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The Backyard Dog

Saturday, September 13 - 10:00 AM CST

Keeping a dog outdoors is almost always bad for the dog and has no benefits for the humans inside the house. We'll talk about why people still keep dogs in the backyard, how to successfully bring an outdoor dog inside, how to talk to someone you know who keeps a dog outside, and how better to deal with "indoor" problems of shedding, barking and peeing in the house.

Reasons why people keep dogs outside:

• The dog protects the house

• I don't want the dog to "go" in the house

• I don't want dog hair all over the house

• Dogs smell and they're dirty/have fleas

Facts:

• Dogs are social animals who need interaction with their "pack"

• Dogs kept outdoors develop behavioral problems such as barking, digging, aggression and running away

• Dogs kept in yards are vulnerable to teasing, taunting, poisoning, theft and being set free

• Dogs cannot protect belongings and family members inside the house if they are outside the house; the only one protected by chaining a dog in the yard is the burglar

• Chaining a dog restricts physical exercise and is cruel.

• Outdoor and backyard dogs can be safely brought inside to be part of the family. They can be housetrained, cleaned up and trained in obedience and manners.

• Putting any dog on a schedule of potty breaks will cause most dogs to "hold it," knowing there's a break coming up in a few hours.

• Dogs need friendship and social interaction more than they need "fresh air." Time spent training a dog will cultivate a relationship that will encourage the dog to protect you and your shared den more than isolating a social animal in a yard ever could.

Resources:

Why dogs don't do well outdoors

http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_BackyardDogs.php

Why backyard dogs make lousy home security systems

http://www.drdog.com/philosophy.htm

Materials you can use to help backyard and other neglected dogs
http://www.helpinganimals.com/angel-bydpack.html

Website about helping chained and other dogs in need
http://www.dogsdeservebetter.com

How to help abused animals in your neighborhood
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_HelpingAbusedAnimals.php

Helping chained dogs
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_Chaining.php

Housebreaking a dog who lived outside
http://www.VeterinaryPartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1070

Orlando FL residet Elizabeth Dott - a student, dog groomer and agility competitor of 15 years - has started a campaign to lose 100 pounds in a year for her sport. She started in July 2008.

She is joined by other dog agility enthusiasts with similar goals on a Yahoo! Group called GetFit4DogAgility. To join, go to getfit4agility@yahoogroups.com. See her weekly video updates at YouTube (search for "airalibi").

We met Elizabeth on this week's episode of the Lucky Dog Show. We'll be checking in with her periodically to find out how she's doing and to wish her luck.

You go, honey!

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11:00 a.m. Eastern

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