Can Apartment Dwellers Be Dog Owners?

You’re a dog person, but you have less than six hundred feet of living space and neighbors upstairs and downstairs, and next door. A canine companion may seem a little out of the question. We have all seen miserable dogs cooped up in little apartments. You may have concluded that this type of lifestyle is unfair to the dog, and you probably were correct in that assumption. However, if you shop around for the right dog, and make the commitment necessary to care for it properly, you may find that life together in your tiny urban abode can be a happy one for both you and your new best friend.

The first mistake that apartment dwellers looking for dogs tend to make is that small dogs are good for apartment living and large dogs are not. This is not necessarily the case. While it is true that all factors being equal, a small dog is most appropriate for a smaller living space, there are many other factors to be taken into consideration. Among the most important is the dogs’ energy level. What you should be looking for is a born couch potato-happy to lounge about in a corner. A large, low energy dog like a Great Dane might be much happier in your apartment than a high energy tiny little dog like a Terrier or Chihuahua.

It may be surprising to learn that greyhounds are often very successful as apartment dogs. Greyhounds are bred for very short spurts of energy, and therefore spend most of their time, sitting around in a relaxed almost lethargic state. A walk once or twice a day is likely to satisfy all of their energy needs. Remember, however, that breed isn’t everything. When considering getting a dog, try to get clues about the dog’s individual personality when determining whether or not it would be a good fit for you and your individual lifestyle. This is particularly true when you are considering adopting a lovable mutt: You can’t use breed tendencies to make predictions about their behavior.

Another issue that may be a factor for apartment dwelling dogs is noise. Noisy dogs may become a serious issue with your neighbors if you have thin walls, irritable neighbors, or live in a quiet community. You may want to avoid the puppy that is making more noise than all of his litter mates combined, instead pick the quiet shy one. That said some breeds will be noisier than others. Breeds to watch out for include collies, beagles, and many toys and terriers. These small dogs can be full of energy and need lots of attention so they may not be best for an apartment setting, especially if you are planning to leave them alone often.

Whatever type of dog you choose, you need to be able to make the commitment necessary to care for the dog properly. Getting a pet is not just fun and games, it is your responsibility to care for the dog and make sure he has the best life you can give him. The amount of time, energy, and compassion you are willing to commit to your new pet is far more important than the square footage that you have to offer. Your dog will need attention daily, and most will need to be taken outside two to three times or more each day to use the bathroom or run around.

While a lack of living space may be less of a concern than you realize it can be a large problem if you don’t choose the right dog. There’s almost nothing worse than coming home to a ripped and shredded apartment, except to have your neighbors screaming at the same time about how much your dog is barking or making noise all day long. Also, you should consider your neighbors and community if you live in an apartment complex or condo. Some neighbors may be allergic to dogs, and a lot of condo complexes do not allow tenants to have pets of any sort. Check with your landlord before getting a pet because some people ask for a pet interview and extra security (pet) deposit. Before you make a decision educate yourself on what dogs are best for your personality and living arrangements and you should have no problems later on.