Happy Jindos Live Inside, Play Outside

By Kristen Edmonds

In Korea, Jindos typically live as outside dogs. Jindos are given the job of guarding the house. There are no leash laws or fences, so Jindos are allowed to roam freely, expand their territory and develop social structures with the other dogs and animals in the neighborhood. The Jindos are also allowed to hunt for their own food if rations from their guardians are low. When Korean people immigrate to the U.S., they typically follow the belief that Jindos are outside dogs without understanding the fundamental differences of what this means to the Jindo.

In the U.S. it is against the law in just about every urban area to allow a dog to roam free. Many American backyards also have fences for privacy.  What does this mean for a Jindo? A Jindo kept outside in the U.S. is destine for a life of loneliness and anxiety because the Jindo’s primitive needs can not be met. Behavioral problems such as escaping, being fearful of humans, being dog aggressive or exhibiting fear aggressive towards people are inevitable.

Jindos often escape their yards when left as outside pets. They need to expand their territory and escaping is one way they fulfill this need on their own. While some Jindos return safely, others end up being picked up a strays and brought into shelters or worse, are killed by cars. Many owners attempt to prevent a Jindo from escaping by tying a dog up as a permanent method of restraint. Not only is it illegal to tie a dog as a permanent method of containment in states like California, but tethering a dog is certain to increase the dog’s aggression and increase behavioral problems.

Jindos living in Western Cultures can not be left to live as outside only dogs. Dogs are pack animals and Jindos are no exception. They must be allowed to live with a human pack if they can not live with a dog pack. Jindos must live inside with their humans in order to develop the social skills they need to be a happy, healthy, balanced dog. Jindos must be walked frequently, at least twice a day for a minimum of 30 minutes, and on different routes in order to fulfill their need of territorial expansion. Jindos are quite happy to guard their family from inside and develop very strong bonds with their humans. Jindos have shown extraordinary capability to be very “in tune” with their humans and if the temperament is right and trained properly, Jindos could have the ability to be very good service dogs.

Jindos are the perfect inside dogs. Jindos virtually house train themselves. Jindos are quiet and only bark when necessary. Jindos are incredibly polite as they rarely jump on guests who visit and are respectful of their human’s property. Jindos are very rarely destructive (if exercised properly) and rarely get on the furniture without being invited. Jindos are extremely clean and do not have a “doggie” odor. Although they shed, the amount of excess dog hair can be easily controlled with regular grooming and brushing. Jindos are the perfect inside dog and anyone who does not allow their Jindo to live inside as a family member is missing out on the absolute best qualities of a Jindo. Bring your Jindo inside and discover what a true treasure a Jindo can be!