Hello!
I am thinking of putting in an outside kennel and run for our GSD. He would only really be using it when we are both out, at the moment he stays in the kitchen, but he gets so hot indoors that I thought he would prefer to be outside especially in the summer, he would still be sleeping indoors at night.
What do you all think about outside runs? Are they a good idea? Also what size? Many of the ones I've seen seem to be 12ft long at the most, this seems a bit on the small size to me, but what do I know? :)
Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks.

Hi Kelly

It is much easier to steal a dog from outside than it is from inside so a run and house would need to be very secure and protected from the worst of the weather - wet and hot.  When the weather is hot why not have a fan standing on the floor then your dog can lay in front of it if he gets too warm.  This is what mine do.

Hi Christine,
I totally understand where you're coming from. I was just thinking he may prefer it. We do put a fan on for him, it's just that whenever we are at home, the back door is permanently open, even when it was snowing last night :rolleyes: Maybe I need to think about security more before I decide what to do
Thanks
:)

Hi khanu
My GSD sleeps outside, he is secure from the outside world too, but he much prefers being outside cos he gets soooo hot indoors and is always asking to go out. He hasnt got a kennel, we have a dog flap leading from the garage (which we made suitable for him bed etc) and he also has one of those igloo dog house things in the garden and he prefers sleeping in the igloo than the garage, and the garage is warmer :)

Hi Zoe,
Khanu much prefers to be outside too, although I wouldn't really want him to be outside at night. I was just thinking, that if we are going to have summers like last year he would get far too hot inside, especially since the kitchen is south facing. I guess I need to seriously think about the security issues though. I'ld be devastated if he ever went missing.

Yes of course make sure it is secure but there is nothing wrong with a dog that lives out side aslong as it is comfortable :)

our dogs are all outside. if you choose this method you need to make sure your security is good ie: kennel within sight of house, alarm systems and cctv can be fitted cheaply, security lights with PIR fitted, padlock the gate to the run and have your dog tattoed and microchipped. sounds like a long list but its worth it to keep dog theievs at bay!

If it was as hot as it was last year, my dogs preferred to be inside, because it was far too hot for them outside.  Can you not leave him in another room on the other side of the house away from the afternoon sun?

Hi,
I guess I'm going to have to play it by ear. I could put him in the other room, but this is the sitting room and whilst he is generally OK I don't want to push my luck, especially as he seems to have a new thing for all the books! :)
I suppose the best person to ask is really Khanu :) we'll just have to see how we go!
Thanks