Living with a working K9

[novarobin]

I have a few questions about living with a working dog, specifically Police K9, in general. I would imagine the answers will vary anyway.
Do you kennel outside? Crate in the house?
If you have other non-working dogs, are they constantly in their company or do you keep them seperate for the most part?
If you keep them seperate, is it just because they don't get along or for other reasons?
Are there different rules for working and non-working in the house?
Why do you do things your particular way?

Any insight into the home life of a working dog is appreciated.

[DFrost]

Often times, whether or not a dog lives in the house is dependant on the dog. Some dogs develop behaviors that are not compatible with working, when living in the house. they stay in the kennel. Some live in the house with no problems. some, while controllable animals, just don't need to be around small children, they usually live in a kennel, if the handler has small children. Some handlers dn't want the dog living in the house, they live in the kennel. Some woudln't have it any other way, than for the dog to be in the house. It really boils down to the dog and how the handler feels about having a dog in the house.

DFrost

[novarobin]

Originally Posted By: DFrostSome dogs develop behaviors that are not compatible with working, when living in the house. they stay in the kennel.
DFrost

That;s what I am wondering. What kind of behaviors may develop? What about exposure to other dogs? Assuming they get along, are there behaviors that may develop?

[ladylaw203]

My working dogs stay in a kennel. I do not want them in the AC in this climate. They must aclimate to the working conditions. If they live in the AC, the heat and humidity kicks their butt when they are put to work. I have fans on them,but no AC. They are not pets, they work. Some of these dogs would not make a nice house dog. My dogs are kept separate.
I prefer the dogs to know that when I grab them it is time to go to work. The house doggy thing is not that great for a working dog.

[novarobin]

Thanks. I have had a similar answer for here except it isn't the humidity, its the cold.

[ladylaw203]

wow, Just noticed. Yes, you do have a bit of chilly weather...... beats a hurricane! Ike kicked our butts down here......

[Amaruq]

Hey, Renee, glad to see you back! Everyone on your family ok??

[ladylaw203]

Well, Ike kicked our butts. Have some damage to my home, kennels,barns, trees down everywhere,but all in all very,very lucky compared to many in the area who have no home at all. Was a long night. Myself and 15 dogs stayed on a military ship in my port. Have some interesting video

[novarobin]

Wow, I can't imagine. Glad you guys are ok. I'll take a snowstorm anyday.

[Sarah'sSita]

Glad you are OK in TX.
St. Paul k9 unit has outdoor kennels for their dogs; built in the yard of the handlers. They stay out in the kennel all year long. My friend who is an officer will take her dog inside the house in a crate when its gets extremely cold. We can get to 30 below up here (and over 100 and humid in the summer) Dogs need that double coat! they have GSDs, I guess they do better with the climate.