My family dog has been an outside dog for 14years, would it be bad for him to change

[Brooke T]

to an inside dog now? I just recently started looking after my family dog, he is 14 and a jack russell cross mini foxy. He came from living with my parents, now they have moved into an apartment and can't have him anymore. They have kept him outside his whole life, much to my anger. He has had a lot of anxiety problems over the years, I used to let him in when I was alone in the house. Anyway now he is living with me and I let him in when we are home, try and walk him every arvo......would it be best for him to have a free run of the house, be able to sleep inside etc etc, or would it confuse him and make him anxious? Would he bark more when we left the house? I love him a lot and want him to have the best retirement and be happy..........

[pimpin]

it will be very hard to train him to go outside to use the bathroom since he lived outside all his life and has went where ever he wanted.

[Brie]

I believe any dog is happier inside with the people..they are pack animals and not meant to be left outside alone all the time. I say give it shot! Maybe start out with just allowing him in one room...and make it a room accessible by the back door so you don't overwhelm him. Also, I don't know if he is housebroken but he may not be if he always stays outside and teaching him this concept at such an old age may be difficult so be prepared for that. Maybe just try leaving your door open for the day and let him decide where he wants to be, or have a doggy door installed if you can. Try making the adjustment slowly and see how he handles it, and if it seems to stress him out too much then let him stay outside. However, I have a feeling that he will be very happy to keep you company indoors!

[Mandy aka Dane-A-Holic]

Jeez I dont know, he might have sort of a culture shock thing if he switches from full time out to fulltime in and get destructive. Id say get him a nice dog houst and let him stay outside for good portions of the day and maybe let him in a few times each day and maybe sleep indoors?