Are small dogs good for apartments?

Question

As I mentioned in an earlier question. My hubby and I are thinking of adopting his friends 4 mo old puppy, which is a chihuahua/rat terrier mix. We currently live in a 2 bdrm apt, it's about 880 sq ft. and we are on the 3rd floor. It is located somewhat in the country, and is all backroads, unless you want to venture a lil bit onto the main hwy. So there are plenty of small roads to walk the dog on, but while we are at work, the dog would be in the apt. Is this bad for the dog? I don't want him getting depressed...but I do think that even though he'd be in the house for 9 hrs a day by himself, he'd be happier than what he is now, stuck in someone's house all day by himself, then when ppl come home, they don't even pay attention to him because they don't like him. We are planning on picking him up in 2 wks so I need to now how to make his transition the best it can be.

Answer 1

i live in an apt. and have 4 small dogs 2 chihuahuas 1 lhaso aspo 1 silky terrier. they all get equal attention and when i go out all day babysitting they will do their thing on the balcony. they go out for walks all the time also.i also leave my radio on for them and tell them watch the house mommy will be bk be good.at first it may be hard on your pup, but gradually it should get used to it.GOOD LUCK GIVE IT LOTS OF LOVE AND ATTENTION/ TOYS TO PLAY WITH/ SOME CHEW TOYS AS IT SHOULD BE TEETHING

Answer 2

I see he has terrier in him. If he isn't' potty trained and the house isn't puppy proofed, terriers can be little "terrors". If you worry about the dog being alone for an extended time, hire a pet sitter to come in halfway thru the day to walk the dog and exercise some energy out of him so that when you return home he isn't bouncing off the walls.

Answer 3

As long as you pay a lot of attention to him, he will be ok. Take him for several walks a day. I have a dog, but I live in a house so he can go outside anytime he wants to. Even on the days when I am not able to take him for a walk.

Answer 4

It all depends on the breed. Some small dogs are not high strung, or big barkers. Some are good by themselves when left alone during the day. If he is used to being alone during the day, and he doesn't bark much, he should work out for you. If you could keep him first for a few days, and see how that works out, it would be much easier. Check with his friends, and see if first they will let you keep him on a trial basis, and if it works out, its great for you and the dog!

Answer 5

Terriers have a lot of energy, so even though they're small, they need a lot of space to run around in. make sure you can take him for a walk every day. Chihuahua's are more territorial, so they'd be ok in an apartment.

Answer 6

hi i live in a 2 bdrm f;at with my dog she is a year old {maltiese/shitzu} when she first came to me as a pup she got a little board but i just brought her a few chew toys and a teddy bear and she now is very content to stay by her self while i am at work for 6 - 8 hrs. good luck!!

Answer 7

A small dog is the best dog for apaprtment living. They do not take up a lot if room, do not need a lot of exercise and can be trained to use a litterbox. After being neglected for so long, he is going to be one happy little guy to have someone love him.

Answer 8

Small dogs can do fine in apartments. It sounds like you have lots of room around where the dog can be walked and exercised so that will help a lot.

The biggest problem can be if the dog is barking and disturbing the neighbours.

Answer 9

Watch Ceaser Milan on The Discover Channel. He is an awesome dog and people trainer.

Answer 10

yes