to kennel or not

my 8 month old bitch does not want to come in the lounge with us prefers to be outside on the patio --at night she is crated in the kitchen due to chewing everything in sight ,also she will poo in the crate after being out for at least an hour . do you think a kennel on the patio would be best for her she would not be chained to it so will have lots of secure freedom.--she is adorable and we love her to bits just want what is best for her .my other staffie is 5 years old , just wonders around the house no trouble at all and sits on our lap watching tv and having cuddles . they are so opposite in nature , they tolerate each other but not really friends . I do not want to push the pup away ,but she is not happy as things are , help needed please .

Hiya! I would be a little bit concerned, staffies usually are very affectionate dogs that want to be with their people all of the time. Could she be stressed? Do you think she's happy living with the other dog in the house? I don't know what area you're in, but temperature would need to be considered, and staffies really aren't outdoor living dogs.

I agree Rachel, that's why I've asked for help .--when the two dogs are together they squabble but not aggressively. I would not dare leave them both in the lounge the pup will go wild jumping on and off the settee uncontrollably .chasing the older dog that is a lot smaller by the way ,until she turns and shows her teeth , it's quite manic --so I have been giving them both time in the lounge separately .like I said the older dog is great loves cuddles and the tv . but I don't know what to do with the pup shes a very big dog and strong .will come for a fuss and loves to play ball but outside ! has never come on my lap or up on my chair with me when invited she goes out into the kitchen and sits in her cage . I so desperately want to give her love but she does not want to much fuss,

Sounds to me like she's not happy with her environment, we've got a 10 month old and he will do what ever it takes to be close to us, it doesn't sound right to me. The other thing to consider is, how things will be when she's an adult and can assert herself, will the older dog be safe ? Not nice I know but needs to be considered.

Agree with Aidan - think it needs to be considered if she's in the right environment, perhaps she would be better off as an only dog? Very hard decision to make though understandably.

Can I just check that the squabbling really is that and not playing? Staffies play hard and there are usually lots of teeth on show, lots of noise, and general rough and tumble. When people see our guys playing they're shocked, and amazed we don't intervene. That is normal for staffies, though.

Could you do some video of your dogs together so we can see?

LizP wrote:Can I just check that the squabbling really is that and not playing? Staffies play hard and there are usually lots of teeth on show, lots of noise, and general rough and tumble. When people see our guys playing they're shocked, and amazed we don't intervene. That is normal for staffies, though.

Could you do some video of your dogs together so we can see?

I think LizP is onto something. How old is the pup and how long have you had him? He could just be getting used to the home and will want a fuss very soon. The pup may just be trying to iniate play with your older dog as well and in time will learn what is and is not acceptable. A video would be usefull to interpret body language.

Here is a link on body language that may help as well.

http://staffy-bull-terrier.com/dog_body_language