The outdoors is full of fun attractions and distractions for your dog! There are dogs and kids who walk the street, soil to dig, and a bigger playground.
But if their desire to stay outside all the time despite being an inside dog happens out of the blue, you may have to investigate the underlying cause.
It’s natural for some dogs to prefer staying outside. But some do it because they’re sick, not well-stimulated, or because they are depressed.
If your inside dog suddenly wants to stay outside, this post is for you. We explore why your inside dog suddenly wants to stay outside.
We also share how to help your dog enjoy indoors again and how to make sleeping outside comfortable for your dog.
Why Your Inside Dog Suddenly Wants to Stay Outside?
Your dog may be staying outside to isolate themselves or because they get more stimulated outdoors. They may also be staying outside because of a physical condition.
Here are some possible reasons why your inside dog might rather stay outside.
Your Dog Feels More Comfortable Outside
Especially if your dog is aging, they may be more inclined to sleep outdoors because they don’t want to socialize.
They can also feel more comfortable outside because it’s cooler, more peaceful, and quiet.
They want to remove noises from the environment, like the TV, phone, people talking, and more.
Anxiety or Depression
Just like us, dogs also experience mental health issues. Anxiety can develop as a result of poor socialization or trauma.
If there is something or someone that triggers your dog’s fear inside the house, chances are, they’re more likely to want to stay outside.
Signs of anxiety in a dog include trembling, hiding, cowering, excessive grooming, and incontinence.
Anxious dogs also like to stay away from noisy environments.
On the other hand, depression in dogs is characterized by detached behaviors.
Major changes can make your dog depressed, such as moving to new homes, new family members, or a loss of a companion.
Depression may also be caused by a chemical imbalance in your dog’s brain.
Aside from isolating themselves, other signs of depression in dogs include decreased social interactions, anxiety, and an increase in sleep.
Learn how to wrap a dog with anxiety to help calm and sooth them.
New Dog Around the Block
One of the reasons why your dog is suddenly an outside dog could be because they’re trying to grab someone’s attention. This could be a new dog or a neighbor.
A female dog may be in heat around the neighborhood if you have an intact male dog. On the other hand, if you have a female dog, they bey be in heat and would rather stay outdoors.
Signs of heat include licking their private area, marking more, sniffing, and approaching other dogs.
Physical Illness
Several diseases can cause your dog to suddenly want to stay outside. They may be too weak to play and socialize with family members, so they isolate themselves outside.
Because they are in physical discomfort, your dog may also be quieter and have a decrease in appetite.
Older dogs can suffer from arthritis and decreased muscle mass, so watch out for limping and a reduction in movement.
Your Dog Wants to Protect You
If your inside dog suddenly wants to stay outside, it could be because they want to protect you and your family, and they believe they can do it better when they stay outdoors.
If you have a guard dog, it’s better to let them stay outdoors. You will feel safer knowing you have a dog looking after you, and they will feel happier.
Dog Breeds That are Most Likely to Stay Outside
Some dog breeds, especially guard dogs, prefer to stay outdoors even if they were raised as indoor dogs.
Here are some breeds who like making the outdoors their bedroom:
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Australian Shepherd
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Siberian Husky.
Outside dogs are usually large-breed dogs. There are only three small dogs suited to live outside, and they are:
- Norwegian Elkhound
- Tibetan Terrier
- Welsh Terrier.
How to Help Your Dog Enjoy Being Indoors Again
Unfortunately, you can’t force your dog to stay indoors if they don’t want to.
But here are some tips you can try.
Consult the Vet
If you suspect that your dog is staying outdoors to avoid social contact and the noise indoors, seek the advice of your vet.
The doctor will be able to tell if your dog has a physical or mental illness with their collection of information from you and various examinations.
These tests can include everything from blood, urine, and fecal tests, to X-rays and ultrasounds.
Make Your Home Comfortable
If certain noises annoy your dog, do everything you can to reduce or eliminate them.
Make sure your dog has a safe and quiet space in the house they can call their own.
Also, don’t punish your dog for misbehaving at home. Instead, teach them what is right and reward them when they follow.
Exercise Your Dog
You need to provide your dog with lots of mental stimulation with a good walk in the park and training sessions at home.
Balance the exercise they get outdoors with the stimulation they get indoors. Teach them commands inside and give them interactive toy dogs.
Make sure they also get plenty of mental stimulation and fun playtime with you.
Indoor activities will increase the bond between both of you and create a positive association with being inside.
How to Make Sleeping Outside Comfortable for Your Dog
If your dog would rather sleep outdoors, here are some ways to make sure they are safe and comfortable.
- Always leave a bowl of water inside their house to keep them hydrated.
- Make sure you spend the day with them exercising or playing. Just because they are an outside dog doesn’t mean they get enough proper stimulation.
- Make sure they have a comfortable bed and blanket in their house. You also want to leave some toys around so they stay happy and comfortable.
- If you have an older dog or a sick dog, it’s better to let them stay inside during cold winter nights.
- Fido might need heating equipment during cold winter nights. Try installing a portable heater in their kennel so they stay warm and cozy.
- Always check your dog’s feet for ice or snow buildups.
Don’t Let Your Dog Isolate Themselves
It’s natural for some dogs to want to sleep outside despite being used to staying inside.
However, some dogs suddenly want to stay outdoors because of mental and physical issues or because they are aging.
Unfortunately, you can’t force your dog to stay indoors if they don’t want to.
The best thing you can do to ensure a positive association with the indoors is to provide outdoor and indoor stimulation, as well as to make your home more comfortable.
To keep them safe and warm outside, make sure they are comfortable in their area or dog house.
Lastly, seek the help of your vet if you notice signs of physical and mental distress in dogs.
Their condition might be the reason why they are isolating themselves from you.
Find out how to keep an outside dog warm in the winter and learn whether dog houses do keep your dog cool in summer.
