I want a either a Boston Terrier or a French Bulldog which are both small dogs.... would it be ok to leave it inside with my cat(he loves dogs) all day while im at class?? Or should I just wait until i eventually get a house with a yard?
2006-08-03 11:20:53 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
small dogs are ok. Big dogs arent.
2006-08-03 11:24:53 · answer #1 · answered by *Barbie Girl* 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two french bulldogs and they are small enough to be kept in an apartment. But since they're a stocky and heavily built breed (28-30lbs), they'd do best on a ground floor (not the type of dog to be going up and down a lot of steps).
Frenchies are extremely people dependent and love to be near and involved with their owners (not the right breed to be left alone for most of the day), or kept outside for durations if you do happen to have a home and a yard.
While frenchies and boston terriers are highly energetic and need daily opportunities to exercise, they don't do well during hot days (like many flat faced dogs they can overheat pretty easily).
Because your cat loves dogs doesn't mean the dog will return the love. A relationship between the two needs to be supervised until they bond, which is something that might not happen (my frenchies don't like cats or other small animals).
Answer: Keeping these particular breeds of dog in an apartment isn't cruel, however, due to the personal needs of these types of dogs, the amount of time you are away and the presence of a cat, getting a boston terrier or french bulldog isn't advised.
2006-08-06 11:02:15 · answer #2 · answered by Kay B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long is "all day"? No dog should regularly be left alone for more than 3-4 hours at a time. I just don't think that it's humane, and many rescue groups agree with me. If someone can let it out and play with it and walk it every 3-4 hours - I see no problem.
Also remember that those breeds have some significant health issues - make sure that you always have $1000 available to take care of them should they arise. I'll link to a source sheet on finding reputable breeders to help reduce the risk - but a doggie savings account is still recommended. : )
2006-08-03 12:33:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People who say that you can't have a small dog in a apartment don't know what they are on about. You most certainly can, we aren't talking great danes here, we're talking little dogs that weigh around 5 kilos. They CAN run around the apartment, and especially love tables or something to run in circles around. As long as you can walk them every 5-6 hours, and give them lots of lovin' and playtime when you are home, there is absolutely no problem whatsoever. Don't let people make you feel guilty - most of them don't even have dogs.
2006-08-03 11:37:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As someone who recently adopted a 3 year old black lab/shepherd mix named Macy (78lbs!), I went through this process because I have a one bedroom apartment, live alone and work 8am-6pm. Macy is a mellow, sweet dog and she does great in the apartment by herself during the day. Initially, she had some separation anxiety and would chew things, but overall no issues.
The advice I received from the Seattle Animal shelter was that the time and care you could give a dog mattered more than the apartment/yard situation. I compensate for my absence during the day by taking the dog running in the mornings and on walks in the evenings. So far, things have worked out well.
Good luck. Dog ownership is incredibly rewarding but it definitely imposes structure on your life.
2006-08-03 11:37:21 · answer #5 · answered by rpathak 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dogs need regular exercise and lots of attention. If they feel neglected they tend to form behavioral problems. A dog walker during the day is a cheap alliterative, school age kids are cheap. lots of toys, a radio on low, there favorite 'wooby' blanket and even a web cam setup to watch them. If they get outta hand call the house and rattle them with a speaker phone message( they'll have no idea where it came from). If those don't work then try the 'Dog Whisperer ' books...
2006-08-03 11:33:07 · answer #6 · answered by fkiteman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
honestly small dogs are good for a apt just make sure wile you are in class there is plenty of food and whater for the dog and a place for it to potty then when you get home take it for a walk and play with it alot of ppl have dogs in apt and remember people who have dogs have to leave them alone you cant go to work or store or anything with the dog with you and if you dont work then u dont need a dog but yes it is ok to leave the dog alone wile at school or work
and some big dogs can be in a apt to my moms old neighbor had a big dog and it was left alone wile he was at work and when he got home he took it outside and for walks and they played in the apt the dog was very happy and you alway known when it was time for the owner to come home cause he would howl
dog apt yes its ok
2006-08-03 11:32:41 · answer #7 · answered by shylilly_665 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you walk it like 2 times a day then it will be good, but dogs love to run, so getting a dog in an apartment is not a good idea.
2006-08-03 11:26:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of apartment dwellers have dogs. If the cat likes dogs and they get along, AND you aren'y gone for much more than 8 hours a day AND give the dog lots of attention while you're around, it should be fine.
2006-08-03 11:25:19 · answer #9 · answered by ziz 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you provide a cool temperature environment with a water bowl and food dish, and occasionally take it for walks, it is fine. But I'm sure I would look for signs that the dog is getting irritable or unhappy because it is left alone.
2006-08-03 11:27:18 · answer #10 · answered by Kivan 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is not okay to keep any dog in an apartment. Dogs need room to run and play.
2006-08-03 11:25:57 · answer #11 · answered by Andrea 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋