How Do I Train My Dog to Stay Outside Alone? (Solved!)

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If you want to keep your dog outside,  you should train them gradually. This will be easier if you start when your dog is a pup and you should always take your time to try a few methods.

You encourage your dog to get used to outdoor space by placing their favorite toys and treats around their outdoor kennel that is warm and spacious.

Can Dogs Sleep Outside

Dogs can sleep outside at night so long as the weather is temperate, they have access to water and the place they are sleeping is dry, comfortable, and clean. 

For your dog to sleep soundly, his mental and physical needs must be met. Also do not forget about security. Make sure your dog is somewhere where he can’t get out and no one else can get in!

How to Train Your Dog to Stay Outside

It is best to train your dog to sleep outside gradually. Suddenly shutting out a house dog at night can cause them distress.

  1. Let your dog take a nap during the day where you want him to sleep at night. Try and repeat this several times during the day.
  2. Also, take your dog out more often at night and let him get used to the dark. 
  3. Spend time together in the area where he will stay out at night. After repeating this over and over, slowly start letting your dog go on its own.
  4. Put the food bowl and treats around your dog’s kennel, spread his favorite toys around, so it will be easier for him to adapt to his new place

Why Do People Want Their Dogs to Stay Outside?

One of the biggest reasons people want their dogs to stay outside is because they either cannot cope with dog hairs or their dog is not housebroken.

If you have a puppy that is still peeing in the house, you need to be patient because puppies do not have as developed a body structure as adult dogs. They pee more often and are still learning. Housebreaking will take some time.

Why is it a Good Idea to Keep Our Dog Outside

Keeping your home pet hair-free may be a reason to keep your dog outside. However, pet hairs come as part of life with a dog. Whilst most owners cope with pet hairs, you may have a relative or friend staying over for the night who is allergic and your dog may have to sleep outside for a day or two until their guest departs.

Another reason is that you might have a destructive dog that gnaws at anything it can get its paws on. In this case, training and discipline should be implemented, locking your dog outside can help them burn off some steam but is not a long-term solution.

How Long Should a Dog Be Left Outside Alone?

 If your dog hasn’t been alone for a long time before, he probably won’t be able to cope very well, so dogs that are very young or not used to being alone should only be left for short periods.

Some dogs can stay alone for a long time since they are more durable than other dogs, especially dogs like huskies and border collies. but still, according to experts, dogs should stay alone no more than 8-10 hours at a time.

Is it Cruel to Leave The Dog outside?

Dogs are super social. So long as they have access to people or other dogs and all their basic needs are met, a dog that is used to living outside should be fine.

But if you have an indoor dog and suddenly make them live outside you may have a problem. Dogs are creatures of habit. If you are going to change their routine you should do it gradually and make sure they feel safe and are comfortable at all times.

When Can I Leave My Dog Outside Alone?

You can safely leave your dog outside when the weather is not too hot or cold. Also watch out for extreme weather, as windy or rainy conditions can sometimes cause objects in the surrounding area to sway and fall.

If your dog is an indoor dog, they will probably want to be outside during the day rather than at night, but if you have an outdoor dog, morning or evening will not matter to them.

Will Leaving My Dog ​​Outside Cause Psychological Damage to Him? 

Since dogs have evolved with the herd mentality, they do not enjoy being alone. They are social creatures just like us humans, so if you leave your dog alone for a long time, It can cause psychological issues.

Dogs who are accustomed to living in a family environment may have to cope with anxiety due to abandonment syndrome.

In addition, dogs being left alone can affect their social status. It is important that dogs know their place in the household ‘hierarchy’ and if their role becomes confused, they can become more irritable and lack confidence in their owners.

How Do You Teach Alone Time To Your Puppy?

Leave your puppy surrounded by toys that they love in an area close to their kennel or bed. Put their treats and favorite toys out, and spend time playing together for short periods, and slowly back away as your puppy finds something they are interested in playing or chewing.

Increase this time a little more each time and start leaving your pup alone after a while, but don’t forget to check in often.

After a while, your puppy will adapt to its place for ‘quiet time’. 

As time progresses, your puppy will feel that his kennel or bed belongs to them and will adopt it.

What Dogs Can Stay Outside All the Time?

There are certain dog breeds that do great outside. Although we traditionally keep pets indoors there are dog breeds that were made for the outdoors, such as farm dogs, mountain dogs, and other working dogs that would help toil the land.

Here is a shortlist of the best dogs for outdoor living:

  • American FoxHound
  • Australian Cattle Dog
  • Border Collie
  • Irish Wolfhound
  • Mastiff
  • Rottweiler
  • Beagle
  • Siberian Husky

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