dogs and apartments

[KelAndRoxy]

I wasn't sure where else to post this but here's what I got...

We have a forum at work where people can post work-related and non-related threads about different things. Recently someone posted a message about wanting to find a nice apartment in the area. He mentioned that he wanted a pet-friendly complex as he was planning on getting a dog. Sombody posted a reply back that basically said, "Don't get a dog while you live in an apartment and make it spend 8 hrs a day in a crate while you're at work. It's not fair to the dog. Wait until you have a house with a yard." I thought that was a pretty ignorant thing to say and it touched a nerve with me since my boxer and I live in an apartment. I was just wondering what everyone else's thoughts on the subject of dogs in apartments/crating all day while at work are. Here's my take on the subject:

I knew before I got Roxy that there were certain concessions I would have to make to keep a boxer healthy and happy in an apartment. It takes a little more work. But we go for walks daily, she goes to playdates, we go to the park, and sometimes she goes to "doggie daycare" where she can run around with other dogs all day. She's healthy, happy, and well-adjusted (I think!). And I do crate her while I'm at work all day. And even if I lived in a house with a yard she would still be crated all day while I'm at work. Why? Because I care about her safety. I've read too many horror stories about people leaving their dogs unsupervised in the yard only to come home and find them dead, injured, or missing. So many things can happen: they could get out of the yard, someone could come in the yard and steal them, another animal could come in the yard and maul them, they could eat something harmful, etc, etc, etc... IMO, it's more irresponsible to let the dog run around in the yard while you're not home than it is to keep it in an apartment and crate it all day.

I'm interested to hear how everyone else feels on the subject...

 

[nuit5]

I totally agree with you. I live in an apartment with a boxer, and she is doing great. She too stays in her crate while I'm at work, but the rest of the day she is out of it and doesn't seem to mind being in it anymore. I'm sure to take her on several walks after I get home, and we go to the park to be around other dogs and people. She seems to be very well adjusted and happy. Boxers are indoor dogs from what I've read and they don't like being outside all day alone anyway. It does take a little more work to have a dog in an apartment, but I think if you take that responsibility seriously and keep the dogs best interest in mind, by going on frequent walks and outings, in my opinion, it is not cruel. I also agree with you that even if I had a big back yard, she would still be in her crate while I'm gone. She freaks out if I leave her out of it and leave the house (I've tried that), so since she's comfortable and feels safe going in her crate, that's how we'll leave it.

 

[VTbxrFan]

Well, since I don't believe it's safe or appropriate to leave boxer outside unattended during the day, mine would be inside while I'm at work whether I'm in an apartment or a house. If it eases your mind at all, I've actually discovered that there was an advantage for my dog when we were in an apartment - he was walked several times a day. Now that we are in a house, I've noticed that he's gained weight and I suspect it's because it's been too easy for be to be slack about taking him for a walk when I can let just let him out in the backyard. BAD MOMMY!!! (I'm back to walking more regularly to get him back in shape now.)

The apartment complex I lived in when I got my dog was very dog friendly - lots of dogs lived there of all different breeds, sizes, and ages. They all seemed happy and well-adjusted to me! It does take a little more work to have a dog in an apartment, but it's certainly easy enough to manage it so that the dog is happy.

 

[LAYLAMOMMY24]

I think it was ignorant also. Being as I myself live in an apartment with a 1 yr old boxer and a 6 month old english bulldog. As long as the they get exercise almost any dog can live in an apartment. We all know how much energy boxers have and there are alot of us that live in apartments and have them. They are people dogs not yard dogs... They would rather be in your lap or lingering over your shoulder then outside in the back yard. Layla hasnt been crated since she was three months old but our bulldog still is we come home every three hours and everytime I come home she is asleep on the couch and like mom I just went pee I dont have to go again.... Exercise is the key Layla lets me know when she needs more then other days and on those days we run arounf the complex instead of walking.. I guess she is my personal trainor..
Wouldnt trade a thing.
Nikki, Layla & Sumo

 

[SkippyToo]

You do not need to live in a house to own a dog. Boxers are normally lovable dogs that want to please us. Mine happily walk into their crates when I need to leave my house. They also happily walk on their leash several times a day, since my yard is not fenced yet.

A crate is not a negative thing. It is natural to a dog to live in a confined "den" area. Also, crating is the loving thing to do since it keeps the dog from harming himself (by chewing, etc...). I cannot imagine leaving my boxers outside in a fenced in yard in my absense. They eat everything and get into anything! I would also worry that they would get stolen.

I agree, though, that your boxer (or any pet) should not be punished with a crate, not should they "live" in the crate when the owners are home.

Good luck!

 

[Kimber & Mac]

Originally posted by SkippyToo

I agree, though, that your boxer (or any pet) should not be punished with a crate, not should they "live" in the crate when the owners are home.

I live in an apartment with Mac and we do fine. Honestly, I can't wait to have a house and yard and all, I am getting a bit tired of those early morning walks...but until then, it works. He gets exercise, he is happy. And I would NEVER leave him out alone all day anyway...

I have a question though. Do y'all EVER crate your dog when you are home. I don't cause I feel like it is bad, but there are times I am really busy for an hour or so, and am afraid he will get into something. Do you think it would be traumatic for him to be locked up for a short amount of time occcasionally with me home?

Kimberly

 

[KelAndRoxy]

Kimber & Mac,
I do crate Roxy for a short amount of time once in a while when I'm home -especially when I'm cleaning because with all the cleaning supplies out and me not being as watchful I'm afraid she could get into something that could hurt her-plus she's not very helpful when I vacuum or mop, she thinks it's playtime! :rolleyes: I think it's good for the dog to get used to being in the crate when you're home also. I believe what Skippy Too was referring to was having your dog in the crate constantly even when you're home, which I definitely don't condone either! However, short amounts of time in his crate once in a while when you're home aren't going to kill him. Him being unhappy for an hour or so is much better than having to rush him to the emergency room cuz he swallowed something he shouldn't have, don't ya think? He'll adjust... :D

 

[LAYLAMOMMY24]

I dont crate but we still have it up b/c Sumo isnt fully housetrained. Sometimes I see Layla go in there like she just wants calgon to take her away...
I dont think it is bad.. We baby gate the girls in the room we are in that way we can keep an eye on them... No when my little cousin comes over we put Layla in the kennel b/c she will knock him over. She doesnt realize how big she is and wants to play so bad that is overwhelming..

 

[luvmydog]

I wouldn't leave my baby in the backyard all day long. We did get the backyard fenced in after we got him, but that was just so we could go out and play and have him fetch without having to worry about chasing him down the street. I can't believe how ignorant and rude that person was about having the dog in the apartment.

And I also put Apollo in his crate while I am cleaning the house. He doesn't seem to mind at all, since that's when he'll definitely have time to sleep without the skin kids bothering him. He goes in with no problem at all and just goes to sleep.

 

[blurble33]

i think u are right too, i mean if the dog is loved and cared for, and they were willing to make that LIFE LONG commitment, i say go for it.