Is it fair to a 65 lb. dog to live in an apartment?

Question

I have a 1 year old puppy. I have had him since he was 10 weeks old. He is so sweet and loving, but sometimes I wonder if it is fair to him to live in an apartment. I also have 2 cats that he gets along with.
He has fears of going outside, which he has had since I got him. So going for walks is sometimes hard. He seems really content in the apartment, but am I doing the right thing for him and his happiness.
Honest answers please. AND PLEASE, NO ONE JUST LOOKING FOR POINTS.

Answer 1

Golden retrievers are about that weight, and they are the dog of choice for the Guide dogs for the blind programs. and, yes, they do live in apartments..So, 'cruel?'..not at all. However, your dog needs stimulation and at least some exercise to live long and healthy. Is there room for a treadmill where you live?
If he can't get proper exercise, he is likely to live a somewhat shortened life, just as sedentary people do..but, he would likely just as soon live that life with you..as a couch potato..so I wouldn't think he is suffering at all..
I would keep trying to get him out for walks.. often, dogs will be more relaxed when walked just before dark, or after dark if there is safety and good lighting..

Answer 2

I have a 5 month old pup who will likely grow to 60-65 lbs and live in a small 1-bedroom apartment. Everyone in my building has dogs and most are fairly large - a few dobermans, retrievers and even a great dane! Everyone has very well behaved and content dogs because they get exercise and discipline. We are doing the same with our pup, gradually upping the amount of activity he gets inside and outside. I dont think the size of your place matters as long as he gets exercise (physical and mental), discipline and love.

Answer 3

many large breeds can do very well in apartments if they get their exersize out doors some can be even better behaved than small breeds in this situation. Some mastiff breeds do well in apartment situations and will be content to just lay around while you are out, if they get their exersize when you take them for a walk.

As for his fear of going out side this is a socialization issue, which needs to be addressed. Under the supervision of an animal behavioralist. dogs are not born with this fear, some event or events has created it.

as for his happiness this is more about your happiness than his.

if your not happy with the situation you should change it. There are various ways to do this and the choice is your to make. just remember that when you brought the dog into your house you should have considered the life style your dog would have, as well as the lifespan of the dog( typically 10-15 years).

CONSULT WITH A VETEINARIAN AND DOG TRAINER/BEHAVIORALIST FOR MORE PERSONAL SERVICE.

Answer 4

As long as your dog is getting the attention he needs as well as plenty of toys, mind challenges, etc, he should be good and happy. If an animal is upset it is very apparent and you will know. You obviously need to work on his going outside issues. It just needs to be a positive experience. Take little steps at a time. It may just have to start with you standing outside the door with a piece of cheese, let him take it out of your hand, praise the hell out of him and let him go back in until this becomes comfortable for him. Every few days take another step further outside the door, etc. It may take a month or so to get him on a good walk, but always praise positively when he does something right.

Answer 5

Sounds like you're trying to give him a really good home, but two things. First, this is a large dog and he needs exercise - more than an occasional walk. Second, this dog needs socialization, lots of it, to get over his fears.

Doesn't matter if going for walks is sometimes hard, he needs the exercise, both for his physical and mental health. If you get him over some of his fears, perhaps take him to classes for socialization, you could take him to a dog park where he could get plenty of exercise.

The first thing you need to do is take him to classes. Dogs who succeed at something most often also gain confidence from that success. If you even work with him on your own, using lots of praise, it should help him with his fears somewhat. You can then progress to classes where he'll get more help. After that, provided he's dog friendly, he could go do a dog park.

It's not necessarily unfair to keep him in an apartment, just as long as he gets plenty of exercise as well as mental stimulation to keep him from getting frustrated.

Answer 6

It's ok as long as you care for your dog and provide exercise, play and lots of love and affection. Any dog is content as long as they are with the people they love and are getting play time. I know all about the fear you are talking about, my dog was like that alot when I first got him because he came from a farm, thats the only thing you need to work on... it will be harder now that he is older but it would benefit both of you to socialize him a little more. I suggest getting a hobby that involves both you and your dog.. it will give you both something to do and will help your dog overcome nervousness. Something like obedience school or even just you learning how to teach your dog some unique tricks. Flyball, agility, carting, skijoring, swimming or tracking are all good hobbies for both you and your dog depending on his breed he may be better suited to certain activities than others. I dont think it is unfair to have a dog in an apartment as long as you love and care for him... I can tell you that it would be unfair to give him away now that he is part of your family, I think you are doing just fine and I am sure your dog loves you and your cats more than anything... Please keep your dog and if you are concerned just try getting a fun hobby you and your dog can learn together.

Here are some links to the dog activities I mentioned.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flyball
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_agility
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skijoring
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carting
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracking_trial

Answer 7

Ok I have a 50 lb German Shepard Mix and we live in a one bedroom apartment. I treat him as if he were a child. I send him to doggy daycare during the day while I am at work. I pick him up and bring him home and after dinner we walk. Good for both him and me. On the weekends he goes everywhere with me and if I need to leave him I take him to my parents or a friends for an hour or so. He gets to socialize with other animals and I get to have a well rounded adjusted dog. Hope this helps.

Answer 8

It depends on the breed of the dog. Greyhounds and Great Danes do great in apartments whereas a Jack Russel or any terrier will do poorly.
As far as his fears of going outside. You should get in touch with a trainer, maybe thru your local Humane Society. That large of a dog should go out for bathroom breaks. You don't want your apt to smell like a kennel.

Answer 9

i don't believe that its fair at all. 20lb and under is the limit in my opinion. But...this of course all depends on how you treat your dog. Taking him to the park frequently, playing with him, and letting him mingle with other dogs is a good way to compensate for this. If you love your dog as much as i love mine, you will do everything in your power to keep him healthy and happy. You will know when he is happy. And if he's not over weight and overly hyper or overly lazy then he is probably pretty healthy too. Make sure you give him a multivitamin every morning since he doesn't get alot of sunlight (being an inside dog). Show him LOTS of love every second u get!

Answer 10

What kind of dog is it? How old is he?

As long as you are giving him regular daily exercise and he seems content, I would say he is ok. A lot of dogs do fine in an apartment, especially if they've never lived in a home as yours hasn't. He doesn't know the difference between a house and an apartment at this point. As long as you are giving him a loving home and exercising him and caring for him properly, I'd say he's in a fine home.