Dog Information

Would it fair to have a pet dog if I live in a first floor flat with no access to garden?

I think I already know the answer to this, but whatever – I’m at college at the moment and I live with my mum in a house that has a ground floor and first floor. We haven’t got access to the garden, but it’s a nice(ish) area to walk about. Anyway, would it be fair to get a pet dog if I’m about to go to uni and my mum works three days a week?

Public Comments

1. not really fair to the new pup...unless you get a place when you go off to college that takes dogs (mabey a small dog or an older one) and walk it regularly to the park or wherever possible ... otherwise mabey think about a fish tank or a ferret/hamster/rat/snake/turtle /chinchilla/or any other pet that you could take with you thats more of a caged type pet...because it sounds like mum doesn't really have the time...good luck..smile
2. You would have to take him to the park a lot .
3. Animals adjust to their lifestyle. Just because you don't ahve a yard of your own Im sure there is a park to play with a dog. I have had several foster that have no interest in being outside for any length of time. They go out do business and want to curl back up on the couch with you. Check out adult dogs that already know they don't want to hang out in the yard.
4. There are lots of pet owners who live in apartments and places with no yard- myself included. First, you have to find a more mellow dog, one that isn't overly hyper or require lots of physical activity. I have a mutt that is part hound and for the most part she's a lazy dog. Second, make sure to have some one-on-one time before you leave in the morning and when you get home. We spend a good half hour just cuddling before and after work. Third, make sure you take plenty of walks and have some playtime. We play fetch with our dog in our apartment. It gives her a way to work off a lot of energy and she has a great time. We take her for a nice walk in the morning and several walks in the evening. With all this, we have a very well adjusted dog. Apartments and limited living areas aren't the best places for a dog but you can work with what you have and still keep your canine companion happy.
5. Why don't you try adopting an older dog from the pound? They will love you for 'rescuing' them, they're not used to having a yard, and you won't have to worry about the puppy needs, which are alot harder than even a 6 month old dog. think about it. I don't think it's wrong for you to get a dog, but talk to the pound about your concerns, and they will match you up with the perfect pet. They know their stuff and are more than happy to put a dog into a loving home.
6. It depends. Are you going to school away from her or near her? Will you be able to talk the dog to uni (living on campus-off campus)? Will your mom be willing to take care of the dog while you are away @ school? I got a dog 3 months before I graduated high school (here in the US). I know many people say no to that, but since I was giong to be living off campus anyways I took her in (stray). We moved across the US (my mom drove me to college because we had my dog), and found a pet frinedly apartment. A semester later I moved again to another state and took my dog with me and about a year ago I moved to another apartment within the state and took my dog with me and just recently adopted a puppy. My apartment has no yard for my puppy; however I take them on long walks and since it's winter that's really all I can do due to the weather. But in the spring/summer I will be taking my dogs to the park and playing with my puppy outside (my older dog has arthritis). On the weekends when I'm @ my boyfriend's (they have a house), I let my puppy run free in the backyard (on leash) and my older dog has plenty of space to do her business and come back inside (she doesn't run around due to her arthritis). So there's a lot to look @ her because each situation is unique. For me I was able to have a dog and be a full time uni student because I lived off campus . I also am able to have a dog with you real yard because I walk her a lot and tak her to parks (1/2 a block down the street). Good Luck.
7. just depends. if you choose a smallish dog and provide proper exercise and companionship they would do fine. just don't get a dog and leave it locked up all day every day. that would be mean.
8. Not to be flip-but if everyone waited till the "perfect" time to get a dog, no one would own a dog! It sounds to me like you have an area for daily walks, your mom works part time and would be home 4 days a week, and you are considerate enought to think about this step before running out and getting the first dog you meet. So-I think you could make it work. I would say look into crate training for times the dog is alone. Be sure your mom is willing to pitch in on days she is off and when you are tied up with exams. I would say that you may want to consider adopting an older dog-say 2 years or more that is not a puppy as they need a great deal more work. Also, think of the size of your home and the amoutn of walking you want to do. Don't get a Collie and expect a 20 minute walk 2x a day to be good. Think of smaller breeds that are less active. But I think with a bit of research-you will find a good match and will welcome the break from studies to walk and play with your dog!