Those who keep 'an outdoor dog' = uncaring stupid people

[midnight rambler]

Good article on keeping (a) dog(s).

http://shine.yahoo.com/pets/why-outdoor-dogs-miserable-125500891.html

The exceptions of course being having a working dog, e.g. a livestock guardian such as a Great Pyrenees as only one example. Still ANY dog needs to be an actual fully integrated part of a family or homestead, it's in their nature. Behavior problems result when not fully integrated into its immediate social structure.

[woodman]

I have two dogs, Max and Ruby, who hang out on the porch most of the time. I do not tie them up and they can roam freely. I bring them in the house only when the weather gets way below zero. they don't like to be in the house. A couple of boneheads, but they keep the riff-raff at bay and alert me when someone or something is prowling about.

[Bigjon]

Great piece for city slickers. None if our dogs wanted to be in the house.