[entaifsfets]

We are getting ready to move from a condo with no enclosed/private outside area to a house with a backyard. My boyfriend is very excited to build a kennel for Sasha (9 month old APBT); but I'm feeling a little anxious. She is used to being an indoor dog and is crated inside when left by herself.

Does anyone have any recommendations on how to introduce and acclimate Sasha to having a backyard? Additionally, to an outdoor kennel? I am just concerned it will be overwhelming for her and she is so balanced right now, I'm worried!

I'm sure I will be keeping her inside with me as much as possible... =) But I know she will love her new outside play area, so I want to make sure to do it right!

Thanks in advance PBC'ers!

[Vomazoono]

Don't leave her outside in a fenced in area unsupervised unless she is 100% securely contained (tied up or there is a roof). I don't think she'll have any problems adjusting to a bit of freedom but pit bull type dogs are MASTER escape artists when they want to be so the best thing to do is not let her realize there's a way to get out.

[ggandibazz]

Don't leave her outside in a fenced in area unsupervised unless she is 100% securely contained (tied up or there is a roof). I don't think she'll have any problems adjusting to a bit of freedom but pit bull type dogs are MASTER escape artists when they want to be so the best thing to do is not let her realize there's a way to get out.

I agree. My boyfriend's mom had a pit bull who could get out of everything. Chains kennels etc, she was always getting loose. She chewed through a leather harness once(the part that was on her chest, under her neck) The dog hated to be inside too so she would drive everyone in the house crazy when confined indoors. Finally after much trial and error and a lot of escapes, one accident where the dog came home limping and the vet said she probably slipped and fell on ice(she wasn't seriously hurt thank god) and one accidental pregnancy(they got her fixed after that) they cemented the floor of her kennel(she was digging out) and put a wooden roof on it(if she couldn't dig she would climb/jump out) did she finally stay put. They still let her out of the kennel for family time in the yard and they let her in the house if she wanted in there but normally she insisted on being outside.

My dogs live inside. Our back yard is fenced in so they go out there to potty and play. They don't stay out there too long by themselves but they love being out there when we are cooking out or have a bon fire or when the kids are playing. They have toys and water out there and I plan on getting them a little pool when it gets hotter. The other day the kids where roasting marshmallows. They thought it was funny to break the end of their sticks so they where bent down with the marshmallow on the end and they where leading our pit bull puppy around like a donkey with a carrot. lol Finally when they let him have the marshmallows he licked them once and then decided that he didn't want to eat it, but he sure liked the game so they did it all over again. My dogs like to be wherever I am so If I'm outside they want to be outside, If I'm inside that's where they want to be. It can sometimes be a pain, like when I go to hang laundry and my pit bull puppy decides he wants to "help" by pulling on the blankets on the line or running off with a dropped clothespin. lol

I would say if sasha is used to being inside with you and your boyfriend then she is probably not going to like to be outside by herself at first. If you plan on her spending a lot of time alone out there maybe you could start by spending time with her while outside until she's used to it and can leave her alone. Or, she may like all the new sights and smells and be content to be out there.

I've never had an outside dog before and my dogs are spoiled rotten brats so I'm just trying to think of things I would do.

[Sthjrderfida]

Just make sure that she is safe and contained, always make sure she has shelter with fresh water available and something to keep her entertained.

Also, it may be in your best interest she is not a crazy barker before leaving her alone as you don't want to piss off the neighbors lol

[Accecyncphory]

I would recommend to still leave her crated, if you're in a neighbourhood. It's just safer that way.

If you're in a good area to leave her outside, make a proper chain spot for her. It's safer than a kennel and provides the dog more space.

I've never not had a yard.. but I imagine dogs adjust pretty quickly to it.