants them to live outside.

x2

 

[fatness]

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.

Don't get dogs.

Dogs kept outdoors aren't going to be close friends with your kids. Indoors, they'll be best pals. Kids and dogs are mostly the same animal anyway, with different numbers of legs. They belong around each other.

 

[fatness]

And if you want the best places to get family dogs, there's a good selection of them here: https://www.petfinder.com/

You can sort by breed, location, age, etc. and find out a lot about the dogs before you even go see them.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

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.

This also applies to dogs you pay money for. Shelters are full of labs. Go hang out with a few.

And like everyone else said, don't get a dog if you're going to leave it outside. Dogs are social animals.

 

[Ned]

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.

Don't get dogs.

Dogs kept outdoors aren't going to be close friends with your kids. Indoors, they'll be best pals. Kids and dogs are mostly the same animal anyway, with different numbers of legs. They belong around each other.

Our 2 boys love our 2 labs.

WTF is the point of having dogs if you're just going to leave them outside?

 

[glumpy]

Agree with picking from pound dogs, or at least non breeder--it seems to me that purebreds sometimes develop quirks that a slight mix do not. More than one is preferred too so they can interact. I don't let mine inside but then I've always spent a lot of time outside myself so they've never missed getting attention--and they've always had outbuildings as well as dog houses to choose from for warmth and shelter. Everybody's situation is different though. I live in the country where there's a lot of a different kind of activity than might be in a fences in city lot--and my animals historically don't want to be penned inside. . .

 

[Chemical X]

i just noticed the outside thingy.......what exactly is the point of getting a dog then? if you subscribe to the theory that a pet is a family member, you should treat them as such. would you leave your kids outside year round?

 

[pollardsvision]

Agree with picking from pound dogs, or at least non breeder--it seems to me that purebreds sometimes develop quirks that a slight mix do not. More than one is preferred too so they can interact. I don't let mine inside but then I've always spent a lot of time outside myself so they've never missed getting attention--and they've always had outbuildings as well as dog houses to choose from for warmth and shelter. Everybody's situation is different though. I live in the country where there's a lot of a different kind of activity than might be in a fences in city lot--and my animals historically don't want to be penned inside. . .

Yeah, the times I've seen it work fine tend to be deeper country with no fences.

They don't lack for stimulation, especially as people living in deeper country tend to spend more time outside.

I'm not sure I've ever seen a suburban fenced in outside-only dog situation work out really well. A half-acre fenced-in lot gets boring real quick, and it seems the only real source of stimulation ends up being begging, scratching, and barking at the door to get in (until they finally just give up and accept the life of a bored, banished dog).

 

[AcerFC]

And if you want the best places to get family dogs, there's a good selection of them here: https://www.petfinder.com/

You can sort by breed, location, age, etc. and find out a lot about the dogs before you even go see them.

i used petfinder. I have a suspicion that I got the dog from a backyard breeder. Was one of those things where I didn't ask questions at the time but looking back....Just be thorough, unlike me

Please don't leave them outside though.

 

[John Bender]

My lord.

You want to BUY 2 dogs from a breeder and have them live exclusively outside?

There's thousands of other labs in pounds or shelters right now that ended up there because they were purchased from a breeder and kept outside exclusively by owners like you.

If having 2 dogs indoors means too much work or trouble for you, just get one - or get a cat, or a turtle. Dogs shouldn't be exclusively outside animals, especially for a large family like yours.

I don't know anything about you personally, but just from your initial post, you are the worst candidate to be a dog owner. Spend some time maybe volunteering at a shelter for a few weeks walking a few of the unwanted lab mixes and maybe you'll start to feel differently? I don't know. I don't mean this as insulting, but for the sake of the dogs that will wind up either outside permanently or in a shelter somewhere, Please don't purchase dogs.

 

[RUSF18]

My lord.

You want to BUY 2 dogs from a breeder and have them live exclusively outside?

There's thousands of other labs in pounds or shelters right now that ended up there because they were purchased from a breeder and kept outside exclusively by owners like you.

If having 2 dogs indoors means too much work or trouble for you, just get one - or get a cat, or a turtle. Dogs shouldn't be exclusively outside animals, especially for a large family like yours.

I don't know anything about you personally, but just from your initial post, you are the worst candidate to be a dog owner. Spend some time maybe volunteering at a shelter for a few weeks walking a few of the unwanted lab mixes and maybe you'll start to feel differently? I don't know. I don't mean this as insulting, but for the sake of the dogs that will wind up either outside permanently or in a shelter somewhere, Please don't purchase dogs.

Someone didn't read the cat/mother in law thread. This makes perfect sense.

 

[Bucky86]

My lord.

You want to BUY 2 dogs from a breeder and have them live exclusively outside?

There's thousands of other labs in pounds or shelters right now that ended up there because they were purchased from a breeder and kept outside exclusively by owners like you.

If having 2 dogs indoors means too much work or trouble for you, just get one - or get a cat, or a turtle. Dogs shouldn't be exclusively outside animals, especially for a large family like yours.

I don't know anything about you personally, but just from your initial post, you are the worst candidate to be a dog owner. Spend some time maybe volunteering at a shelter for a few weeks walking a few of the unwanted lab mixes and maybe you'll start to feel differently? I don't know. I don't mean this as insulting, but for the sake of the dogs that will wind up either outside permanently or in a shelter somewhere, Please don't purchase dogs.

Someone didn't read the cat/mother in law thread. This makes perfect sense.

Oh yeah. I forgot he was the jackass in there. I'm deleting my post from above. Do not get any animal..ever.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

oof.

So much wrong. You're the last person who should be buying dog.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

My lord.

You want to BUY 2 dogs from a breeder and have them live exclusively outside?

There's thousands of other labs in pounds or shelters right now that ended up there because they were purchased from a breeder and kept outside exclusively by owners like you.

If having 2 dogs indoors means too much work or trouble for you, just get one - or get a cat, or a turtle. Dogs shouldn't be exclusively outside animals, especially for a large family like yours.

I don't know anything about you personally, but just from your initial post, you are the worst candidate to be a dog owner. Spend some time maybe volunteering at a shelter for a few weeks walking a few of the unwanted lab mixes and maybe you'll start to feel differently? I don't know. I don't mean this as insulting, but for the sake of the dogs that will wind up either outside permanently or in a shelter somewhere, Please don't purchase dogs.

Someone didn't read the cat/mother in law thread. This makes perfect sense.

Oh yeah. I forgot he was the jackass in there. I'm deleting my post from above. Do not get any animal..ever.

 

[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.

 

[B-Deep]

you know you're gonna be dropping a significant chunk of change on two purebreds, just to leave them outside

what are the wife's reasons for not wanting a dog from the pound?

 

[Cliff Clavin]

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.

 

[Amused to Death]

Lots of great advice in here. Just a few things to add. Rescue groups will work with you to match the right dog(s) for your family and allow you to bring the dog home on a trial basis. Not so sure a breeder will. Also, getting 2 dogs at the same time does not guarantee they get along with each other. Again, a rescue group will not adopt to you if the dogs don't get along, so they'll work to ensure you get a good match.

And if you're going to leave them outside, please don't get a dog and let a responsible owner take yours instead.

 

[Pipes]

i just noticed the outside thingy.......what exactly is the point of getting a dog then? if you subscribe to the theory that a pet is a family member, you should treat them as such. would you leave your kids outside year round?

He doesn't. Did you read the thread about the guy who had to give up his cats cause they were having a baby?

 

[Bucky86]

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.

Please do NOT get a dog. I guarantee you will be giving them up within a year.

 

[Jayrod]

My lord.

You want to BUY 2 dogs from a breeder and have them live exclusively outside?

There's thousands of other labs in pounds or shelters right now that ended up there because they were purchased from a breeder and kept outside exclusively by owners like you.

If having 2 dogs indoors means too much work or trouble for you, just get one - or get a cat, or a turtle. Dogs shouldn't be exclusively outside animals, especially for a large family like yours.

I don't know anything about you personally, but just from your initial post, you are the worst candidate to be a dog owner. Spend some time maybe volunteering at a shelter for a few weeks walking a few of the unwanted lab mixes and maybe you'll start to feel differently? I don't know. I don't mean this as insulting, but for the sake of the dogs that will wind up either outside permanently or in a shelter somewhere, Please don't purchase dogs.

Someone didn't read the cat/mother in law thread. This makes perfect sense.

Oh yeah. I forgot he was the jackass in there. I'm deleting my post from above. Do not get any animal..ever.

FYI, this is a dog thread.And lol at looking down on someone who keeps their dogs outside.

 

[bigbottom]

Lots of great advice in here. Just a few things to add. Rescue groups will work with you to match the right dog(s) for your family and allow you to bring the dog home on a trial basis. Not so sure a breeder will. Also, getting 2 dogs at the same time does not guarantee they get along with each other. Again, a rescue group will not adopt to you if the dogs don't get along, so they'll work to ensure you get a good match.

And if you're going to leave them outside, please don't get a dog and let a responsible owner take yours instead.

I know that quite a few rescue groups won't let you adopt if the dogs are going to stay outside.

 

[B-Deep]

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.

 

[Sand]

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.

It takes 4 recessive genes to get to a chocolate lab. Better off with a black lab.

 

[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.

 

[Bucky86]

My lord.

You want to BUY 2 dogs from a breeder and have them live exclusively outside?

There's thousands of other labs in pounds or shelters right now that ended up there because they were purchased from a breeder and kept outside exclusively by owners like you.

If having 2 dogs indoors means too much work or trouble for you, just get one - or get a cat, or a turtle. Dogs shouldn't be exclusively outside animals, especially for a large family like yours.

I don't know anything about you personally, but just from your initial post, you are the worst candidate to be a dog owner. Spend some time maybe volunteering at a shelter for a few weeks walking a few of the unwanted lab mixes and maybe you'll start to feel differently? I don't know. I don't mean this as insulting, but for the sake of the dogs that will wind up either outside permanently or in a shelter somewhere, Please don't purchase dogs.

Someone didn't read the cat/mother in law thread. This makes perfect sense.

Oh yeah. I forgot he was the jackass in there. I'm deleting my post from above. Do not get any animal..ever.

FYI, this is a dog thread.And lol at looking down on someone who keeps their dogs outside.

Is your dog used for hunting? Is he a guard dog? If his sole purpose is for your family to play with and to take for walks then why the #### would you keep them outside? They're social animals that love interacting with their humans. DO NOT get a dog, please.

 

[Bucky86]

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.

You're a ####### moron.

 

[Amused to Death]

Lots of great advice in here. Just a few things to add. Rescue groups will work with you to match the right dog(s) for your family and allow you to bring the dog home on a trial basis. Not so sure a breeder will. Also, getting 2 dogs at the same time does not guarantee they get along with each other. Again, a rescue group will not adopt to you if the dogs don't get along, so they'll work to ensure you get a good match.

And if you're going to leave them outside, please don't get a dog and let a responsible owner take yours instead.

I know that quite a few rescue groups won't let you adopt if the dogs are going to stay outside.

Yeah I was going to add that. I volunteer for 2 groups, and if a potential owner said the dogs would be housed outside their apps would be thrown away.

 

[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.

 

[B-Deep]

i am 99% sure this is a fishing trip based off of the cat thread

i sure hope so

 

[Cliff Clavin]

My lord.

You want to BUY 2 dogs from a breeder and have them live exclusively outside?

There's thousands of other labs in pounds or shelters right now that ended up there because they were purchased from a breeder and kept outside exclusively by owners like you.

If having 2 dogs indoors means too much work or trouble for you, just get one - or get a cat, or a turtle. Dogs shouldn't be exclusively outside animals, especially for a large family like yours.

I don't know anything about you personally, but just from your initial post, you are the worst candidate to be a dog owner. Spend some time maybe volunteering at a shelter for a few weeks walking a few of the unwanted lab mixes and maybe you'll start to feel differently? I don't know. I don't mean this as insulting, but for the sake of the dogs that will wind up either outside permanently or in a shelter somewhere, Please don't purchase dogs.

Someone didn't read the cat/mother in law thread. This makes perfect sense.

Oh yeah. I forgot he was the jackass in there. I'm deleting my post from above. Do not get any animal..ever.

FYI, this is a dog thread.And lol at looking down on someone who keeps their dogs outside.

Even before this thread, you'd be the last person on this message board that should be getting a pet. Now you're bringing more idiocy here.

Do the dogs a favour and don't.

 

[B-Deep]

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.

well i am sure this means your two outside dogs won't roll in or eat poop

pretty much a rock solid case there

i have a beagle who does not bark, so you should get beagles as they are obviously a quiet dog

 

[irish eyes]

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.

I second the clueless comment. DO NOT get any dogs or any animals. If you are a neat freak & don't want them inside DONT get any. Pisses me off when I see dogs left outside, I have a few and would never do that. It is absolutely cruel.

 

[Amused to Death]

I'm starting to wonder if any of you people actually own dogs.

Currently own 4, all rescues. In fact our last 6 dogs have all been rescues. Never a problem, all of them housebroken when we adopted them. Ranged in age from 7 months to 6 years at time of adoption.

 

[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.

 

[VA703]

get a goat