House Dog

Over the years I have heard many many people come in to their local shelter, looking for a house dog. Our cute response is always, all our dogs are house dogs, knowing that they are looking for a small dog. We get many small dogs here and most people don't realize just how easy it is to find a great small dog for their home at any animal shelter, you may have to wait or be patient until one arrives but when they do it always seems like they come in droves.

Anyway the point of this blog is to point out that any dog can be a "house dog" no matter the size. I have seen 75 lb dogs make wonderful apartment dogs because most of the day they lay around the apartment or house and then they get the joy of a wonderful walk when their owner comes home from work. They tend not to bark as much as smaller dogs, causing less noise complaints and they may take up more space inside but, they also make better bed warmers if you ask me.

Baxter, the dog shown here is a prime example. He came to us housebroken, laid back, good with other dogs/cats and honestly is one of the best house dogs I have seen. He was fine when left unattended in my office, he never barked, he never had a "mistake" and he always was just happy as a clam to hang out with me. I almost took him home to my husbands surprise but, he found a wonderful home with a couple who are making him their house dog.

Any dog can be a house dog no matter the size it is more about whether they are happier inside or outside and if they owner is willing and able to train them to be inside. Example housebroken or crate trained if necessary. Puppies and dogs are like children, you have to teach them what you want and give them routine and then they will follow the house rules if they know what they are.

This is in no way against small dogs. I love small dogs, I have owned many in my lifetime I just wanted to bring to light the fact that many large dogs are house dogs too.