- It is important that you provide a safe, warm, and comfortable environment for your dog to live in.
- Some places have regulations about animals being kept outside for extended periods of time. Check with your city, county, and/or state for any specific rules, ordinances or requirements if your dog is going to be kept outside or can be kept outside.
- If your dog will be housed outside, provide shelter such as a doghouse for when it is cold or rainy and shade for when it is hot. Protecting your dog from the changes in weather will reduce stress and help keep it healthy.
- Make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water every day.
- Consider fencing in your yard rather than tying your dog outside. A fence will not only give your pet room to play, but a physical fence barrier will also will protect it from wild animals and reduce the risk of strangers interacting with your dog. Several studies have shown that dogs on a chain are more likely to bite than those in a fenced yard. Fencing that provides a physical barrier are safer for your pet than fencing that provides no physical barrier.
- If your dog is in a kennel, make sure to clean it regularly to prevent build-up of feces and possible spread of disease.
