I own a 4 year old lab/springer/dalmation/chesapeak mix and for about 2 years now she has been living mostly outside. She has a chain that is attached to the garage and we leave the door open about 2 feet for her to get in and out as she needs while we are gone. Her food and water are kept inside that area.
I know chaining is a bad idea that has many bad behavior traits linked to it. I let her inside whenever I can, but my dad continually takes her back out. I am still a teenager so I live at home and things must be followed by his rules. I have tried aproaching him about this, but "His house, his rules" She is well trained but does shed quite a bit.
Is there anyway I can make her day more enjoyable? Or can anyone help me convince my parents chaining is a bad idea?!?! Any help is appreciated
Thank You

Hi Boarder..oh dear me, what a mess.
Can I ask why your parents got the dog in the first place, without wishing to sound mean, was it sort of imposed upon them by someone...or did they actually set out to get it.
Also...what are your dads reasons for chaining up? Did the dog do something wrong at one point?

Has she been to training classes? Perhaps this would convince your dad that she is able to be indoors.

Are you in the UK or abroad (you sound as though you might be in the USA)? Perhaps this is the way your dad was brought up, and he sees the dogs place as outside. Is there anyone of higher authority than yourself that could maybe speak for you.
I know a lot of dogs are kept as "yard dogs" but it is a real shame as they can be such loving, loyal companions. I really hope that you get somewhere with this. (Is anyone at home with the dog in the day, if your parents are out all day, perhaps your father doesnt trust the dog indoors?)

Let us know how you get on.
steph
:)

Thank you so much for responding Steph!! We got CoCoa (our dog) when she was 7 weeks old from the local animal shelter. I had been wanting a dog my entire life and finally my parents agreed. A dog came to the shelter pregnant and CoCoa was one of the puppies delivered. She wasn't imposed on us at all.
I'm not sure on my dad's reasoning, she did have one big accident when she was about a year old, but hasn't had any since.
I've had her enrolled in many training classes, so that is not the problem. Both obedience and aglilty. Right now she is currently not in one, but once winter starts I think we are starting another class. She is well trained but has been a bit on the agressive side now for a while. I believe this to be because of the chaining.
And yes, I live in the USA, but I'm not sure if my dad was brought up with "dog outside" morals. I know my mother was raised on a farm and believes that, but that situation is not possible where we live because of the small children in our neighborhood. I have an older brother and sister, but I don't think they are willing to help me out on this one. Neither live at home anymore.
Both my parents work during the day so no one is home from about 9AM till 3PM when I get back from school
Once again thank you for your continuing help

Hi...

Hmm.. is there a compromise could be achieved? Do you have your own room - maybe a 'den' [thinking USA here ;D].

Maybe you could do a deal with your parents.... say good grades or improved grades gives some in house tiome for the dog? promise to take care of any mess/hairs - offer to take on some householf chores.

maybe offer to do a trial period of limited indoor access... and then talk about it afterwards? Turn the garage into your den and make it an area for you and the dog?

As a parent of 3 teenagers I am always open to bribery and corruption haha... if they want something they know I don't fancy then it usually is offered via a sweetner.

I don't know if this is possible but if you go for it try writing down what you will give if they give a bit and like I say maybe a trial period where you and the dog can prove the benefits of it?

Good luck, you sound a very level headed teenager, maybe give my kids some tips ;).

regards Dave

That sounds like a good idea! I will try discussing a compromise with the both of them. Thank you for your help!! I will update you as their opinions come back. Thanks!

This is a message for the users pottie...hehe no those two CoCoa's are not the same dog. My dog has been spayed since about 5 months old so I have no intent of breeding her. hehe

I'k afraid this post has lost me! I thought the poster had a serious problem but from the last offering I now wonder if it is a windup? Users pottie???

John

Your guess is as good as mine, John!

I'm sorry I have confused you all!!! The message for a user with the name "pottie" i had recieved a notice that they had replied to my post, but it never showed up on here!! Sorry for confusion!! But yes, help is still VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!

Sorry Boarder, all is clear now! :)

Best wishes, John