Anybody have a big dog in an apartment!

[EarthRider]

I have done research on owning a lab in a apartment. All my research says Lab's do well in apartments as long as they are exercised often. I am totally wanting to run it, swim with her, and walks regularly. Our apartment is 1300 square feet with a garage attached also. Lots of areas to walk, and lots of dog-friendly parks. Give me feedback if you have personal experience.

 

[drsketch]

yeah the dog will love being cooped up in your apt all day

 

[AAP]

I have a big dog in my bed everynight.

And she doesn't even belong to me. (technically)

 

[mwm5]

i have a great dane and she did very well in my townhouse a few years back. great danes don't need much exercise so that helped. If your apartment is 1300sq that is a pretty decent amount of room for any dog.

 

[EarthRider]

yeah the dog will love being cooped up in your apt all day

Well do you have personal experience. My wife works two days a week, so that leaves her a lot of time with the dog. Plus I see many people with bigger dogs who don't just have it outside all day, it is in the house. So I know where your coming from, but I want to hear from those that are actually have stories of this.

 

[musclemom]

Can't speak from experience on apartment owning. Frankly, I don't like to leave dogs alone all day, they're not like cats. Dogs are pack animals, so they do get lonely and are generally happier with company.

Also, FYI, labs are generally wonderfully tempered dogs but they can be very, very mouthy their first year or so (which means they chew a lot) and many have a tendency to overeat.

 

[drsketch]

We had a small dog(yorkshire terrier) in an apt that did pretty good. I own a house now and will probably get a dog once my son requests one. But then I will have to get alarms things for all the windows and get rid of my motion detectors

 

[EarthRider]

Thanks Musclemom,

With my wife being home 5 days a week, and I am home 3 days a week, the dog would not be left alone much. The two days my wife works, I would just not work as long then. As far as the chew toy deal, yeah I totally hear you. We would have to invest money in chew type things.

My in-laws live pretty close to where I work and have a back-yard. I could also take her in the back-yard when I work so she isn't in a apartment all day.

 

[EarthRider]

By the way, we have a cat too, so they can form a pack. haha. or the dog will have a toy to chase around the house.

 

[Arabian]

I have a friend that has 4 little Malteses and they stay in cages all day except for a couple of hours to do there business outside... its sad to see the little fellows cramped up in those dog cages.. and not to mention the smell of poo and piss... she has to have them groomed every week or the smell is foul it costs 40 per dog;.. so Im not a big fan of inside animals... good luck