Labradoodles are very active and energetic dogs. They like to be outside and adore activities such as running, walking, playing fetch … If we add the size of some Labradoodles to this (some of them can be quite large) , an important question arises, can these dogs live outside?
Generally, Labradoodles are companion dogs and they feel the best if surrounded by their humans. That means that Labradoodles should live inside with their owners. Labradoodles don’t tolerate well extreme temperatures ( not warm, nor cold ) so the owner must think about proper shelter.
If they live outside there are some precautions that should be taken. These dogs are clever and may escape easily so the yard must be secured. Wildlife poses a reasonable threat to Labradoodle that is living outdoors. Their needs related to human interaction must be fulfilled.
Basically, Labradoodles are inside pets. But like any other dog, this one also can survive outside, you just need to know a few things before making a final decision. Keep reading this text and find out everything you need to know about this matter.
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Are Labradoodles Outside Dogs?
Labradoodles are created by mixing Poodle with Labrador Retriever. Mixed breeds combine traits from both parents. Since Labs are working dogs, bred to work and live outside, you can easily figure it out that Labradoodles wouldn’t have any difficulties living outdoors.
Another thing – is Labradoodle’s immense energy. They have a huge passion for life, very vigorous animals. Labradoodle like to spend time outside playing.
All of the above suggests that this crossbreed could live outside.
Why Labradoodles Shouldn’t Live Outside?
Labradoodles are companion dogs. That means that they have only one task and that is to provide a company to their humans. Unlike working dogs, companion dogs are used only for the pleasure of their company, not as workers.
It’s quite expected that your companion or pet that is considered as part of the family lives inside.
Labradoodles are very sociable creatures. They crave human attention. If they don’t have enough interaction with people they may become very depressed and anxious.
You might be able to provide sufficient attention and care even if your Labradoodle lives outdoors but just bear in mind that amount of time you spend with your dog seems adequate to you, it doesn’t mean that is adequate for him.
There is another risk if your dog is not around you as much as he needs. He might become violent and destructive. He won’t be socialized as he should be which may result in having an unhappy dog with bad habits.
Labradoodles that are living outside can be bored. Boredom is never good when it comes to dogs. If a dog is bored, he’ll only make trouble. He might start digging holes or try to escape or tear up the whole garden or destroy the sprinkler system… You might be surprised how fast this teddy bear-like dog may demolish your back yard.
How Do Labradoodles Tolerate High Temperatures?
Most Labradoodles have thick fur ( although they have a single layer coats) so they can warm up easily.
Even though there is no strict rule about the air temperatures which are too hot for Doodle, still you have to be careful when outside temperatures reach 80 F. How the warm weather will affect your dog depends on the age, humidity, water consumption, level of activity and other factors.
Due to the fact that dogs don’t sweat and the only thing they do to cool down is panting but with high temperatures, it is not always an efficient heat release system and they can easily get heatstroke.
If your Labradoodle lives outside you need to make sure that your Doodle :
- has enough water at every moment. You can add some ice cubes to the water to make it colder.
- has a proper dog house, kennel, some shady area where he can retreat during the warmest period of the day
- has exercises and training only during early morning or evening, to avoid the warmest part of the day.
- receives frozen treats that will help him to cool down. You can also give your Doodle a bottle of frozen water or frozen chew toys to keep him busy and cool.
- has high-calorie meals. Dogs are spending extra energy to cool down so a high-calorie meal is recommended.
- the coat should be kept short and breathable. Ask your pet’s groomer for a Summer cut, he should know what are you looking for. You should shave your dog though as he will be at risk of sunburn.
- has a suncream applied on the nose and around the mouth (especially if you have a pale skin Doodle), during hot summer months to avoid sunburns.
- if the temperatures are too high, consider bringing your Labradoodle inside
If you notice one of the following signs rush to the vet, as your Labradoodle might suffer from a heatstroke :
- excessive panting
- high fever
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- warm skin when you touch it
- seizures
- collapsing
After you have noticed some of the heatstroke signs, take your dog and bath him to decrease the body temperature. You can also cover him with damp towel which has the same purpose.
If this doesn’t help, take the frozen pack of something and put it on his head. Encourage ( but don’t push him) him to drink fresh water. Rush to the vet in any case.
How Do Labradoodles Tolerate Low Temperatures?
Most dogs start to feel a little bit uncomfortable when the temperature drops below 40 F. If the temperatures are between 40-20 F, you should pay closer attention to your Labradoodle.
His coat is thick and provides great insulation but still, those lower temperatures may pose a minor risk. But if you add some snow or rain to these temperatures then they can become a major risk.
Labradoodles like to spend time outside even if it is cold. Most of them tolerate better lower than higher temperatures.
Very young and old Labradoodles should stay inside though. Puppy’s thermal regulation system is not fully developed yet. On the other hand, senior Labradoodles may have some typical health conditions such as hip dysplasia so colder weather may cause pain to their joints.
If your Labradoodle lives outside you should pay attention to the following:
- Food and Water. Both can freeze over easily if temperatures go down.
- as your dog needs more energy to keep his body warm, his diet should be adjusted to that. If he mainly eats dry food, now you should think about warm stew-like wet food, rich in fat and protein.
- check your dog’s fur from time to time, you might run into some bugs – fleas or ticks. They stay perfectly alive during winter months but always looking for some cozy, warm coat to place in.
- a proper dog house or any kind of shelter in which your dog is completely protected from rain, snow, wind, draft… Make sure this shelter has good insulation and provide a blanket or even a bottle of hot water ( not boiling one) to keep your dog warm.
- If it is too cold, consider bringing your dog inside. If it is too cold for your, it’s too cold for your Labradoodle as well.
What Are the Reasons To Keep A Labradoodle Outside?
People have many different reasons for keeping dogs outside.
Reason 1 : Allergies and shedding
If you or any other member of your household have allergies, that could be the reason to consider leaving your Labradoodle to live outside. Or you simple afraid that shedding may cause your house to look untidy and dirty.
Labradoodle is labeled as hypoallergenic dog by breeders but there is not such a thing as 100% hypoallergenic dog. The good thing though is that Labradoodle has high chances not to provoke any allergies in humans due to coat type that is inherited from a Poodle parent.
If you are buying /adopting Labradoodle, share your problem with a reputable breeder. Ask for a sample of hair and saliva of the puppy you plan to buy and test it. The test will show if you will have any allergic reaction. Another thing you can do is ask for an F1B puppy.
F1 puppy has purebred Lab and Poodle as parents
F1B puppy has a Labradoodle and purebred Poodle as a parent. This puppy is 75% Poodle and 25% Lab so has bigger chances not to shed at all ( or to shed very little ) same as Poodle. These puppies tend to be more expensive than others because of this.
Reason 2 : You are away from home for most of the day
You leave your home early in the morning and return in the late afternoon or even evening. For this reason, you might think that a Labradoodle would feel better in a secure backyard, where he can run, go to the toilet, play …
The point is that none of these places ( inside or outside yard ) are good for the dog that is alone for the whole day.
Labradoodles like to spend time with humans. They see their people as part of their pack and you are the leader of that pack. There is no way that your Labradoodle stay happy and calm if left alone for the whole day, no matter inside or outside.
If you have such a lifestyle, think twice if Labradoodle is the right pet for you. And if you already have one, consider daycare for dogs or a private dog sitter or at least hire a dog walker. If left alone, these dogs may develop separation anxiety, destructive behavior, depression, excessive barking ( which may disturb your neighbors).
Reason 3: People are afraid that dog could destroy their furniture and other belongings
This is a common reason. You know what is interesting – the Labradoodle might become violent and destructive precisely if you leave him outside. This has nothing to do with the outside area though.
It has everything to do with a lack of interaction with you which will happen if your dog lives outside. No matter how hard you try, most probably will never succeed to give him the attention he needs and deserves.
The point is that your Labradoodle needs to be around you even if you don’t play with him at that moment. He likes to roam around you while you are cooking, doing homework, cleaning, or simply watching TV. He is close to you, that is the most important thing for him.
If you give him attention, provide enough time for exercise ( 30-60 min a day) and training, give him interactive toys to keep his mind stimulated and busy, he won’t feel any need to chew on your chair or to destroy your sofa or carpet.
Reason 4: People are too lazy to take care of their dog properly, it’s much easier just to lock him down in the corner of a backyard
Sadly, these people exist. They don’t deserve any dog and especially don’t deserve cute and loving pet such as Labradoodle.
Those people think that animals have no place inside the house. If you want to be an owner of well-behaved dog that listens and responds to your commands, that doesn’t destroy your belonging and brings joy to your life , you have to work hard. But if you love dogs, I guess that hard work would be a pleasure.
You have to take your time for regular training, exercise, playtime. Some dogs are stubborn and although Labradoodles are very smart, for some of them you’ll need patience and tons of positive reinforcement in order to teach them something.
Labradoodles, by the way, don’t respond well to harsh training, so yelling, physical abuse, and punishments will bring no good.
What do You Need To Do If You Decide To Keep Labradoodle Outside?
No matter what’s you reason, let’s check what you need to do and to watch out for if you have decided to keep your Labradoodle outside.
- make sure you have secured backyard but also place your Labradoodle in a fenced area to prevent escape. The fence should be at least 6 feet tall and placed at least 1 foot in the ground so your dog cannot dig under it.
- fenced area for your Labradoodle should be large enough so he can move, stand, or lie down. On the other hand, shouldn’t be too large as he could feel insecure there. That fenced area should be placed in such a spot that is protected from rain, snow, direct sunlight, draft. If not possible then a well-insulated dog house is a better option.
- make sure he always has a regular supply of water and food. If it is summer, put some ice cubes in the water, and if it is winter pay attention to his water and food not to freeze over
- clean more frequently his water and food bowls.
- groom your Labradoodle more often as he will get dirtier if lives outside.
- your Labradoodle should have some dog bed or place where he can sleep, not simple concrete. During winters don’t forget to add some blanket or heating pad to keep him warm. If the winters are really cold in your area, consider buying a heater for a dog house.
- if possible provide another dog. Labradoodles are very sociable dogs and would feel much better if they have company.
- if possible provide another dog. Labradoodles are very sociable dogs and would feel much better if they have company.
- if possible don’t leave your Labradoodle outside during the night. He might feel frightened and lonely so constant whining and barking may disturb your neighbors and bring you trouble.
- pay special attention if you use weed killers and fertilizers for your garden. Make sure they are pet friendly. If they are not, don’t let your dog remain in the backyard for at least 24hours after you have treated the plants.
- note that there are some plants that are poisonous to dogs. Although there are some garden plants that have toxic elements only ( apple and tulips) and others that should be eaten in large quantities in order to harm the dog ( bluebells, granny’s bonnet, or hellebores ), still you should cultivate only the plants that cannot harm your furry friend.
- wild animals can also pose a threat to your Labradoodle. Snakes, coyotes, cougars ( in rural Florida ), scorpions ( south-west of the USA). Raccoons and rats attacks won’t be deadly for your Labradoodle but they can carry some disease and infect your pet. Squirrels obviously cannot kill your Labradoodle but if he chases one, your dog may end up hurt as these cute and tiny animals have very sharp teeth and claws.
- Even though Labradoodles like to be outside and can handle low temperatures pretty well, serious thunderstorms can be a rather scary experience for them. If you notice a weather forecast that a thunderstorm is approaching, bring your Labradoodle inside. When begins, don’t pity your dog, try to mask the sound, play music or a TV, play with your dog. Dogs are really scared of lightning and strong sounds. Same as with fireworks, if you know that firework will be performed, let your dog come inside until all it’s finished.
Conclusion
Labradoodles are super friendly and easy-going dogs. They like to spend time with their humans and if they don’t have enough interaction with people they love and trust, they might become depressed and destructive.
Labradoodles are companion dogs and leaving that kind of dog outside for an extended period of time and permanently is rather cruel.
Social dependency is the primary reason why this very popular crossbreed shouldn’t live outside.
If your Labradoodle must live outside make sure you take precautions. Also, make sure you spend enough time with him playing and doing exercise. If you can, bring another dog, your Labradoodle will be thrilled with the idea of having a buddy.
