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14-month-old spayed mixed-breed (Labrador and Springer Spaniel) refuses even to consider using her doghouse

We have a 14-month-old spayed mixed-breed (Labrador and Springer Spaniel) that refuses even to consider using her doghouse. No other dogs have used it, so her refusal can’t be caused by another scent. We live in East Central Illinois where the wind in the winter can be quite dangerous for outside animals. Because we work away from home, we must leave her outside during the day. She is very active and doesn’t seem to mind this at all, but with very cold weather on the horizon I am getting more concerned. We live on five acres without buildings that are easy for her to enter when she wishes. She has this really nice house, so why does she want to lounge on a dirt floor in the old machine shed?

Many people do leave their dogs indoors while they work during the day; it is reassuring for them to know their pets aren’t getting hurt or into trouble while they are away. When destructive or elimination problems cause owners to want to "put the dog out" when they aren’t home to supervise, my suggestion is to do some training and some strategic confinement instead. My favorite setup for home-alone dogs is confinement in a warm, dog-proof area inside the house, such as a utility room with a doggie door that allows access to a safely enclosed outside run. This helps relieve boredom and offers relief when the dog needs to eliminate. My second suggestion would be to hire a dog walker to come and exercise your dog midday. Kenneling would be my third choice; because your dog seems to like to be inside your outbuilding, I’d suggest you build her an in-and-out containment there if it is safe and feasible.

Dogs don’t necessarily like what we like for them; the shiny new dog house may feel colder than the dirt floor and probably seems foreign to her. If you slept in it with her for a few weeks, she might change her mind! Because I doubt you’ll be that inspired to help her adjust, just be sure to keep her safe with some inescapable fencing and a warm place indoors that she actually will use. If you gave her a kennel run with only the doghouse in it, when the weather got cold enough, she’d use it unless she actually was afraid of the house.

I’m always concerned when I hear about dogs left home to run loose. Despite the size of your property, I’d worry your dog might wander off looking for greener pastures (or warmer doghouses) and get hurt. Try to provide her with an environment that is safe and comfortable.


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