hello all,
My maltese mix just turned one and he's lived inside the house for all of his life, but he's been a problem child for all the time, too. He's eaten up both our couches (one of which was a replacement because he bit the old one to death) and it's just too much of a risk to leave him inside by himself when we are all out for the day. So my parents and I finally decided that we would leave him outside during the day, newly bought doghouse included.
But my worries are that he won't adjust. He hasn't been eating and won't go to the bathroom. My cousin said he'd just be so used to being inside (he also told me that it was mean of me to do this). I love my dog with all my heart and want what's best for him. Should I leave him out there and see if he adjusts, or should I bring him back in?
Your dog is a maltese mix and should not be left outside, IMO. Since he's lived indoors all of this time he's very confused as to why he's been separated from his "pack". You can keep your dog in the house and restrict him from certain areas so he doesn't destroy things. He can be put in a crate when you are gone or restricted to a kitchen or other area by a baby-gate. He's probably chewing and destroying because he's anxious and/or bored. Take him out for a long walk (at least 45 min) before you leave him. Then give him chewy toys to occupy him. There are better solutions than banishing him to the back yard. How would you like to be moved to the back yard to live :-)