is this dog being mistreated???

[Stenograsaurus]

Being the owner of a Husky who will literally run from me when I try to bring him inside, I have to say that I don't see a problem with a dog being outside for long periods of time, as long as they want to be there. The problem I see here is the fact that this dog is kept outside on a second floor balcony. Knowing the prey drive that a Husky has, I feel it's only a matter of time until this dog sees something very interesting down below and will jump after it. When my Husky (Dakota) does want in, he will only come in for half hour max and he wants right back out. He usually comes in, visits with everybody, gets his lovin from all of us, then runs right back to the door to go outside. And I don't live far from you at all.
Dakota also has a dog house that he has never been in. He'd rather curl up under the porch. He has a nice sized hole dug under there just for him.

So my opinion is that I don't see a problem with the length of time as long as he/she wants to be out there. I do see a problem with him/her being on the balcony. Again, this is just my opinion. It doesn't make it right or wrong, it's just mine.

[wolflady]

I agree with Steno, that as long as the dog is fine and happy to be in such a small space for such long periods of time...then it might be ok.
Personally, I wouldn't have that type of dog if I lived in an apartment, unless I was home enough to give it the amount of exercise it needs. I want a dog. I've wanted one for a long time and I even have a decent sized fenced-in back yard, but I don't even have a dog yet because I feel I'm not home enough, and I really don't think it would be fair to leave a dog in the backyard for 10 hours a day. An apartment is even less appropriate. A balcony is worse than a backyard in that it's tiny...not enough room for exercise(unless of course it's a small dog) and it can be dangerous. Actually, I'm surprised that the dog is so well behaved because those kinds of dogs typically get bored when left alone and they needs lots of exercise. But, if the dog seems happy, there's really nothing to worry about, even though I don't agree with the dog being left on the balcony.

[lizbud]

It's not that a dog is left OUTSIDE that's a problem. It's
having a dog left OUTSIDE & on a BALCONY that's a problem
in the making. I had to practically get on my knees and beg
my dog Buddy to come inside at bedtime in colder weather.
He loved it outside. Most Shep/Huskies do, but not all day
alone in a yard, and not on a balcony. Once a dog is over the
chewing everything in sight phase, it should consider a spot
inside the house as his home,whether we're there or not.

P.S. to Wolflady,

Purdue beat I.U. 42 to 10 and took the "Ole Oaken Bucket"
back to Lafayette. YEA Boilers !!!