Buy dog for apartment?

Question

I live in an apartment, and I'm considering buying a dog. I've heard that I shouldn't do this in an apartment. What's the general consensus?

Lea Grossman · Answer

I've heard that so long as you are really good about walking the dog, they make great apartment pets.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

If you have ample space for the dog to play and get exercise and walked a lot there is no reason for you not to have a furry friend.

Shari · Answer

I think that depends mostly on how committed to the needs of the dog you think you can and will be. If you work long hours away from home, a dog may not be the best pet.

Allowing the dog frequent time outdoors to do its bathroom business goes without saying but I see you are in New York...where it snows. Are you going to be willing to walk the dog multiple times per day in inclement weather? What if your dog develops tummy troubles in the middle of the night and needs to go out...multiple times? Will you be willing to get up and get dressed (or hurry outside in your pajamas) to take it out? It's a lot different and less troublesome if you have a fenced backyard where you can just open the door and let the dog go out on its own when the weather is bad, or when emergency events like diarrhea occur (and believe me, they DO!). Do you live in a neighborhood where you would feel safe walking the dog before bed, during the night (if necessary), or before the sun rises?

Also, you probably should research different small breeds and try to get one that has low exercise needs. You should also try to find a breed that is not prone to excessive barking. You definitely don't want to irritate the neighbors above, below and on each side of your apartment with a dog that does nothing but yap, yap, yap anytime you leave the apartment.

Although I'm definitely a 'dog person' myself, a cat may be more suited for your current lifestyle. They're quiet, they don't require much exercise (a string will entertain them for hours!), they can be left alone long hours during the day (good if you work) or overnight as long as they have adequate food and water, and they don't require walking since they use a litter box.

Tonia · Answer

A small breed dog would probably be best for apartment living. I would look into doggy day care or a dog walker when you are at work. Dogs are a wonderful addition to a persons life. You just need to make sure that you are able to provide for their needs.

Denise Elkins · Answer

As the owner of a petsitting business and having lived in many apartments with dogs, I would encourage you to research temperament and activity levels of various breeds. For example, a small dog i.e. a Jack Russell may need as much exercise as a larger dog; on the other hand, a large dog i.e. a greyhound doesn't need as much exercise as an Australian Cattle Dog. The important thing is making a long term commitment, being realistic that there will be adjustments on your end...however the love of a dog is priceless!

Cindy · Answer

Look at the hypoallergenic breeds, Sch Tzu, Poodles, Yorkies. These are great dogs for small places. They are not yappers. They are Content to sleep while you are away. research mixes. Yorkie poos, malti poos etc.

LD · Answer

First you should see if pets are allowed and if there is a weight limit. Dogs require a lot of time and commitment, so make sure your willing to put in the time and cost. If you decide that you do indeed want a dog, then you should look for a breed that can handle being left at home by themselves without having a meltdown. You can train a dog to use a litter pad/box, but you would also take the dog for long walks. As already pointed out, you should check into having a dog walker or taking them to doggie day care. If you want a pet, but don't have the commitment for walking, then you might want to const a cat, they can be very affectionate and playful. I had a neighbor with multiple cats and Mooky greeted you at the door just light a dog would.

Sue · Answer

You should not get a dog, any dog unless you are a very committed person. Dogs need a lot of attention and time and work and they will live a long time. Do you want to own this animal for the next ten years and make it your friend? It's not fair to just get rid of the animal after you are tired of all the care it takes to own a dog. They can get into the trash and dump it daily and do other damaging things like chew on furniture, but if you love your dog more than your things, the two of you will be fine. He needs to be your friend and you need to be able to enjoy the animal, and part of the walking routine is also training. All the cute dogs on TV and movies were not born that way, someone trained them, and it takes a lot of time and patience, but the rewards are so worth it if you like the training process and see it as fun and challenging to teach them to sit, shake a paw, wait for you to walk down the stairs and not rush forward, knocking you down or others. Our dog used to beg at the table, very annoying and so we trained her to sit on a special rug,(not an easy task) then after we taught her a few tricks, she would sit on her rug and start doing all those tricks for us! Just for the smallest moral, she was just so cute and funny. Looking into the breeds is a very good idea, I have seen people get breeds like an Australian Sheep dog and then wonder why it was always so hyper no matter how much they walked her, answer: because she was made to run, and run and run after sheep, not live in town. Some breeds are much smarter than others, like the golden retriever, very intelligent and learns quickly without forgetting much and going back to the old ways, but sheds everywhere. A basset hound will be the mildest breed, but not very bright and hard to potty train, thus needing a lot of patience. I hope this helps, I just want you and the dog you choose to have the best relationship possible.

Patricia Bell · Answer

Instead of thinking about buying a dog, please consider adopting a homeless pet.  They can be had in all sizes and shapes, all ages, already house broken usually and at least 50% of all shelter dogs are full blooded registered dogs.  Please at least consider this.  I have 10 dogs, yes 10, except for one they all have been rescued and all have made wonderful pets.

Lori · Answer

Do it for the dog, not for yourself.  Consider all the good advice above and then be honest.  A dog that spends most of their life waiting for you to come home so you have company for a while is not fair.

Carolyn · Answer

A small Dog, adopted, crate train.

Martha Hinkle · Answer

BUY a dog??? Unless you intend to professionally breed, show or enter contests; I suggest that you visit your local humane society and adopt one. There are plenty of wonderful pets who need a human to love. That being said, make sure pets are allowed first. Then consider how much time you have to spend with a pet. They need attention. Please do not get a dog and leave it crated up 12 hours a day.

Grady · Answer

It depends on the breed. If you want to get a Border Collie, do not live in an apartment. If you want to get a Dachshund, they are good apartment dogs, though I'd still recommend regular walks.

Peg · Answer

Go online and look for a list of quiet, sedate dogs.  Another thought is an Abssinian cat.  They are dog like, don't meow a lot, very personable, short haired, think they are human. Preferably a female.  We've had several, best pet ever.

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