in or out

[joe&gringo]

Im sure this has been a topic before, but most of the threads were a year ago. so here's my scenerio. I live at home w/ my mother. she likes the idea of having a dog, but really doesnt want to have him inside. Gringo, my GSD, spends most of the time outside. I work 24hr shifts 2, maybe 3 times a week. when im home, i bring him in, go for walks. i converted an old bedroom to his room, where he sleeps, and eats. when im working he usually has to stay outside. I have apprx 4ft fence, which gringo could clear before he was 6mo. so when he's outside hes tied up. once i get a place of my own, he will deff. be an inside dog, but what can i do to make him 'happier' i hate the fact that he's outside so much.

[Lucy Dog]

Yeah... being outside and tied up all day can't be much fun. Definitely not the way I'd want to live.

When you're working these 24 hour shifts, is he outside the entire time? Does your mom do anything with him when you're not there?

Could you take breaks during those shifts? Do you have any friends you trust that you could leave him with so he's not just outside tied up all day. Maybe even pay them if you have to.

[Draugr]

If you can afford it some sort of dog-sitter would be nice, if you know someone you can trust that is willing to keep him indoors and can interact with him.

Where do you work? Is it possible you could bring him in with you? Many places don't specifically prohibit or allow them. You could ask a supervisor if that would be okay, and explain your situation.

[doggiedad]

>>>> explain to your mother why he needs to be inside.

>>>> build him a big kennel.

>>>> find a sitter to come in and take him for a walk and a treat.

>>>> if you were living with your mother before you
got the dog why did you get him knowing he would
have to stay outside?

[marshies]

First priority would be his safety outside, if you can't manage to change the fact that your mother won't allow him inside.

Go to a pet store or hardware store and get the sturdiest outdoor kennel you can find that still gives your dog plenty of room to exercise and move about. Put that in your yard so your dog doesn't need to be tied when you work these long shifts. Keeping your dog in a kennel outside will at least prevent him from hurting himself on the tie, and allow him more freedom while you're at work. Make sure there is clean water for him and something comfortable to rest on.