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I live in a one bed room and apartment. The thing is i want to get a German Shepard puppie. Would this be an acceptable amount of space for the dog? Also i dont have a problem taking the dog out to parks, etc so that it gets exercise,etc. It would however spend the time that im at work alone in the apartment (2-10pm). Are these ideal living conditions for the dog?

2007-05-17 16:56:27 · 10 answers · asked by mrjackson206 2 in Pets Dogs

10 answers

First of all, I would like to commend you for asking for this kind of advice before getting your dog. It shows that you ultimately want what's best for your future dog and will be a good owner. However,a one bedroom apartment isn't really an ideal living space for a large dog like a German Shepherd. Also, 8 hours alone every day for any puppy/dog is a very long time. Dogs are pack dogs and need companionship constantly. Maybe you could get a different pet, or, if you are really set on getting a dog, wait until your schedule permits it and wait until you're sure that you can devote enough time and effort into caring for one.

2007-05-17 17:02:54 · answer #1 · answered by iluvmurphie 3 · 0 0

NO! Not at all!! I have a German Shepard. I got him when he was 7 weeks and and he is now 16 weeks. I walk him twice a day for 30-45 minutes on top of playing fetch with him in the back yard for various amounts of time. He is still full of energy. German Shepards are very high energy dogs!! They also need lots of attention and training. They only make good "apartment dogs" if they are given the proper exercise etc. Plus, board dogs get into trouble. My pup is constantly getting into things! I have had to put all of the trashcans up to where he cannot get them, lamps, etc. Another thing to consider is house breaking.. How do you plan on doing this when you are gone for this amount of time each day? You shouldn't leave a dog in a kennel for more than a few hours at a time.

Seeing as how you do not have much time to devote to an animal I would recommend you get two small older dogs. An older dog will have less energy, therefor needing less excercise. And I say get two because if you're not there he/she will need a companion. I highly recommend that you don't get a large breed dog!! (Boxer, GSD, etc.)

hope this helps!! Good luck finding the right dog!!

2007-05-17 17:38:19 · answer #2 · answered by Wyatt's mama 5 · 0 2

I have a large dog and a soon to be small apartment. Exercise is key here, the dog shouldn't be left alone, so if you must get a dog look into doggie day care and/ or someone to walk your dog while your out since your hours are odd. Honestly, I can't give mine up but I wish the situation was different, believe me a large dog needs the space, exercise and companionship.

2007-05-17 17:16:50 · answer #3 · answered by eab2583 2 · 1 0

Are you serious?! Of course it's not acceptable to get a German Shepherd. Your place is too small. And, you won't be home much. I wouldn't even keep a small dog alone all day. A German Shepherd is a very highly intelligent dog. Remember - Rin Tin Tinn? War dog. Police dog. They get extremely bored easily if not challenged. Think destruction to your entire apartment. And, they are very much a pack animal (like wolves which they look like). I can see if you had the dog for a long time, and then had to move to a small place due to emergency. Even then, I think it's cruel unless it's an elder dog. I can already hear the lonely sound of a very unhappy puppy or adult dog - terribly sad howl. Be unselfish and think about the dog over yourself.

I know this is not what you want to hear - but really, no animal should be left alone a good part of the day without a companion. Human or fellow animal buddy. It's not humane. Who's going to let the dog out for a pee/poop break during your work hours, at least once? Can you afford to pay someone to do it for you? Are you willing to forget about going out after work with your friends because you have the dog waiting at home for you? Do you do sports? Do you take off with friends on the weekends that don't allow the dog to be present? That dog, if healthy, will live for up to 15 years. Are your prepared for that committment now? Do you have $3000 per year to devote to it for food, toys, grooming, books, replacement of damaged items, and the scariest of all - the vet expense? The basic shots alone for him will be about $120 per year. Then there is the heartworm meds $50 per year, parasite/flea/tick prevention, and maybe extra innoculations depending on what is prevalent in your area. Like leptospirosis. Oh, and you definitely want the Shepherd fixed thats about $250. And if he gets sick and needs blood work? My heavens - $200 easily. That's just the tip of the ice berg. Also, think about the time and commitment it takes to train the animal. You may end up having to go to obediance and/or behavioural training. A Shepherd is a lovely animal, had them as a child, but they are also good killing machines, and need proper socialization, guidance and handling. It all takes time and energy.

Think about the problems you may get into with your neighbours or your landlord.

Please wait until you have a bigger place and someone who could help to look after the animal. Resist the urge. It will pass.

In answer to below gal's comment - working full-time - would you want to be left alone 8 hours a day with nothing to do, all by yourself? I would have to say most full-time working people shouldn't have dogs, period. Especially if you can't afford a doggie sitter. It's human lifestyles that have changed in the last 50 years. The dogs should not have to pay for our industrial aged lives.

2007-05-17 17:09:56 · answer #4 · answered by Gina F 3 · 0 1

Dogbreedinfo.com is a very informative, well put together website with lots of different information for may breeds, including living space recommendations.
In response to Gina F's post, though, MOST people who have animals do work full time jobs- you just have to make your own arrangements as to how you'll see the dog has everything he needs while you're away- puppy pads would probably be good to use while you're at work.
Hope the website helps!

2007-05-17 17:19:00 · answer #5 · answered by Cheeky1717 2 · 1 0

I don't think putting a german shepard in an apartment would be a good idea. They are a working dog, they need to be active all the time. Walking it wouldn't be enough. I would suggest a small dog. Do your reasearch, any breed called "working class" or "hunting class" I would avoid.

2007-05-17 17:18:07 · answer #6 · answered by shaymayca1 3 · 0 1

atleast you asked this question my opinion no same living space, gone for 8 plus hours every day not good maybe a fish would be better for now i know you probally dont want to hear that but you must think of the animal this is a long term commitment and it is not fair if you do get the dog and 6 months to a year later you realize this is not a good situation for you and the dog good luck

2007-05-17 17:26:39 · answer #7 · answered by pecola princepessa 7 · 0 0

If you do decide to get a Shepard...I personally think they are great dogs...make sure it's ok with your landlord first. I rent out an upstairs apartment and my homeowners insurance will not cover the home if my tenants have a shepard, pitbull or rottie...so therefore these breeds are forbidden on the property.

2007-05-19 08:31:51 · answer #8 · answered by LILL 7 · 1 0

Since you are gone for 8 hrs a day and the pup would have to be alone I don't think a pup would suit your needs (if there was someone else at home and the pup wouldn't be alone for that long then the apt. wouldn't be an issue). Maybe you could consider an older dog from the shelter that is already past the teething and potty training stage and wouldn't destroy your apt. while you are working.

2007-05-17 17:44:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

No, ur place is way to small! Plus I had one and it totally torn the place up! Maby a golden retriever but defently not a german shepard!

2007-05-17 17:36:50 · answer #10 · answered by wykyd_chyck 1 · 0 1

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