[annouhMus]

We've had a big freeze here in Mn. and I was wondering what your thoughts are on acclimation. The news actually had a warning to bring your dogs in because they were in "danger". I see alot of folks (not excluding this site) that think outside dogs are living these horribly neglected lives outside. I've had bulldogs for over 20 years but for humors sake I thought I'd run a little "experiment".

All my dogs are on chains and have insulated houses packed with quality straw above the snow with carpet flaps on the doors.

I keep my house at 68 degrees.

7am- Brought the dogs in, it was -17 degrees. Dogs were running around outside in the snow having a blast. They were happy to be in, playing and fucking with the cats.

12pm- Dogs started panting and whining to go outside, however when let out they pissed within 10 feet of the door and immediately wanted in.

6pm- Dogs were miserable, panting and restless, Mongo went out but waited to piss till he was back in the kitchen. (asshole) I also noticed at this point their feet also couldn't take the cold and they were trying to stand on 3 or even 2 (lol) legs.

Overnight- Dogs panted and whined all night, finding cool places to lay such as the tile or by the patio door.

8am- Let the dogs out, they hung out for a minute or two then (no shit) they all 3 went back to their doghouses!

In my conclusion judging by the dogs behavior, bouncing them in and out was harder on them then just letting them stay out where they were acclimated.

Opinions?

[PRengin]

I think it just depends what they're used to. I wouldn't put my dogs outside on a chain with a house no matter how insulated; but that's because they're used to and comfortable with being in the house with us. They'd rather just be out to do their business and come back. Some dogs used to life outside and are tolerant of the cold just aren't comfortable being in the house because it's new to them, they feel cramped, etc. It doesn't mean they couldn't easily adjust to the changes and and won't soon learn to love it inside more than being out on a chain, but many people don't want to encourage the dog to enjoy it anyway if they don't want the dog staying in the house primarily. A lot of people are used to having their dogs outside a lot, and there's no point in them making the effort to help their dog learn to love the indoors too. It takes time to get used to a new environment when you're accustomed to something else.

[dupratac]

If it were me I would just leave them out and keep an eye on them or maybe bring them in just for over night. Our dogs stay out most of the time. Drew has cut a doggy door into the side of his building so they can get in there if they want but most of the time they will just stay in their dog houses. Mine love coming in but after a few hours they get restless and so do I...lol

We rarely have freezing weather here so I have never given it much thought.

[MattJargin]

When I lived in PA, they would tell you to bring your pets in at a certain temperate. We'd bring Cuddles in, which would last for like five minutes, and she's be whining at the door. We'd let her out. She'd come back. Be inside for like a second, and whine at the door again. Then we'd let her stay out, but wouldn't put her back in her pen, and she'd find a warm place in the leaves underneath our deck to sleep. However, she is not a short haired dog.

[DOWNLOADnowADOBEphotoSHOP]

I think with the proper insulated houses, dogs that are used to being outside will be fine. They are animals with good survival methods, in the end!

But *I* would not survive at your place - 68?! I'm freezing and it's 70 in here!

[annouhMus]

It's -18 today lol their fine out there but my ass is stayin in!!

[freeringsf]

I think they are fine Loco. We bring ours in at night, but they all are happy to come in at bedtime when it's 10 degrees out. Mollie can't stand going out when it's wet or hot out, but it's because she's used to being in the house.... the other dogs are used to being outside, so that's where they prefer.

** Oh, Teal, you'd really freeze at my house I don't like it over 62 in the winter (and that's pushing it, I'd rather have it at 60), and during the summer, I don't like for it to get over 70, 72 at the most. It was 10 degrees this morning coming in to work.