What kind of dog should I get?

Question

Well I live in a small apartment, and I am out from monday to friday about 6-8 hours per day and I only go out for about 1 - 2 hours in the weekend. What type of a dog should I get and why?

Oh and is there anything I should know about keeping a dog?

Answer 1

you shouldnt get a dog if you are in a small apartment - very likely your landlord wont allow it in the first place and lets face it.. without a yard do you really want to have to walk a dog 3-6 times a day???

an older dog would be a much better choice than a hyper/destructive puppy but lets face facts if you know sooooo little about dogs.. you really shouldnt be getting one

Answer 2

First of all there is a lot to know about having a dog. At first I would have thought to tell you that you shouldn't have a dog because of your schedule, because my little guys just couldn't take me being gone for even a min.But that is the Shih-Tzu. Their are other breeds that are not so much children, and there is also so many abandoned dogs out there that need someones love and a stable home. I say stable, because you have to know for sure that you are ready to make this commitment. And it is a very serious commitment. There is nothing wrong with the fact that you live in an apartment. There are breeds who don't require a lot of exercise. And it isn't so bad that you work 6 hours a day. But there is a right way to do it. When you have decided on the breed, and either a young puppy or older dog. They will need first of all to feel secure . So plan a time to get your dog when you know you have at least a full week at home. To get to know the dog, and also to get him or her use to you going out. First time for a half hour , then an hour then try a bit longer. Once the dog knows that you return each time, he will eventually be able to feel comfortable enough in his new environment and trust in your return.

Good Luck and happy dog hunting.

Answer 3

There's SO much to know about owning a dog. I could go on and on about all the information you need to know.

For you, I'd stick with a small dog that can stand being alone for a decent amount of time. Of course, there are some things to consider such as:
-how much exercise time you can provide
-how much grooming you can handle
-whether or not you have children
-what size dog your landlord will allow, if any
-and many other things

I'd recommend using this dog breed selector-http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm- to help choose a dog. You just have to answer some questions, and it will pick some good dog breeds that suit you.

But before buying a dog, BE SURE that you are ready and willing to take care of one. They are living creatures, just like you, and need attention and care. Ask yourself if you're ready to devote all your time to this dog. So many dogs end up in shelters, on the streets, or euthanized due to owners that weren't ready for the responsibility of a dog. People think that dogs are just toys, but they don't understand that they are living, breathing animals that need A LOT of care.

For some basic things you'll need for your dog, be sure to have a leash, collar, food, dishes, toys, and a crate/bed ready for when you get the dog.

If you need some more help, be sure to message me, and I'll be glad to help. I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 4

Look in the paper for free dogs. They are put in there by owners that can't keep their animal for some reason and want to find them a good home. Free dogs are generally older and come with the added benefit of previous training. The owners can give a history of the dog that puppies just don't come with. The owners, out of concern for the dog, and prospective new owner, will usually tell you about the bad habbits of the dog, and steps to correct it, as well as some of the dog's finer moments. By accepting a free dog into your home, you get more information about the dog, don't have to pay adoption fees, and you help another person out of a very distressing delema - what to do with a loved pet that they can no longer keep - and you reduce stress on the animal. Should you get a purebred puppy, you get no information on the animal and costs for purchase can range from hundreds to thousands. Should you get a dog or puppy from the pound, you still have to pay adoption fees and you still get no information on the dog.

Hope I helped.

Answer 5

Well, you probably want something small for apartment life....and you are going to have to dish out a lot of money to put your dog in doggie daycare because 6 hours is way too long. Try a breed you have had experience with before. I have a Coton de Tulear that is a great dog.

Answer 6

i wouldn't get a dog if i lived in an apartment b/c there is no telling, if you do not own your own home, that you will be able to keep the dog for its whole life, and you should be responsible for that when you buy the dog. An apartment owner will not let you keep a yappy dog, even if the policy is that dogs are allowed, and there is no way to tell if your dog is going to be yappy.

Also, you may have to move or the policy may change.

Answer 7

A grown dog from a rescue. You don't have time for the comittment needed to raise & housebreak a puppy, & this way you get to see the end product without wondering how it'll turn out when grown, plus save a life.
I have had both purebreds & rescued mutts, they all becam just as much a part of my family as the other.
You may not get many choices at purebreds at a resue but you will find some that are "pretty close" if you keep tabs through this site http://www.petfinder.com/
Also here is a great site to help you decide which breed to shoot for http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

Answer 8

go to www.puppyfind.com, small dogs are better because you can teach them to be litter trained & Most apartments won't let you have dogs over 25lbs, dogs are better than a cat because cats arent excited to see you like dogs. if you want a puppy get it 8 months or older because they can hold it for 8 hours

Answer 9

Well you shouldn't get a dog just because you will barley be home and you will be crushing the dog it would want a home with lots of attention but if you stay home more then you maybe get a dog.
So please don't get a dog unless you will give it the attention it needs. I hope you choose the right option.
bye.

Answer 10

a dachshound they are sooooo cute i have 1 and he is so nice and cute and cuttly and hes verry calm and leaving the house that much wont do much to them because they normally sleep a lot but if u do get one make shure that as soon as you get home play and pay lots of attention so that they know you still love them even tho you leave a lot