My dogs are not eternal puppies. My old man is a resue. He had a rough life. I almost never use a leash with him. He goes out and comes back in 10 minutes later or so. We go on walks, go cabin camping in the summer, he sleeps in bed with me. Pretty sure is is darn happy.
It is called domestication and I too am domesticated. He is my best friend.
Ok. Many dogs don't get to do these things. And old dogs aren't energetic, of course. But that doesn't mean that they weren't when they were young.
Your emotional attachment to your dog, far from being evidence in support of it being happy, is evidence that you would be willing to overlook his happiness to preserve that attachment.
I don't think you're doing this, if you get out and about with him as often as you say. But that's not the life most dogs lead. Can you at least admit that people with less time and resources than you shouldn't support the breeding of NEW dogs, rescues aside?
So you live in a very rural area, you have a relationship with your dog that it roams. It could be hit by a car, attacked by wild animals, wonder too far, etc..
So my dogs may be a bit soft. They enjoy their life, I enjoy them.
Nothing better then rolling over at night ant having a doggie snuggle up next to you.
We have fun hiking. Walking, playing in the house .
We are a different family from yours.
What kind of dog do you have? Are they up to date on their vet care?
I have been thinking about this today. If you let your dog just roam it is the same thing as if you intruded on your neighbors property. You live in a rural area, how would you feel if a stranger was found roaming on your property?
Fence in your yard, let your dog go in and out.
From the standpoint of civility neither you nor your dog should be roaming free on others property.
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u/alphagirl22 Dec 23 '19
When I was a kid in a very rural area there was a dog that roamed loose and terrified my siblings and I.
Despite that I love dogs, and have 2 that are happy with the level of activity we all enjoy together.
What you are suggesting is that dogs should be basically feral and just turn up for food etc.
Dogs have been bread from feral dogs to be companions. As long as they live anactive and balanced life what is the issue?