Living conditions and getting a dog

[freedomclub]

Hello everyone. I've been pondering getting a dog for a while now (too long..I'd like to act or not act some day) and what's holding me back is my living conditions. I'm at my parents house at the moment. We have a big backyard but there is no fence of any kind. When I move out it will more than likely be into an apartment without a yard.

So what I want to hear is stories from people who have dogs in less than ideal living conditions and how it's worked out. Is it even important?

Let's hear it!

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

I have a dog and went from a house with a spacious fenced yard to a studio apartment. Lots of people in my building have dogs of all sizes who do very well!

The main consideration is that dogs need exercise and interaction. It's really important to take long walks and even go to a dog park where your dog can run and play "off leash" with other dogs. While at your parents house you can do the same thing if it's okay with them for the dog to be in the house.

I've crate-trained my dog as it is supposed to be easier for them to cope while you are away from home and not destroy your place. This is easy to do with a puppy, but even my mature dog had no trouble with it at all.

I'd say that as long as you can devote the time to giving a dog what it needs, there is no reason you can't have one in an apartment (although it may limit the apartments you can live in, and don't forget to save up for the pet deposit).

Edit: BTW, just in case you were wondering, my dog is fairly large (approx 70 lbs), a Doberman/Chocolate Lab mix. This is just to say that smaller dogs might be easier because they can get a lot of exercise even inside (small enough to run around in an apartment) but you can make it work with larger dogs too.

[freedomclub]

Awesome. I'm really glad to hear that you can make it work like that. I've always had my heart set on a Husky so I think that would put me in the big dog range. I'm thinking of adopting young adult from a local adoption group. I've never really had a pet all to myself before so I think that might be the best choice for me (and my parents if I'm still home).

[robertanthony]

I have a small dog who does not need much excercise. It's a good idea to check out all the facts about the dog breed and learn about training methods. Dogs are very good at picking up the tone of your voice and body language - and can even work out your mood. My dog gets upset if she has had an accident at home. If you do get a dog - the funny thing is that you tend to meet more dog lovers and get speaking to people that you would not normally have met. Also they are always happy to see you.

If you have a small apartment getting a smaller dog would be better as large dogs can feel restricted in small environments.

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

Originally Posted by freedomclub

I've always had my heart set on a Husky so I think that would put me in the big dog range.

Huskies are great dogs! I used to have a similar breed and she was sweet as could be.

Originally Posted by robertanthony

It's a good idea to check out all the facts about the dog breed and learn about training methods.

That's good advice. Different breeds have different needs and training methods. You can also enroll your pet in a class. My parents have done this with their dog and he's learning a lot.

Originally Posted by robertanthony

If you have a small apartment getting a smaller dog would be better as large dogs can feel restricted in small environments.

That's true, however if you provide lots of exercise a large dog can still do well even if you live in a small apartment. My vet says my 70 lb dog should be walking/playing outside to the tune of about 1-3 miles per day. Make sure you can take that on if you get a Husky because you will have behavioral issues if a large dog isn't getting enough activity.

[sheffy4]

Yes, huskies are great dogs, but they also have a lot of energy! I know a guy who has a husky in a studio apartment and I feel so bad for that dog. I used to take him for walks when the guy was at work, and the dog hated going back in the cramped apartment, even after a long, unleashed romp in a field. I would seriously consider not keeping a husky in a small apartment like that. Yes, I think the dog would be "fine," but I think the dog deserves better.