How do I adjust my 3yr old lab to living outdoors?

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We are about to close on a house with a big yard. It's perfect for my overactive pup, except I worry about throwing him in the yard immediately. Are there steps to adjusting him to the outdoors, or is tough love the best way to handle it
 
I there a reason why your dog won't be allowed in the house? It would probably be fine outside during the day if it has plenty of shade and things to keep itself entertained. Maybe you could allow your dog in some, to sleep inside at night. I have never had an outside only dog. Dog are pack animal and need interaction with the family.
 
Why would you want to do that?

He doesn't want to be outside by himself without his family.

My dogs go out to potty and play under my supervision and we have a huge yard.

Sorry I don't believe in "outside" dogs ... especially since your dog is already an inside dog.
 
well, he's not going to live in the yard 24/7/365, right?

all dogs enjoy outdoor fun. you just need to go out there and play with him.

don't forget to take the dog for a good daily walk and a little training session, though- a little exercise and obedience drill goes a REALLY long way!
 
If he is use to being inside, why after 3 years would you want him to live outside? I'm assuming that it's because you don't want him to mess up your new home. I personally don't think this is fair to the dog, nor is it safe. Many dogs can dig out of a fenced yard, jump the fence, gate be left open by accident, can be stollen or poisoned, etc. It's just not safe to let a dog outdoors when you are not home or sleeping. Beside that, you don't even know anything about your new neighbors. Kids now days can and will pull all kinds of crap. Try to re-think you decision, please.
 
It's not tough love to just throw a (house dog) into the back yard. That is harsh and cruel. If you do it then make it a gradual process. Has the animal been indoor since birth at the foot of your bed? Imagine him trying to get comfortable all alone in the dark with strange bugs crawling around and chirping. Make it gradual...start with a few hours a day and you are with him most of that time. Then move on to the same in the evening. You are his pack since coming to your home and he just won't understand why you have disowned him all of a sudden. Throwing a dog into the backyard is how people end up with barkers. Dogs that bark constantly and you end up with complaining neighbors and a lot of negative attitude at home. You'll be constantly yelling no and shut up. Eventually the owner blames it all on the dog and they dump him at the pound. Is this what he has to look forward to in your home? Please take the time to adjust him slowly and if he just doesn't want to stay out (all) night then don't force the issue...after all what's wrong with a foot warmer at the end of the bed anyways....Right? let him choose on this one...you are his pack ...
 
You don't.

Its one thing to give him access to the yard, but to leave him out there permanantly is a different story. Esp. after living inside for 3 years.

Dogs are pack animals. They are not meant to live isolated, especially Labs. An overactive pup needs more exercise and training, not to be isolated alone all the time.

A big yard is not a substitute for exercise. He needs the mental stimulation of walking in new areas, with different smells and needs a chance to run. He also neeeds interact with people and/or dogs.
 
I pray that you are just planning on having your pup outside some of the time, and with you, inside for the remainder. Labs are family dogs, they love interaction with their parents/owners.
 
I wouldn't spoil a lab's great demeanor by banishing him outdoors. Especially if he's been indoors all of his life.

If you are worried that he will destroy your new home, try training him to no longer do the things that destroy your home.
 
Why would you just take a dog that has been living inside with you for 3 years and just throw him out back like yesterdays garbage.

Sorry I don't mean to be rude but that is how he is going to see it.

Dogs are pack animals, especially labs. They thrive to be with their families.

Its just cruel what you are thinking of doing.

It would be one thing if the dog was an outside dog all along but to have had him as an inside dog for 3 years and then just throw him outside that is just the meanest thing I've ever heard.


What you need to do is let him continue to live inside but let him go outside and play when he pleases, get a dog door even.
 
This may be hard for your dog at first, I would each day make your dog go outside. Lets say for the fist day you make him stay out for 3 hours... it's not going to kill your dog, but he may whine... when he starts to whine open the door and yell no, but don't let him run into the house.
Each day make him spend more and more time out there... if your dog seems to whine alot even after yelling no ( this may take a couple of months) then I would get another dog, just like humans dogs like to have play mates... put toys outside for your dog to play with as well because this may help. Once your dog is used to being outside let him come in at night for a couple of hours so he knows your not neglecting him, then when you go to bed make him go back outside.
Hope this helps!
With Love

P.S. Make sure you leave water outside for your dog because many people forget this...
For my dogs I have a white paint gallon tub (cleaned of coarse) full of water. Its the perfect height. (:
 
This may be hard for your dog at first, I would each day make your dog go outside. Lets say for the fist day you make him stay out for 3 hours... it's not going to kill your dog, but he may whine... when he starts to whine open the door and yell no, but don't let him run into the house.
Each day make him spend more and more time out there... if your dog seems to whine alot even after yelling no ( this may take a couple of months) then I would get another dog, just like humans dogs like to have play mates... put toys outside for your dog to play with as well because this may help. Once your dog is used to being outside let him come in at night for a couple of hours so he knows your not neglecting him, then when you go to bed make him go back outside.
Hope this helps!
With Love

P.S. Make sure you leave water outside for your dog because many people forget this...
For my dogs I have a white paint gallon tub (cleaned of coarse) full of water. Its the perfect height. (:
 
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