re: Were inside dogs a thing back in the 80’s?

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I don’t remember anyone having inside dogs when I was a kid.

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Yes there was. You just lived in a ghetto.

Our dogs were outside dogs in the 70s and 80s. Mostly bird dogs like GSH pointers and a Brittany Spaniel. They were in covered pens with doghouses. One of my best friends had inside dogs. I always thought it was weird. Plus, their house was flea infested. I don’t think there were flea/tick meds like now.

My dad and his family were old school and redneck. I didn’t know any better. I would treat my dogs - even hunting dogs - better now if I had them. They’d be inside with me. All my dogs since I’ve even an adult have been inside dogs. Slept on the bed with me, from Labs to Cairn Terrier. My last one died in 2023 at 12 years old.

There has been a cultural change in our society regarding pets, dogs and cats in particular. For most of the 20th century, dogs and cats were regarded as working animals and were generally kept outside.

Dogs were de facto alarm systems meant to protect homes. Cats were supposed to keep mice, rats and other vermin under control.

Towards the end of the 20th century, a significant change in the roles of dogs and cats came about. They are now regarded mostly as emotional support animals; friends, companions, confidantes and even as children.

Many people prefer their companionship to other people. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau data, in 2020, 27.6% of occupied U.S. households had one person living alone, about 20 percentage points higher than in 1940. 71% of single-occupant homes have pets.

My dog is better than any alarm.