Dogs and Flats?

Question

Would you say it is unfair to keep a small / medium dog in a flat? they are walked every morning for half an hour then again approx four hours later at lunchtime, and again in the evening when home from work and when needbe thereafter. It will have unlimited exercise at the weekends It is unfair to leave them 9-5 if you cannot get home at lunchtime?

I DO NOT own a dog, i am considering buying one but not sure if my circumstances are suitable at the moment. I have owned dogs in the past but i lived at home on a farm so the situation was a bit different.

If it will be ok what dogs are recommended

Can dogs go for 8 hours without going to the loo? i was thinking of getting a cat litter tray and train it to pee in if its desperate (if they will do that), if i cant get home at lunchtime.

Answer 1

Good on ya, mate, for researching first before selfishly going out and getting one without thinking about the dog. No, it is not unfair. By your statement on walking your future dog, you are doing more than the average dog owner does right now!! Dog's can live quite happily in a flat. Even breeds such as a doberman. But it will be tough if you start with a pup. Maybe check your local shelters and explain your situation to them. They can help find you one that will fit in with your situation.

Answer 2

A small dog can live quite happily in a flat as long as it is getting regular exercise and company. I think the deciding factor might be how whether you can get home at lunchtime to walk it most days - I think 9-5 is too long.

I'd definitely go for a small dog though, and maybe not from a working breed like jack russell terriers, which need a lot of stimulation to keep them from getting bored. I can't really advise on which breed to go for - just do your research on the ones you like.

One more thought. If you feel your circumstances aren't ideal, what about volunteering with a dog's home or ask the local vet if they know of an elderly or disabled dog-owner who needs help with dog-walking. I used to do this for an elderly lady who had been considering giving up her much-loved pet because she was no longer able to walk him. It meant I could enjoy walks with a lovely dog, and the lady became a friend too. Knowing I was helping them to stay together was very rewarding.

Answer 3

There is certainly no problem with dogs in flat if they are exercised and allowed out three or four times a day MINIMUM. They can be quite content with toys or just sleeping. You must not, however, consider leaving the dog 9 - 5 that would almost amount to cruelty. If there were times when you could not get home at lunchtime then you would have to have a friend or neighbour available with a key, who would take the dog out for you. If this is not possible then I would reconsider getting a dog.

Answer 4

A small/medium dog can be perfectly fine in an apartment, but when you say that you are going to walk them three times a day, you NEED to walk them three times a day.

As for leaving them home for 8 hours, it isn't fair to the animal. An animal should not be left without being able to go outside for anymore than 8 hours at a time, and a dog should not be left (in general) in a house without a chance to use the washroom for more than one hour per month of age.

I highly recommend that you wait until you are able to commit to coming home daily at lunch to take the dog out.

Answer 5

it will be ok as many people do it and the dog is fine, but you need to get a dog that is suited to a small environment that will not mind been left alone (get board) a collie or any other working dog is a big no! they will easily become board and trash the place.

consider getting a retired grey hound they do need a good 20min brisk walk and after that will settle down for the rest of the day...
also a small dog that doesnt need a lot of exercise as they wont get too board without you. It also depends on the temprement of the dog.

also contact your local RSPCA or dog rehoming who will be able to give you lots more advice.

Answer 6

I dont think it's fair to a dog to be alone for that long. Consider a pet sitter or a responsible teenager near by to come in during the day and spend some time with the dog.

I suggest a dog that doesnt require alot of exercise and most likely a smaller one.

Answer 7

i would not say it is unfair as you seem to be very serious about exercise etc. well done for really thinking about it before going ahead. but personally I think it will make things alot harder in respect of toilet training, myself i would never have a dog if it did not have access to a back garden, sometimes puppies get a bit too excited and it is a god send to have somewhere to put them for 5 mins to calm down, or when you are eating etc. Good luck with whatever you decide, i am sure you will make a lovely owner whether it be now or in the future.

Answer 8

Cockalier? Do you recommend Cavalier ok.C. spaniel or a dressmaker mutt? no longer criticizing, in basic terms curious. Cavaliers have relatively some wellness issues interior the breed, yet nicely bred canine are often in good shape. Why do no longer you communicate on your mom and pa approximately what breeds you're into? it relatively is finally their determination, yet your dad and mom might take you as a minor area of the determination. Do your examine on all and sundry of those breeds you like, communicate them with your loved ones, and then decide for what may be right for you. A breed to look at for you men is the sheltie. they are medium/small (15-30 lbs), clever, and very lively. EDIT: the full "hybrid energy" factor is a extensive fantasy with no longer technology in the back of it. Mutts are certainly much less healthful than purebreds. Rescuing is IMO greater helpful than paying for from a breeder, yet relatively, once you're searching for a canine with much less wellness issues interior the long-term, decide for a purebred from an excellent breeder.

Answer 9

I agree with what has been said so far and wanted to add - Have you thought about putting the dog in a 'pet nursery' in the day - not sure if there is one near you. Also a friend of mine used to be a dog walker and she took a couple of dogs in to her home all day while there owners were at work. Maybe it is something you could look into.

Answer 10

Well as long as you could really stick to the exercise you said you'd be able to give then you shouldn't have to many problems.Do you have a garden though?if you get a pup housetraining may take longer if you have no garden to take your pup out to regulary,pups during housetraining need to be taken out every hour and theres also the socilisation and other training on top of that.I think your best bet would be to rehome an adult dog that has the basic obediance and is house trained.If your keen on a particular breed then you can go through breed welfare organizations.A good breed that would readily adapt to flat living would be a Cavilier King Charles Spaniel they are lovely little affectionate dogs.Like i said though i would strongly recommened an adult rescue dog.Good luck.