Backyard advice

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sheltieluvr6

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Hey guys!

I have a critical question. Could a sheltie puppy (say 3 months) be left in a backyard while I was at work and/or school? I'm still not sure if I'm getting him, but, I would have to leave him in the backyard during those times.

The breeder just gave me a picture of him. He's so tiny compared to her other shelties, so she's said. His name right now is Bug or Bugatti. I really want him, but it's making it more difficult to make a (relatively) unbiased decision with a picture of his cuteness! :gaah

The answer to this question might help me determine my decision. My sis-in-law who's house I would be living at doesn't want another dog. I understand where she's coming from. They have a baby and a few dogs already. I would give my all to take care of him and not her though. I feel that while I was away, he could be in there backyard with the Basset, April. She is a very friendly dog who is great for a puppy who loves to romp around. I feel like she could get along with any pup. You never know, however. Any insights would be great.

http://s1128.photobucket.com/albums...uppies/?action=view&current=Puppyat6weeks.jpg
 
Aww, he sure is a cutie. :yes:

Personally, I would definitely NOT leave a 3-month old puppy alone in the backyard for any length of time, let alone a few hours... regardless of whether or not the puppy and other dog get along.

Quite apart from that, the fact that the homeowner, your SIL, does not want another dog in the house is a huge concern. I know you would do your very best to make sure you took care of your own dog, and your SIL wouldn't have to care for it... but the fact is, even if nobody else ever has to lift a finger to feed/water/walk/etc. your dog, every person in that house will still be affected by the dog's presence. They'll all have to listen to him bark. They'll all have to deal with the fact that he's had an accident on the floor (which he will--he is a puppy, after all), etc. If the dog is unwelcome already, these things will only seem MORE annoying.

It can be tough living with family... even when you love them and you all get along. I lived with my in-laws for about a year before hubs and I moved down to TN. During that time, I really wanted a pet of my own, but I just couldn't bring myself to even ask the in-laws. I get along with them great... they are very kind and sweet people... and no way did I want them inconvenienced by my pet! They had a dog and two cats of their own already, and so while I was there, I got my pet "fix" by embracing their pets as my own.

Since you say this family already has a few dogs, I would recommend you do the same... while you are there, their pets are your pets! I am sure your SIL would appreciate your help with caring for the dogs already there. If you're walking them, playing with them, etc. then she doesn't have to. As a bonus, all that experience will help you later on, when you're in your own place and are in a better position to add the Sheltie puppy you've always wanted.

Just my two cents' worth. :smile2:
 
Sorry, but my answer is no as well.

My dogs are 2 and and I would never leave them in the yard unattended. I don't even like to leave them out there when I'm home and not watching them. There are too many unknowns that can happen.

They can get sick eating grass/plants/chemicals/etc..., they can be stolen, a puppy can be attacked by animals (hawks, coyotes, etc...), they could ruin the yard by digging or chewing, or they could even find a way to get away.
 
I have to agree with the others. No way would i leave a puppy outside unsupervised. My dogs have free access to outside when i am home, but if I am not home they are in the house. Too many things can happen.
 
Puppies can squeeze through the smallest holes possible, ones you think they can't get through. Personally, I would not leave a puppy outside unattended for any length of time just because of their curiosity and the danger they can put themselves into with it. When I got Emma, I had to undergo a home inspection, just like if I were adopting a baby. The yard got a real good lookover.

It may be that you will need to wait for a puppy, given your home situation. Waiting will make it that much sweeter and enjoyable for you.
 
No a puppy can't stay outside all day in a backyard by itself, and also you should never bring a puppy into a situation where everyone in the household is not on board.

Sorry....wish I had better news for you, but I applaud you for taking the time to really think this decision through.
 
A three month old? Nope...

... a few reasons why.

Hawks ...
Stolen ...
Three month old puppies are very susceptible to Coccidia which they pick up from grass and dirt ... a board puppy equals a mischievous puppy that eats dirt and other tasty things...
What if it comes up a thunderstorm when you're gone? I don't leave my adults outside even though they have outdoor doghouses... to scary and possibly dangerous for them.
A better option, buy an xpen an set up in kitchen with toys and a bed. That way if puppy was to have an accident you have easy clean up.
But, If your SIL doesn't want another puppy it would be best to respect her decision.
 
I agree with the others - I would never leave a puppy or adult dog outside all day ...way too many dangers! Our Shelties are only out when we are out with them. And, bringing home a pet has to be a unanimous family decision - once in the home they become everyone's responsibility whether that is the intent or not in the beginning. If your SIL says no, you should respect her decision. You can love her pets as your own and start a savings account for the day that you have your own place and can have your own Sheltie!
 
i agree with the above posts.
even to this day, when my girls are outside in back yard, door is open and i check on them alot, if i am not outside with them. in the front yard, they only allowed there if i am with them the whole time, i come in, they come in.
 
You should not be getting a puppy right now. Not because of the backyard thing though I do not believe that is a good idea. But because of the reason why you are considering putting him in the backyard. Your SIL doesn't want another dog in the house. So end of story that is it. No dog.

You would not believe the number of people who bring their puppies/dog, cat/kitties, rabbits, birds, gerbils or whatever to the humane society and shelters who story started out just like this. It always starts out alright but as soon as the newness wears off and the person who didn't want the puppy gets tired of it, it becomes the puppy or the highway and the puppy always loses. If your luckily you have a good breeder who would take the puppy back but it that really fair to the puppy. Frankly I would not place a puppy into such a situation.

My suggestion pass on this puppy and wait until you have your own place and are settled. There will be other puppies trust me. We get the ones we are suppose to get. Doesn't sound like you are ment to get this one. I don't mean to sound harsh and I know this is not want you want to hear but you need to be fair to this puppy.
 
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