There are people out there who’d rather have their dog outside rather than inside as they just don’t like their dog messing up their house. So, a question that may pop up in your mind when you’re adopting an Irish Setter is “Can Irish Setters live outside?
Generally speaking, no. Irish Setters cannot live outside as they enjoy to be around their owners, though they love the outdoors and it never hurts to take them outside. Just note that when it comes to keeping them outside all the time, this is just not recommended. If you’d like to learn more about Irish Setters living outside along with some fun outdoor activities, I suggest you keep reading.
How Long Can Irish Setters Stay Outside?
As to how long an Irish Setter can stay outside, it’s really whenever he wants in. He will tell you when he has enough.
However, generally speaking, after about a few hours, you may consider taking him inside, but it really depends on the outside weather.
If it’s extremely hot or cold outside, consider lowering the amount of time he’s outside, but your Irish Setter can still get the exercise he needs. Just try not to waste any time laying or sitting around for very long.
Can Irish Setters Sleep Outside?
No, Irish Setters should not sleep outside. While Irish Setters love the outdoors, you shouldn’t let him stay outside overnight.
This is especially true when their it’s storming and the temperature is just not comfortable.
Considerations Before Leaving Your Irish Setter Outside
Now, we know that Irish Setters can’t live outside, but this, of course, doesn’t mean that he can’t be outside.
In fact, most Irish Setters love being outside, but if you are going to take your Irish Setter outside, there are a few considerations like food and water supply, insects like fleas and ticks, and the outside temperature.
Food & Water Supply
The food and water supply is, of course, very important if your Irish Setter is going outside. This is especially true when it comes to the summer and spring.
During the warmer months, your dog will drink and eat a lot more so you will have to check on his food and water more, but you will also have to check on it during the colder months also.
While he may not eat or drink any more than usual, you will have to worry about the water and food freezing over if you leave it out for too long.
Of course, if you live in a warmer area, you may not have to worry about this, but even warmers areas like Arkansas where I live will have nights that go below freezing in the fall and winter.
So, because of this, make sure your dog has plenty of warm water in the fall and winter and replace it if it begins to freeze over.
Consider checking their food and water every hour.
Ticks, Fleas & Other Pests
Ticks, fleas, and other pests are another problem you may deal with in all the seasons.
While it is true that insects like fleas and ticks are found less often in the fall and winter, this doesn’t mean they won’t be a problem from time to time.
You see, during the cold months, insects like fleas and ticks seek a warm shelter, and typically speaking, that warm shelter will be an animal, and possibly your Irish Setter.
So, even though they are less of a problem in the cooler seasons, don’t let that fool you into thinking they won’t be a problem at all.
If you’re interested in finding a good flea and tick repellent, I suggest checking out this article from The Spruce Pets.
The Outside Temperature
Lastly, the last consideration we will be talking about is the outside temperature.
As I mentioned earlier, the outside temperature can drastically change the amount of time your Irish Setter can go outside.
While it is true that Irish Setters have a thicker coat, there are still temperatures that are too cold for them.
Fun Outside Activities For Your Irish Setter
Now, what are some fun activities that you can do with your Irish Setter?
That’s a great question. Let’s find out.
Walks
Walks are a very common activity and I know that it’s very popular. In fact, you may say that it’s boring, but it really depends on where you walk.
If you were to walk up and down your neighborhood street, that wouldn’t be as fun as going to a forest or a beach.
Not only can it be a great experience for you, but also for your dog as well. There are almost always new smells, new animals to watch, and new people to meet.
Fetch
Fetch is another activity that’s very common, but I think I should still add it on the list.
Fetch is simple so it’ll be easy for your dog to understand what to do and it can also give your dog the exercise he needs.
Geocaching
Geocaching isn’t as common to do with your dog than, say, fetch, but it’s a great way to spend some time with your dog.
If you’re a bit confused with what geocaching actually is; let me explain. Geocaching, according to Wikipedia, is an “outdoor recreational activity, in which participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called ‘geocaches’ or ‘caches’, at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world.”
Going To A Dog Park
Going to a dog park is another fun way to spend some time outside with your dog, but there is a problem that may arise.
You see, as you let your Irish Setter go to dog parks more often, it’s likely that he will begin to think that you have no control over him.
When you go to a dog park, you leave him alone with a lot of other dogs to do almost whatever they want. So, this would make sense that he would think this.
If you still don’t understand why he’d think this, think of your dog as a small child. He doesn’t always know what you mean, so he can easily take things the wrong way.
Swimming
The last activity we will be talking about today is swimming.
Swimming is not only fun, but also a great way to get exercise.
Just note, however, that while Irish Setters typically like the water, that doesn’t always mean some individuals will care for it. In fact, he may not even like it at all.
If you’d like to learn more about this subject, I suggest you check out this article I wrote. If you’re interested, here’s the link.
Conclusion
So, can Irish Setters live outside? I’m afraid Irish Setters cannot live outside, but they do love the outdoors!
Do you have an Irish Setter? If so, how often do you let it outside? Let us know in the comment section below.