doggy for apartment

We are moving into a new apartment, which allows dogs up to 30Ibs. I have owned Golden Retrievers my whole life and love their temperment, but the do not qualify. What is a good breed of small dog that would have a good temperment?

Also, my mom said since both DH and I work outside the home we should not get a dog. I make my own schedule, so I will be able to come home in transit to take care of it. What do you all think? I want to be fair to the dog. Should I get one? My mom seems to think that unless you work from home, a dog would be too hard to care for. Honest feedback would be helpful.

Re: doggy for apartment

I think that as long as you are devoted to playing with your dog as much as you can - then judt b/c you work outside of your home, shouldnt stop you from getting a dog. Although we are gone 12 hrs a day also - we provide a loving home for my doggie. We take him out whenever we can.

I have a cockapoo - they are about 25 lbs (depending but no more) They are good dogs but can be possessive of certain items. That can be taken care of with basic puppy training and socializing.

Re: doggy for apartment

<~~~~~~~~ Shihtzu!

Pet A Potty for when you're away for a long time.

Re: doggy for apartment

I don't know much about small dogs, so I wouldn't even attempt to answer this question in that respect.

As far as keeping a dog in an apartment...adopt a dog that is over six months and you should be fine.
We got Misty when she was nine months old and it was a breeze. She was already crate-trained and although there were a few accidents in the beginnning, she was housebroken quickly. Puppies need a lot of walking, feeding, etc. whereas an older pup is more settled and you wouldn't have to worry so much about leaving him/her.

BTW, DH and I work full-time and we leave her alone all day (9 hours) and she is fine. We leave a wee-wee pad out in case she really has to go, but that's about it.

Re: doggy for apartment

Re: doggy for apartment

I'd go to Little Shelter, or any other no kill shelter, and look for a smaller dog that connects with you! I live in an apartment and I have a dog-and it's definetly a big commitment, but I wouldn't have made it without living with Gus-he's my buddy...I can't wait to get home and play with him, and I take him pretty much everywhere with me....I work 8 hour days, so with the commute I'm gone for about 9 hours...but he's happy and healthy! Definelty go for it!!!!

Re: doggy for apartment

DH and I live in an apt. and brought home our Miniature Schnauzer, Marley, about a month ago. Mini Schnauzers get to be about 15 lbs and do not shed. I don't think living in an apartment has affected her. We are waiting until her 2nd round of shots to bring her outdoors (we live in NYC), but she is pad trained.

As for working outside the home, DH and I are away about 9-10 hours a day. We have a walker who comes for an hour each day. Marley sleeps all morning and we play all night. I think it is a great environment for her!

Re: doggy for apartment

How about a toy poodle. Sometimes they can be possesive but they are very loyal to thier owners. DH and i live in an apartment complex that only allows dogs up to 30-35lbs and we saw people all the time with dogs that had to be atleast 80lbs. And we now have an 8 lb poodle from a pet store and a 50 lb pit mix from little shelter (GREAT SHELTER BTW). We both work 8 hours a day. Our big guy is caged in what i call his "co-op" and our little guy is is confined to the kitchen all day. We play all night with them and they get lots of attention and are spoiled rotten.

As long as you are devoted to them and are willing to spend that time with them when you get home from work, you will be fine. The only thing is, we usually have my family or his family dog sit if we are going to be gone for a whole day or something. And they usually come most places with us. Friends houses, our parents houses, petco. THe only thing we have to do is walk them outside. Obviously no yard, but it's worth it.

Edited becuase i can't spell

Message edited 10/12/2007 4:43:14 PM.

Re: doggy for apartment

we live in a co-op that allows one dog, up to 30lbs fully grown...
<-- so we got quinn
we both work full-time outside the home, but he always seems like a very happy doggy and we have had him since he was less than 3 months old (he's 2 1/2now).
i definitely don't think you should let the apartment, or working outside the home, deter you. as long as you WANT a dog and have a lot of love and nurturing and energy to offer him/her when you are home, then that's all you need. just look for a smaller breed of dog that doesn't require as much exercise.

Re: doggy for apartment

Re: doggy for apartment

There is a Pomeranian that is only ten months old at the North Hempstead Animal Shelter...she is absolutely adorable.

Re: doggy for apartment

As long as you do not get a puppy, I think you will be fine. Good luck