Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds.

• 02-01-2008 11:54 PM

  dogwatcher Joined on 02-01-2008 Posts 4 Points 0

  Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds. Reply Contact SO does it work having a dog ina apartment??  Which breeds do you recommend for apartment life, I also have a 2 and a half year old.  I live on the ground floor, I could pop the dog over the balcony (sounds bad-but no prob because on the same level as balcony!)  first thing in the morning and last thing at night as long as it wasn't raining to hard.  I would have to climb over the railings though to poop scoop, lol!!!!  Oh, do dogs use litter trays, ok stop laughing!!!!!!

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• 02-02-2008 12:41 AM

  In reply to dogwatcher

  jenn52 Joined on 08-11-2007 Ventura County, CA Posts 401 Points 80

  Re: Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds. Reply Contact It can work having a dog in an apartment, but i'm pretty sure it's a bit more work than having a dog in a house with a yard. Some dogs can be taught to use the little, ,petco sells Dog Litter. We live in an apartment with a beagle and we have her use puppy pads on the balcony or the grass in the common areas. i don't think popping your dog over a balcony is a good idea. As for dogs that are good in apartments, I think it depends on who you ask. We live in a large apartment complex and there are tons of different dogs here, there are 3 beagles that I know of, goldens, labs, ones that look like pits/bull dogs, dalmation, basset hounds, mini poodles, chi's and lots of other ones that I don't recognize the breed. Not that I would condone having all of these types of dogs in an apartment though. There is the issue of noise, because neighbors don't generally like barking. and you have to always pick up poop right away. Walks multiple times per day are not an option in an apartment. Your apartment complex also probably has a list of dogs that are not allowed.

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• 02-02-2008 8:37 AM

  In reply to dogwatcher

  spiritdogs Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 10,312 Points 840

  Re: Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds. Reply Contact In my opinion, the best dog to have in an apartment is a QUIET dog.  Most complaints arise because the dog is barking all day when the owner is at work, or busy, or the poop doesn't get scooped.  For 9-5'ers, a retired racing greyhound is often a good match - they are such couch potatoes LOL. But, for you, adopting a quiet adult dog that is known to be tolerant of very young children, and already house trained, is the way you should go IMO.  Puppies, or active young dogs, and toddlers don't always mix, which is why a lot of rescue groups won't adopt a dog to a family with kids under age 10 (statistically, they get bitten a lot, especially if parents leave them alone with the dog, or let the kids be on the floor or dogs be on the couches).  Most large SPCA's have a behavior assessment program (ask), and can evaluate a dog's behavior with kids, cats, other dogs (you want the dog that passes all three and has zero food or "special item" aggression).  I would start there - you could find the dog of a lifetime and safe a life at the same time:-)) Please do be sure you have landlord permission, and that you are stable in your living situation, so that you will not have to move and leave your dog behind.    Regional Director for Massachusetts, International Positive Dog Training Association Director, SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections Program AKC CGC Evaluator #3669 Therapy Dogs, Inc. Tester/Observer Sioux, CGC, TDInc. Maska, CGC, TDInc. Sequoyah, CGC Fergie, Retired Lap Dog, Age 19 Dancer, CGC, TDInc. (1989-2006) #1 Heart Dog "If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George "The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." ~ Konrad Lorenz

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• 02-02-2008 9:55 AM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  RidgebackGermansShep Joined on 03-24-2006 Lexington, KY Posts 3,041 Points 425	Re: Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds. Reply Contact i agree with the greyhound...i've also heard great danes are great for apts. I lived in an 800 sq foot apt with a german shepherd and rhodesian ridgeback and i had no problem. As long as you give your dog sufficient exercise, you should be okay. Eat, drink, and be merry...for tomorrow we die..." - Dave Matthews Band Megan
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• 02-02-2008 10:04 AM

  In reply to RidgebackGermansShep

  BEVOLASVEGAS Joined on 07-11-2006 Texas Posts 4,459 Points 640

  Re: Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds. Reply Contact I lived with an Australian Shepherd & a Boxer in a 500 sq ft apartment.  Then when the Aussie passed, I added a Doberman.  It is a little more difficult to live in an apartment with high energy breeds, but if you are committed, it is doable. A retired Greyhound is usually the perfect apartment dog, & you get the bonus of knowing that you saved a life in the process. Amanda "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, throughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming --- ' WOW, WHAT A RIDE!!!! ' " - Author Unknown

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• 02-02-2008 10:36 AM

  In reply to BEVOLASVEGAS

  Jewlieee Joined on 03-23-2007 MI Posts 5,909 Points 4,235	Re: Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds. Reply Contact My husky grew up in apartment living. No problems at all. As long as the dog gets plenty of attention outside of the apt (walks and so on) it is fine.
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• 02-02-2008 10:59 AM

  In reply to Jewlieee

  Calinisima Joined on 12-05-2007 AB-Canada Posts 1,522 Points 360

  Re: Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds. Reply Contact I have my 110lbs of neo mastiff living in an apartment since he was 5 months old. Thor is "the most well behaved dog of the building" (all neighbours said in the past meeting) and he is the biggest one too. I think the success you'll have is the time you dedicate to your dog. If he is educated and you take care of all his needs, he will not be a problem anywhere. Thor only barks if he perceives something inusual/threatening and that's like once a month. He walks a lot everyday and he does his "business" outside the resident area. Here in Venezuela, rules are not that hard like in the U.S., I think. I didn't knew some places only permit some breeds... that's kind of hard! I ♥ SWAPS

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• 02-02-2008 12:21 PM

  In reply to Jewlieee

  Liesje Joined on 03-02-2007 Grand Rapids, Michigan Posts 7,441 Points 850

  Re: Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds. Reply Contact I don't think there's any one breed that's better than any other, it totally depends on the individual dog.  For that reason, I'd look to adopt an adult from a shelter or rescue.  I adopted an adult German Shepherd and was told that living in an apartment would not be a problem, as she is a very quiet dog, well trained to "settle" in the house.  A friend of mine has a hyper-action Australian Shepherd in her apartment.  Another friend had two Great Pyrenees in her apartment!  I don't think size or breed matters, just that the dogs get the exercise they need regardless of where they sleep.    vankelderdogs.dutchbingo.net U-CH Alta-Tollhaus-Krieger Lamb Chop RA CL1-F CL1-R TT HIC TDI CGC ("Kenya", GSD) VPC's Coca-Cola CGC ("Coke", All American) Alta-Tollhaus' Bono ("Nikon", GSD)

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• 02-02-2008 1:07 PM

  In reply to Liesje

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 7,645 Points 2,075

  Re: Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds. Reply Contact I'm going to jump in here and play devil's advocate -- don't just get a dog that is 'ok' with THIS apartment.  NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!!! Because if you move to another apartment they may not take dogs over 25 or 30 pounds.  So a big dog may NOT be a good match for you in the future.  Different apartments have different rules -- don't get caught just having a dog "ok" at THIS apartment when most of the other apartments in town require a dog to be under a certain weight.  CHECK IT OUT!!!

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• 02-02-2008 1:24 PM

  In reply to dogwatcher

  kelliope Joined on 08-28-2007 Posts 326 Points 0

  Re: Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds. Reply Contact My suggestion for apartment life - adopt an older dog (who might otherwise have no chance at a loving home).  Many older dogs are wonderful, quiet, and quite happy to spend much of their time snuggling in their bed.  That is my first choice for apartment life. We adopted an older Golden Retriever who had been used as a breeder.  She was perfectly trained, but was quite old, didn't look "pretty" as she was missing much of her hair from her hind end.  I looked at my mom and said "this one will never get adopted, we have to take her".  She turned out to the be the absolute best, sweetest, least trouble dog we have ever had.  We didn't live in an apartment, but she would have fit right in with apartment life. Oh, and she grew her hair back and turned into a very beautiful dog - inside and out.

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• 02-02-2008 1:36 PM

  In reply to kelliope

  Infiniti Joined on 08-06-2007 Chicago Suburbs, Illinois Posts 1,060 Points 280

  Re: Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds. Reply Contact  Callie's suggestion at examining your possible next home is a good idea.  If you have any plans on moving to a different complex, it would be quite useful to find out any restrictions. I have an Alaskan Klee Kai in an apartment right now.  Like everyone else has said, having an energetic breed in an apartment is do-able as long as you fulfill your dog's energy requirements.  When the temperature is more forgiving, Honor gets at least two walks a day, combined with whatever exercise or training she's getting indoors.  The biggest concern I've had with having Honor in the apartment is that she's quite a talker.  Woo-woo this, woo-woo that.  So DH and I have worked hard on training her "Speak" and "Quiet" commands.  Otherwise, she's been a great apartment dog. I too, agree that you would probably be best suited to a more relaxed older dog.  The retired racing greyhound idea is wonderful, as greyhounds can make incredibly sweet and gentle companions.  Spiritdogs gave you good advice in what to look for in a shelter/rescue dog.  I hope the search goes well!   Lisa and: AliAK's Vereesa Windrunner - "Honor" - Alaskan Klee Kai Victory At Marathon - "Nike" - Shetland Sheepdog Dubby & Max - Holland Lop & Mini Lop The Dogs' Blog: http://lisa-itsadogslife.blogspot.com iDog's Biggest Loser: 5 lbs. down, 25 to go!

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• 02-02-2008 3:23 PM

  In reply to Infiniti

  ottoluv Joined on 11-27-2006 So Cal Posts 2,887 Points 520

  Re: Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds. Reply Contact Over 70% of my building has dogs I just learned at the HOA meeting. The ones that I know of (because they live in my area of the place) have chi's (me) and several others, a cavalier king charles, mini poodle, rat terrier, bichon, yorkie, a few small chi or JRT mixes, pug, and a lab. The only ones that have had a problem and actually gotten in trouble with the HOA was the lady with the poodle for barking and the lab for barking and the guy let it swim in the pool. I think there are a lot of dogs that make great apartment dogs, you just have to be careful with training and respectful to neighbors. Puppy pads are great if you are unable to go out at night or live on a high floor as well. The only thing about adopting is be really, really careful about getting involved with a dog that has SA. The horror stories I've heard about people getting kicked out and such are always with dogs that have SA. If you aren't prepared to dealth with it or don't know how it's probably not the right choice. Here I am stuck in the middle with you I practice societal sanctioned assault

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• 02-02-2008 4:40 PM

  In reply to ottoluv

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 7,645 Points 2,075

  Re: Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds. Reply Contact ottoluv: The only thing about adopting is be really, really careful about getting involved with a dog that has SA. The horror stories I've heard about people getting kicked out and such are always with dogs that have SA. If you aren't prepared to dealth with it or don't know how it's probably not the right choice. Kelly's absolutely right -- it can be really hard to know so ASK.  Most rescue groups that have had dogs in foster homes *should* know the answer to that one (it's one of the things they usually test for -- they really don't WANT to place a dog in a home where it will fail).  But it can happen with puppies too -- especially when folks get a puppy but they work ALL day long and they don't take the time to train the dog they just assume because it's in a crate that it will 'be crate trained". Some breeds are more vocal that others -- beagles tend to be more vocal, and they tend to like companionship so may not be the right choice for you.  I'm not saying they are bad (I have a bassett/beagle mix but O BOY is she vocal) just that it is a consideration.

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• 02-02-2008 7:03 PM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  agilebasenji Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 2,387 Points 200

  Re: Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds. Reply Contact spiritdogs: In my opinion, the best dog to have in an apartment is a QUIET dog.    Notice that Spiritdogs did not say barkless dog.  Basenjis, while barkless, do make all sorts of interesting other noises.  Many people make the mistake that a basenji is a perfect appartment dog.  And then dump the dog when the find out how high energy and noisy these little pups can be.

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• 02-02-2008 7:12 PM

  In reply to agilebasenji

  spiritdogs Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 10,312 Points 840

  Re: Does is work having a dog in an apartment-which breeds. Reply Contact agilebasenji: spiritdogs: In my opinion, the best dog to have in an apartment is a QUIET dog.    Notice that Spiritdogs did not say barkless dog.  Basenjis, while barkless, do make all sorts of interesting other noises.  Many people make the mistake that a basenji is a perfect appartment dog.  And then dump the dog when the find out how high energy and noisy these little pups can be.    ROFLMAO, you are right about that.  I did NOT say barkless;-))    Regional Director for Massachusetts, International Positive Dog Training Association Director, SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections Program AKC CGC Evaluator #3669 Therapy Dogs, Inc. Tester/Observer Sioux, CGC, TDInc. Maska, CGC, TDInc. Sequoyah, CGC Fergie, Retired Lap Dog, Age 19 Dancer, CGC, TDInc. (1989-2006) #1 Heart Dog "If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George "The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." ~ Konrad Lorenz

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