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Health and Behavioral Problem Discussions |
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In this section, Dr. Dare Miller answers our customers' letters.
LETTER# 11:
INDOOR OR OUTDOOR?
Dear Dr. Dare:
We have a beautiful Golden Retriever that my husband insists on keeping outside. Our children love the dog very much and want her with them all the time. Our son especially likes to curl up with the dog. That's really why I am writing this letter. How can I get my husband to approve of having her in the house more? She is so friendly and sociable it seems a shame when he makes her stay out. I'm always beginning to worry that something might happen to her out there. My husband says dogs were meant to be outside. That's why they have long coats, etc., and besides the dog is too dirty to bring in the house and of course he's right. But the thought occurs to me that if we got the dog cleaned up once and she stayed inside, she'll do anything to get in. Doesn't that mean it's really better for her to be inside?
Inside or Outside
Dear Inside or Outside:
Dogs have the strongest herd instinct of all conforming or grouping animals— probably stronger than man himself. Therefore a dog's whole life can be the family he loves. To be shut away from a loved one even for a time is painful but to made constantly aware that you're a dog and don't really belong in the group must be agony even to a dog. It takes no psychologist to tell you that a dog's love and loyalty can be fierce. How deeply they must feel this. I'm sure they do. I've seen some dogs, their eyes wet with tears as they whimper to get "in." Bring your dog in— really in. It solves other problems too.
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