is it cruel to have a dog if we live in a condo

so, anthony and i are looking for condos and will be living in one for the next few years

we were thinking of delaying getting a dog till we had kids but the more we talk about it (we both loooove dogs) the more we both know we cant wait that long

now we plan on adopting a medium sized dog within the next 2 years.

is it cruel that he wont have its own yard to roam freely in
shoud we wait??
we dont plan n owning a huse for another 5 years

Message edited 4/17/2007 8:56:16 PM.

Re: is it cruel to have a dog if we live in a condo

if it is a small dog or even a medium sized dog I think it is fine- it is important that you choose a dog that doesn't require a lot of running around though-even some of the smaller breeds are very hyperactive and need to run often...just make sure that you have the time to take the dog out on long walks, take him to parks when you can and get him out- I know my shih tzu is gets pretty tired with about a 15 minute walk-although we usually go longer than that and we go often a few times

Re: is it cruel to have a dog if we live in a condo

I totally agree -- and think how much better off your dog will be in a condo than in a shelter or wherever you are getting him/her from!

Be prepared for 3 good walks per day, and to take the time to train your dog. Get one that will fit your lifestyle....

Re: is it cruel to have a dog if we live in a condo

What are other possible options for the dog? Living in a shelter or being put down? If our building allowed dogs, we would have one. We have the devotion, time, and love to give. That' what matters. I think a dog would prefer a small home with a lot of love over a big yard and nobody who cares or a tiny crate with a sad future.

Re: is it cruel to have a dog if we live in a condo

Re: is it cruel to have a dog if we live in a condo

We have a labradoodle and live in a 2 bedroom apt. She gets two walks a day one in the morning and one at night, and then 2-3 quick potty walks on top of that. We try to also take her to the dog park twice a week for 1-2 hours for some real exercise. I don't think it is cruel at all, as long as they are getting plenty of exerise.

Re: is it cruel to have a dog if we live in a condo

Not at all!!! I guess it would be cruel to have a big dog or a dog that needs lots of excercise and to not give it enough.

We looked specifically for a small-medium size dog when we went to the shelters and ended up with JJ, he's a cocker spaniel.

He does great in our apt and has more than enough room! We give him 2 long walks a day and 2 short pee walks. The only thing that sucks is we can't just let him out in the yard if it's pouring or snowing.

Re: is it cruel to have a dog if we live in a condo

I would say a small dog that does not need a lot of exercise is fine.

Like a Havanese

Re: is it cruel to have a dog if we live in a condo

not at all.

even if you get a Great DAne it isnt cruel AS LONG as they get proper excercise.

Re: is it cruel to have a dog if we live in a condo

Not cruel at all. Do some research and pick the right breed, many will do fine in an apartment!

Re: is it cruel to have a dog if we live in a condo

My DH and I are in a condo and want a dog so badly~ we are going to look for a small-med. size dog. I feel your anxiety, however, I know that when we do adopt a dog from a shelter, we will be giving it a chance at a good life! Good luck with your decision!

Re: is it cruel to have a dog if we live in a condo

Not cruel...there are large dogs in apts in NYC all over the place....just need to make sure it gets out for walks and jogs. That's what dog parks/walks are for!

Re: is it cruel to have a dog if we live in a condo

I had my dog, Sunny (a pitbull) in my various studio apts. when I lived in the city. We had a whole social life buillt around her - though she's is gone, I am still amazing friends with a girl I met at the dog run.

I took her out in the a.m., dog walker a couple of times a week while I was at work (that I found on craigslist), wonderful neighbors who LOVED her and took her out when I was running late or going out...and long wallks every night which included a trip to the dog run weather permitting, a walk after work and a quick run out b/f bed.

The dog adjusted to being in the studio, she had her own space and loved to sit on the window sill watching people walk by!

I don't think it's cruel as long as the dog is exercised and gets it's ya-ya's out when you get home from work b/c it'll be waiting for your time together...