I have no issue with dogs being allowed on furniture or even the bed, if that is your desire. I feel we do need to have close and quality relationships with our dogs, and spend a lot more time with them. Dogs that are locked outside with no quality interaction with their owners can suffer stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological and behavioural problems. Dogs in my opinion should be allowed in the home with the owners, and spend quality time with them. If not inside, then as much quality time with the family as possible. What is important is that we set the correct boundaries, rules, and discipline so our dogs don't end up ruling the house if allowed inside.

A dog that is kept permanently outside, laying by the back door peering inside at its pack, and only having social interaction when someone goes outside, is very un-natural for such a social animal. Dogs need quality time with the family. Many dogs are relegated to outside, because the dog cannot be controlled inside. If we just put a little time and effort into guiding our dogs, and instilling correct boundaries and discipline, dogs are a joy to have as a member of the family, inside and out.

There is nothing wrong with allowing your dog to lay on the couch with you, or even sleep on the bed if you want your dog too, as long as the owners have established themselves as the leaders of the house, and that these privileges are on the owners terms and not the dogs. Issues such as lack of control and discipline occur when we don't set rules and boundaries for our dogs. Relegating a dog to permanent outdoors does not deal with the issues, and in reality creates even more behavioural problems.

If it is your choice to keep your dog outside, then it is so important you give your dog as much quality interaction as possible.