I had a friend, who had a black lab that she inherited from someone else. Try as she may, she just couldn't get the dog to stay in at night. He wasn't happy unless he was sleeping in one of the barns outside.

He had a barn, and he felt safe there, and I have no problem with that, I meant more the dogs that are alone outside all the time, with inadequate shelter, and would probably love to be more of a part of their family, but have no choice in the matter.

Thanks for that Moonstone!

I too cannot imagine the point of having a pet then keeping it outside all the time.

In some countries dogs are chained all their lives, isolated, as guard dogs. Food is thrown to them. No shelter, no company. All their lives.
Could there be anything more sad.

Seriously. Some dogs might live in the yard in the southern USA, but it's not THAT common, thankfully. Some countries the dogs are much much worse off.

It is very common for dogs in Australia to live outside, I can't see how bad that can be for all dogs

Dogs are social creatures. Left outside on their own, they suffer from boredom and neglect. Often they're completely ignored. I'm not sure why people get dogs just to relegate them to the outside and ignore them.

If left outside and no interaction is given that is neglect, but in a lot of areas, working dogs (who are highly regarded) they are in outdoor dwellings.
Not all outside dogs get no interact, they can be trained, walked, socialised, vetted, are washed, fed and time spent outside with them. I agree if they are left outside and have nothing done is terrible, but those who look after them and give them all they require, that is not a bad thing in itself.

yeah I think she is talking about dogs on timeout & such, no I don't agree with that either!

I agree, very sad. I have never understood the reasoning that the dog tied up and living a miserable isolated existance on a chain is a guard dog. What's it guarding? Surely your valuables are in your house. What can the dog do tied up outside when the burglar is in your house? Bark? Your neighbours are probably used to hearing him bark out of boredom.