We have a springer spaniel, he is 8 months old, we had him from 6 weeksd of age, he is now a lovely family dog, funny trained ect ect.
before we moves house 1 week ago he slept in the kitchen at night, now we have moved we have a garage he sleeps in there in his cozy bed with ample blankets, toys ect, we put him in about 11pm and let him out in the garden at 7am, of for his morning walk then.
Just had a email from my brother telling me i am cruel for putting him in the garage at night!! i have never had dogs, always cats, my fiance grew up with dogs, who always slept in the stables or the garage too, so we do the same with ours,
My thoughts are, this kitchen is tiny, so would he get too hot in the summer enclosed in there, and is he happier in the garage, cooler ect, he doesnt bark at all in there and still seams his usual happy self.
i feel my family are always telling my i do everything wrong with my dog, and constantly reminding me od the do’s and donts, even though i already know this, commenting me badly on how i live life with my dog!!
what do you think?
obviously i will re assess the situation as the winter nights come along.
13 Answers
That is not cruel at all. There are many, many pet dogs who sleep outside, year round. Now that’s what I think is cruel. Your dog sounds very happy and well cared for with his cozy bed, blankets and toys. Some people like to keep their dogs in the house at night, but many prefer to keep them in the garage or the laundry. It doesn’t really matter, as long as doggy is happy and not cold in winter or too hot in summer. You sound like a lovely, caring person who loves your dog. He will be fine in the garage. As I said, just make sure he’s not too hot or cold in the summer and winter months.
I’m not sure what state you’re in but you have to be careful with the temperature in the garage to make sure he’s not getting too hot or cold. My friend was staying with her family once who had 3 labs sleeping the the garage where they also had an electric heater blowing for the dogs to stay warm since it was so cold in there. Well the heater started a fire and all 3 of the dogs burned alive. It was the saddest thing I’ve ever heard of in my life!! The firefighters couldn’t get to the dogs in time because of how quick the fire started and they also lost their entire house from the fire. So be careful about any type of heaters or electrical items that might be left in the garage with your dog.
Take care.
Follow your Gut. Your dog is fine in the garage as long as he is not too hot or too cold. I know plenty of people that put their dog in a crate at night (much smaller than the garage). And some people use a dog house outside. As long as your dog is protected from the elements he will be fine. I do suggest a nightlight and a radio just so the dog can hear some voices and not be in a dark garage.
Tell your family to Zip It next time they start. you sound like a responsible pet owner.
Dont worry. Lots of people put their dogs in the garage. And from what it sounds like, he’s not cooped up in there for a long time. and you’re on the right track. Once winter gets here, you might want to keep him in the kitchen, where its warmer.
Is your dog happy.. yes
Is your dog whining.. no
Are you abusing your dog/cruel? No
We don’t all do things the same way.
I feel sure that in winter you will bring him into
the kitchen
If I may could I make a suggestion, check on him at least once during the night, and let him out to eliminate.
You are doing nothing wrong.
1
It’s not cruel as lond as its not to hot or to cold nd he has plenty of food and water. and when winter come’s i would get a heater in the garage or let hi inside
dogs don’t mind being in the garage. they will like it if its cozy. i know some dogs sleep outside and other dogs live in garages because they aren’t allowed inside a house.
As long as the dog is comfortable,well fed,plenty of water, looked after,ETC which he seems to be, I do not see anything wrong with it. From your statement you seem to be the type who would not do this to any animal unless the animal was well looked after. Its too bad not all people look after their pets as well as you do.
Hi… if your dog is content being in the garage overnight, then i don’t think it will hurt him.
If you are interested in letting him spend overnight in the house at some future date, then try it and see how it goes.
My dogs always stayed in the house overnight, but that is how i do things. We are all different…..