[selzer]

Actually, there is nothing inside my house that my dogs need when I am not inside. So, except those that have a small indoor area, right now Joy and the puppies, they are outside when I am not there.

If I have a class or something, I may leave one inside for a while. Usually not the whole house, I usually put a barrier up and let them have the bedroom, bath and hallway, or the living, dining room, kitchen, and study. It depends on which area has the most problem stuff: ant poison, windows to the front yard -- not safe, kitchen garbage, etc.

I can leave Babs or Jenna or Heidi in without doing a full house lock down. If I let Milla in, I have to hide everything that is not nailed down, the same with Joy.

There is NOTHING in my house that I really care about, that my dogs can do damage to, but there are things they should not eat, and that is why I have more peace of mind when they are in their kennels. The kennels are safe and comfortable. The house may be comfortable, and is less safe.

I almost think that when it is hot like this, they are better off being out all day. With plenty of water and shade, they acclimate to the temperature. As for inside, well, it really is not much better. I have a couple of room air conditioners and they cannot keep up. Then they throw the breaker and it is often worse inside than outside when I get home.

Usually they throw the breaker when the lights go off and then everything tries to start back up at the same time. At least when I am home that is the major cause. The other cause is trying to use the vaccume cleaner when both air conditioners are going.

But it really is less safe for them, and less comfortable in the house. I cannot leave five adult dogs, three yearlings and two puppies run around and hang out on couches -- especially since they are all intact bitches. No, I do not want to come home to the scene of a slasher movie.

Only two of them really seem like they want to scrap, but I really would rather not risk it.

They really do LIKE being outside. They feel very comfortable in the routine. I feel very comfortable with them, particularly when something comes up and I will be late or unable to make it home at all. I know that they can potty, they have water, they have a comfortable place to lie around, and they will be safe until I can get home. And if I have to have someone go and take care of them, like when I had to spend the night in the hospital, I do not have to worry about someone freaking out when all eight of my dogs run to meet them. It is easy for them to give each some food, and they will have enough water until I can get there.