Dogs are sociable "pack" creatures who need to live indoors with their family.

Dogs who spend their days or nights outdoors are living outside their family, on the edge of it, never really immersed in day-to-day family life. They are bored, lonely, and likely to bother the neighbors with their barking. They will never develop the intelligence and good behavior of an indoor dog who is a true part of the family.

• If you think you need to keep your dog outdoors because a family member is allergic, YOU DON'T. Instead, choose a breed who is suitable for allergic people.
• If you think you need to keep your dog outdoors because you're afraid he will be too rambunctious or destructive indoors, YOU DON'T. Instead, provide sufficient exercise and training so that your dog stays calm and well-behaved. Or choose an adult dog instead of a puppy.
• If you think you need to keep your dog outdoors because dogs are "too messy", you should get a stuffed dog. Real dogs do shed hair, they sometimes tip over their water bowl, throw up, track in mud, etc. If you can't accept these realities of living with a real dog, please don't get one.