Getting a puppy
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Thank you for enlightening me (this sounds sarcastic, but it's not). Truly, I agree that breeding for a purpose (working dog) is important. However, back to the topic at hand, this poster is looking for an apartment pet. xo
I would think discussion on the pros and cons of breeder vs adopting would be relevent, but I will stop. I just feel strongly about the topic.0 -
Good breeders aren't the problem. Good breeders do things like have spay/neuter contract and clauses that state if the dog is given up for any reason they must be offered the dog first and offer to take their dog back at any time. Most of the good breeders I know also work in rescue.
And the majority of dogs in shelters don't come from the breeder, they had a home once. Someone bought them and gave them up.
Also, the vast majority of the dogs in shelters come from crappy breeders who pump out dogs for money, puppy mills and "oops" litters.
We have a pet abandoment problem, not a pet overpopulation problem. We need to stop treating animals like they are disposible, then maybe we will see a drop in animals being put to sleep.
Good breeders produce a type of dog that sometimes cannot be found in a shelter. Most service dogs come from breeding programs for a reason.
Yes, I agree people need to stop treating animals like a passing fad that they can just get rid of when they are done. Absolutely! But I also think that there should be restrictions on who can actually breed animals (especially for profit). And obviously everyone should spay/neuter their animals!
I just think its sad when someone who wants a new family pet automatically goes to a breeder, because they want that cute pug or teacup whatever. (I'm not referring to anyone in this thread)0 -
Look up crate training!0
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crating a puppy for 6 hours isn't really the best situation. Maybe consider getting an older dog?
Also leaving a dog in a bathroom can be dangerous since people tend to leave cleaners and what not below the sink. so if you choose to do something like please be sure to fully puppy proof the bathroom, puppies can and most likely will open cabinets and search around for anything and everything to get into.
I think you're going to have some trouble potty training a puppy if she/he has to be left alone for 6 hours, puppies really need to go potty about once an hour.
Maybe you should consider getting an older dog that is already house trained?
The idea that you need to buy a dog from a breeder to get the traits/personality you want is absolutely 110% absurd. You're actually way more likely to find exactly what you are looking for in a dog/puppy if you go to a shelter or rescue group.
Rescues evaluate dogs both medically and mentally. They make sure the dogs are rock solid and they can tell you exactly what kind of personality the dog has and what the dog does and does not like.
Puppies are a crap shoot, you have absolutely no idea what they'll turn into once they mature and you can't tell their personality.
Want a purebred? that's fine, you name the breed and I can almost guarantee there is a rescue group for them.
If you do choose to buy form a breeder i STRONGLY urge you to do some research on RESPONSIBLE breeders. Find one that does health testing and fully screens the buyers of their puppies, otherwise you're likely to end up with a pile of vet bills from all the genetic issues that are rampant in purebred dogs.
and to the person who said you shouldn't have dogs in an apartment....that's just silly. It doesn't matter where you live as long as you are willing to give the dog the proper amount of exercise. Some dogs require more than others obviously and that should be strongly considered when you choose a dog.0 -
I crate trained all my dogs. Make sure she has durable toys with her and that should help with keeping her entertained. My favorite is Kong. They are a little pricey up front but they last one I bought my pit bull lasted 2.5 years before she tore it up. I take the Kong and put peanut butter in it and it keeps her entertained for hours!! If you leave her in the bathroom, make sure you put up anything that she can get into (shampoo, soap, trash, toilet paper). Also, you can get "feeding" toys (not really sure what they are called) but you put their food in them and they have to figure out how to get it out. I've seen a cube and Kong makes one as well that has a hole in one side that the food falls out of whenever the dog rolls it around. This keeps my 5 yo APBT occupied for a good 30 minutes. Good luck!0
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If you live in an apartment you shouldn't have a dog. Dogs need lots of exercise, a walk every day isn't enough for most dogs. They need to run, play, etc.
The only dog I could suggest getting is a retired racing greyhound. They are very calm and like to spend their time indoors, usually lying on their bed. They are already very well-trained and you can find ones that are only a couple of years old. Other than that, any other dog (especially if it's a puppy) will tear things up and will bark when alone. Coming from a mom of almost three kids, raising a puppy is a lot more work than a baby and it's a lot more frustrating. Unless you have ample time to devote to training you probably will not enjoy raising a dog.
This is so wrong. Any dog can live in an apartment with an owner who is totally committed to walking them. Way back when, I lived in a townhome (same thing as an apartment) and had two very happy dogs, one of which is the black one in my avatar. If you are willing to make sure you get them out for at least one really good long walk, an apartment is just fine.0 -
From experience, leaving puppies for any length of time gives them abandonment issues, even if you spend every free moment with them. If you have a lunch or tea break, nip home; even if you are only there for 10 minutes, it won't feel left and you can check how it's getting on. Also, puppies sleep for ages, so before you leave it at any time play with it til it's ready to sleep- they can sleep for 4 or 5 hours at once during the day, and it might not even notice you are gone! we were told not to make a big fuss of you going because then they wont either- it will just be a norm without having to go through the pain of you leaving it!
Maybe if you only have a really busy schedule for a couple of months wait a bit? It's generally better to get a dog in the summer anyway, becuase then they can socialise with other dogs sooner (more warmth=more walking time and more people outside!)and wont be so shy (shy dogs can sometimes seem threatening to children and other dogs if they bark when they are afraid- one of mine is quite small and growls at children and dogs who rush up to play- he never hurts them but it scares their parents/owners).
Having a dog is the greatest! good luck with whatever you decide!0 -
also the biggest thing you need to re-consider is getting a puppy at christmas time.
I'll never understand why anyone would think it's a good idea. Holidays are hectic, there is a lot of commotion and coming and going and new people, etc. etc. etc.
It's very overwhelming for a puppy and just a terrible terrible idea. Puppies need time to adjust to their new surroundings without a ton of distraction and scary new people and what not.0 -
Good breeders aren't the problem. Good breeders do things like have spay/neuter contract and clauses that state if the dog is given up for any reason they must be offered the dog first and offer to take their dog back at any time. Most of the good breeders I know also work in rescue.
And the majority of dogs in shelters don't come from the breeder, they had a home once. Someone bought them and gave them up.
Also, the vast majority of the dogs in shelters come from crappy breeders who pump out dogs for money, puppy mills and "oops" litters.
We have a pet abandoment problem, not a pet overpopulation problem. We need to stop treating animals like they are disposible, then maybe we will see a drop in animals being put to sleep.
Good breeders produce a type of dog that sometimes cannot be found in a shelter. Most service dogs come from breeding programs for a reason.
Yes, I agree people need to stop treating animals like a passing fad that they can just get rid of when they are done. Absolutely! But I also think that there should be restrictions on who can actually breed animals (especially for profit). And obviously everyone should spay/neuter their animals!
I just think its sad when someone who wants a new family pet automatically goes to a breeder, because they want that cute pug or teacup whatever. (I'm not referring to anyone in this thread)
Also, if you want a pure bred dog for some reason - I guess because you want it to look a certain way or be <somewhat> guaranteed a certain temperament, there are pure bred rescues as well, so a breeder isn't your only option if you are looking for a specific dog.
I would also urge you to adopt an older dog rather than a puppy. They tend to be house trained, their personalities are formed enough that you can probably figure out if they'll be compatible right away, and puppies will almost always find a home - older dogs are the ones who are in more need of one.0 -
I agree with all the above posters. Some very well thought out responses!! I also recommend crate training, have done it with my Golden Retrievers and have also found that they find the crate reassuring. The bathroom is too much room for a puppy. And I also agree dogs need lots of time and attention. They are pack animals are are happiest when they are with their 'human' pack. It can be very lonely for them. We added a 2nd GR to our family and found it was the best thing ever for our Daisy to have a partner, even it he was in a separate crate!! They could at least look at each other and feel comfortable not being alone.0
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Yes, people still buy dogs. I have no issue with adopting either, but for some of my dogs there are certain things that I look for. Some of my dogs are working dogs and they were bought.
With a good breeder, I have a good idea of what I am going to get, in health, temperament, including drives. Temperament is hereditary. Health can depend a lot on genetics. I see nothing wrong with going to a breeder who is striving to produce sound, healthy examples of their breed, especially when the dogs will be used for a purpose.
Again, I have nothing against adopting. I will adopt as well and I encourage others to. But for some of my dogs I will also go to a good breeder.
So many unwanted dogs (from breeders) are put in shelters and put down every year. Do we really still need to be breeding animals for our pleasure?
Good breeders aren't the problem. Good breeders do things like have spay/neuter contract and clauses that state if the dog is given up for any reason they must be offered the dog first and offer to take their dog back at any time. Most of the good breeders I know also work in rescue.
And the majority of dogs in shelters don't come from the breeder, they had a home once. Someone bought them and gave them up.
Also, the vast majority of the dogs in shelters come from crappy breeders who pump out dogs for money, puppy mills and "oops" litters.
We have a pet abandoment problem, not a pet overpopulation problem. We need to stop treating animals like they are disposible, then maybe we will see a drop in animals being put to sleep.
Good breeders produce a type of dog that sometimes cannot be found in a shelter. Most service dogs come from breeding programs for a reason.
This is true but you have to realize that truly good breeders are few and farm between. The majority of breeders out there are BYB's and puppy mills. People automatically assume that a breeder who is prominent in the show and or working circuit are good breeders and that's not true either. A person needs to do a lot of research on good breeders before buying a puppy and few people actually do that. They just call up the first person with an ad in the paper and go and buy a pup.
Good breeders don't have ads in the paper, good breeders have select litters and have homes lined up before the pups are even born, sometimes even before they're conceived. Good breeders choose wether or not you get to have one of their pups, they don't just give a puppy to the person who forks over the cash. Good breeders genetically test their dogs to make sure they aren't producing puppies with genetic defects so that you don't have to put your 2 year old dog to sleep because his hips are do dysplastic that he can't walk. etc. etc. etc.
It takes a lot to be a good breeder and most don't cut the cake!0 -
Yes, people still buy dogs. I have no issue with adopting either, but for some of my dogs there are certain things that I look for. Some of my dogs are working dogs and they were bought.
With a good breeder, I have a good idea of what I am going to get, in health, temperament, including drives. Temperament is hereditary. Health can depend a lot on genetics. I see nothing wrong with going to a breeder who is striving to produce sound, healthy examples of their breed, especially when the dogs will be used for a purpose.
Again, I have nothing against adopting. I will adopt as well and I encourage others to. But for some of my dogs I will also go to a good breeder.
So many unwanted dogs (from breeders) are put in shelters and put down every year. Do we really still need to be breeding animals for our pleasure?
Good breeders aren't the problem. Good breeders do things like have spay/neuter contract and clauses that state if the dog is given up for any reason they must be offered the dog first and offer to take their dog back at any time. Most of the good breeders I know also work in rescue.
And the majority of dogs in shelters don't come from the breeder, they had a home once. Someone bought them and gave them up.
Also, the vast majority of the dogs in shelters come from crappy breeders who pump out dogs for money, puppy mills and "oops" litters.
We have a pet abandoment problem, not a pet overpopulation problem. We need to stop treating animals like they are disposible, then maybe we will see a drop in animals being put to sleep.
Good breeders produce a type of dog that sometimes cannot be found in a shelter. Most service dogs come from breeding programs for a reason.
I have had both shelter dogs and dogs from breeders. Why don't you look at an older dog from a breeder (we have had two in my family and they are fantastic)? They are always fully trained (potty, crate and leash as well as a lot of other training). They are sometimes dogs that have been returned for some reason but, usually, they are dogs that have been held back so see if they want to show them. All dogs who look good, like people, aren’t necessarily good for show so they have to find out if the dog will put up with it. If it’s not working for the dog it then gets a pet home. This is in reality the easiest dog to get as first dog as he, at least, has some experience. Plus you will have tones of support from the breeder.0 -
For all those dog lovers I am beginning to dive into re-learning what I thought I knew about dogs as pack animals. If anyone else is interested Whole Dog Journal just published a great article called Alpha Schmalpha (spelling?) and I am reading Inside Of A Dog. Cool stuff for sure
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If you live in an apartment you shouldn't have a dog. Dogs need lots of exercise, a walk every day isn't enough for most dogs. They need to run, play, etc.
The only dog I could suggest getting is a retired racing greyhound. They are very calm and like to spend their time indoors, usually lying on their bed. They are already very well-trained and you can find ones that are only a couple of years old. Other than that, any other dog (especially if it's a puppy) will tear things up and will bark when alone. Coming from a mom of almost three kids, raising a puppy is a lot more work than a baby and it's a lot more frustrating. Unless you have ample time to devote to training you probably will not enjoy raising a dog.
This is so wrong. Any dog can live in an apartment with an owner who is totally committed to walking them. Way back when, I lived in a townhome (same thing as an apartment) and had two very happy dogs, one of which is the black one in my avatar. If you are willing to make sure you get them out for at least one really good long walk, an apartment is just fine.
It's not at all wrong. No dogs are meant to live indoors with one walk a day as their only exercise. Dogs have a lot of energy, they need a yard where they can play. Would you like to be stuck in a bathroom or kitchen all day long by yourself? Probably not. Dogs don't like it either. Plenty of dog breeds were bred to do a specific job and if they don't do that job they are miserable. You can't keep a border collie in a back yard with nothing to do, you can't keep a lab or beagle indoors all day.0 -
I really recommend adopting, I have found dogs who are adopted are very appreciative of the home they have. Having a puppy is fun, but a lot of work. All dogs need attention so plan on taking them for a walk before you leave every morning to help wear them out. Create training is awesome, my girl loves her crate and we got her when she was 4 so it is never to late.0
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I have read all the posts for this topic and since I'm extremely passionate about dogs, I would like to give you a couple of tips. Some are my extremely personal opinions but some seem to be in sync with other comments already expressed. Please consider them before you get your dog:
- I have had dogs my entire life and have never purchase one. Purchasing a dog is basically supporting a puppy mill. Please adopt.
- An apartment is a tough environment for a dog. Dogs need space and exercise. Have you consider a cat instead?
- If you decide to still get a dog, make sure you acquire a breed that closely meets your expectations and is in accordance to the place he will be living in. Its hard to believe but I once met a couple that had a Mastiff in a one bedroom apartment. That dog was miserable.
- Do you have time and patience to train a dog? A dog can be properly trained to behave and not destroy anything if you have the time.
- And this one is going to piss some people off but here goes: If you are considering a crate for your dog.....you shouldn't get a dog. Keeping a dog in a crate is inhuman period. A crate is just a poor excuse for someone who don't know how to properly train a dog. Worst case scenario, go with the baby fence and restrict their access to a certain area of the apt.0 -
If you live in an apartment you shouldn't have a dog. Dogs need lots of exercise, a walk every day isn't enough for most dogs. They need to run, play, etc.
The only dog I could suggest getting is a retired racing greyhound. They are very calm and like to spend their time indoors, usually lying on their bed. They are already very well-trained and you can find ones that are only a couple of years old. Other than that, any other dog (especially if it's a puppy) will tear things up and will bark when alone. Coming from a mom of almost three kids, raising a puppy is a lot more work than a baby and it's a lot more frustrating. Unless you have ample time to devote to training you probably will not enjoy raising a dog.
This is so wrong. Any dog can live in an apartment with an owner who is totally committed to walking them. Way back when, I lived in a townhome (same thing as an apartment) and had two very happy dogs, one of which is the black one in my avatar. If you are willing to make sure you get them out for at least one really good long walk, an apartment is just fine.
It's not at all wrong. No dogs are meant to live indoors with one walk a day as their only exercise. Dogs have a lot of energy, they need a yard where they can play. Would you like to be stuck in a bathroom or kitchen all day long by yourself? Probably not. Dogs don't like it either. Plenty of dog breeds were bred to do a specific job and if they don't do that job they are miserable. You can't keep a border collie in a back yard with nothing to do, you can't keep a lab or beagle indoors all day.0 -
Do not let anyone try and convince you that adopting is the only right thing to do. If we didn't have honest and respected breeders then we would lose the individual breeds. I am very deep into American Pit Bull Terrier's. There is no shortage of them in shelters but it is not my responsibility to have to clean up others messes. When I get a dog I want to know the pedigree, if its health tested, has working or conformation titles and be able to research the bloodline and the evaluate the person's yard I will be acquiring the dog from. Having said that, many show breeders strictly breed for form and not function. It only takes a few generations to completely change the breed when you stop breeding for its intended task. Most people will do fine and probably should go the shelter route. But I don't like it when people start saying everyone should do that.
While yes it is ideal to have a large yard for your dog I can definitely tell you that it is not a must. I do not have a yard for my dog to run but I have space along side my house for a flirt pole and he is leashed walked everyday. Treadmills are also a great way to go. Carpet mills work the muscle and are very affordable. I own a dog trotter also know as a slat mill. And in my opinion it doesn't get any better than that. Very expensive but last a lifetime and it works wonders. Especially when I need to get my dog into ADBA shape.
I would make sure that you are 100% committed to owning a dog. It always amazes me how people take it so lightly when you are seriously committing 10-15 years of your life. I hope you consider your decision carefully and find the right dog for your house. Best wishes from DGK.0 -
Ivanx00 has no idea what he is talking about regarding crates. Dogs are den animals by nature. Besides helping with the potty training phase, it also gives the dog its own safe place to claim. Dogs sleep about 50% of the day anyway, nothing wrong with giving them their own place for it. When my family all leaves our house, our female APBT runs to her crate and lays down without telling her. We can leave the crate door open and she will stay go and stay there when we are gone. Because its her SAFE and COMFORTABLE den. They are also good if you own multiple dogs and need to crate and rotate them. I own a female and male APBT, when I am not home I always have my family crate and rotate them till I get home from work. I have never had an accident between them but it's better to be safe. It only takes one time...Ivanx00 probably looks at his dogs or others dogs as humans, and to hold them up to that standard is just plain wrong and unfair to them.0
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if you live in a small apartment, you need a small dog. And you still need to take it out for walks before you leave for work, if you don't want a yippy, unbalanced dog; small dogs need exercise, too. Do a lot of reading before you make the commitment.
Jackie Who Has Raised Dogs
Completely false. You can live in a small apartment and still have a healthy, happy larger dog. I don't really understand the thought process behind thinking a small dog will do better in a small apartment. ALL dogs need exercise, so if you are taking care of that, any dog will do just fine in an apartment.
Cooper, my 50 pound boxer, gets much more exercise living in an apartment than he did living in a house with a backyard, because I have to take him out and run him every single day, whereas in a house you get lazy and just figure they are fine.0
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