[Sealobo]

So a girl has a few small dogs, she loves them very much. They together live in a small apartment with nobody else. This girl has a day job, she goes to work from 9 to 5 on weekdays, and spends at least that much time away from home on weekends.

She would play with the dogs by baby-talking and make them fetch some soft-toys and such, maybe for 5 mins everyday. She tries to feed the dogs twice a daily as regularly as possible, but that's not always the case. The dogs shxt and pee inside the apartment (the dogs are small breed). This girl would walk them once in a while, maybe weekly. The dogs stay in the apartment for 95% of the time, doing nothing.

She thinks the dogs are happy.

What do you think?

[MilkmanDan]

My philosophy has always been this: If you don't have a yard OR you're unable to walk or properly play with a dog, don't get one. Get a fish.

I only wish people had this in mind before having children as well. Except replace "yard", with, "a clue".

[d.fine]

Nope. Dogs need space, how would you feel if you got to go outside only once a week ?!

I'd really like a dog and/or a cat, but I've decided to wait until I have a place with a garden, or when I retire, so that I can give my dog/cat the attention he/she deserves ...

[Lee33]

Originally posted by MilkmanDan:
My philosophy has always been this: If you don't have a yard OR you're unable to walk or properly play with a dog, don't get one. Get a fish.

I could not agree more. So many people get dogs that shouldn't. The only good thing is that at least she got more than one so they are not alone. That would be worse.

[MilkmanDan]

What surprises me is that in Japan, I see many people with large dogs. More then I expected. Except on a good not, when I see they, they're out being walked. (Also they all appear very well behaved.)

People in big cities should really evaluate the benefit of having a dog, vs the pleasure of picking its poop up off the sidewalk.

[Ω]

Originally posted by MilkmanDan:
the pleasure of picking its poop up off the sidewalk.

I am sure this could be improved if the turd twister is used

[mydog8mymac]

The correct answer is "Fish".

[Gankdawg]

Originally posted by MilkmanDan:
My philosophy has always been this: If you don't have a yard OR you're unable to walk or properly play with a dog, don't get one. Get a fish.

I only wish people had this in mind before having children as well. Except replace "yard", with, "a clue".

[effgee]

Originally posted by Sealobo:
... This girl would walk them once in a while, maybe weekly. ...

Maybe she'd understand if someone locked up her lazy ass in a tiny apartment and "walked her once in a while, maybe weekly". Would be interesting to see how she'd like having to pee in her living room ...

[GORDYmac]

Not enough information to decide. But, based on what you said, they are 'happy'.

True, these are not the most sanitary or PC conditions for humans, but I doubt if the dogs care if poop's around the place. It's probably in the same area of the house anyway. That's how dogs do--no pun intended.

Dogs are den animals, so I'd even argue whether smaller breeds need to walk outdoors for exercise at all. Larger breeds are bred for outdoor activity, so it's more instinctive for them to be outdoors.

And finally, since you said 'dogs' I'd imagine that they enjoy hanging with the pack. So, they don't have time to be destructive--which a lonely dog would do.

That being said, the local humane society or the leasing office may be unhappy, but I think the dogs are fine as long as they are not lonely and not hungry--the only two things pack animals really care about.

By the way, dogs don't get 'happy'. They respond to their environment by either being excited, threatened, submissive, territorial, lonely, etc. 'Happy' is a human thing.

[Cody Dawg]

The sad thing is that your description applies to MILLIONS of pets that people have.

The person you described should have cats. Cats are more able to just hang out in an apartment and be happy. But a dog? No, I don't think so.

Millions of people have dogs that they just leave cooped up at home all day long. Personally, I think it's selfish. People like that seem to think of pets as mere possessions that are there to amuse them whenever they want them to amuse them.

Aside from that, someone who lets their dogs crap and p*ss inside their home or apartment is someone I wouldn't want to be around.

[wdlove]

Like others have said it is hard to tell from your description. A dog adapts the the environment that it lives. Smaller dogs do well in a small apartment. They can be trained to use papers, so that decreases the mess. Having more than one means they are not lonely.

[voyageur]

The small breeds I'm familiar with, like terriers and dachshunds, need their excercise as much, and occasionally more, than large breeds. Many small dogs were bred as trackers and hunters; being outside and able to track and run is what they love better than anything else.

[iREZ]

Call me crazy but I don't think this dog could hunt for much other than insects:

[Cody Dawg]

The small breeds I'm familiar with, like terriers and dachshunds, need their excercise as much, and occasionally more, than large breeds. Many small dogs were bred as trackers and hunters; being outside and able to track and run is what they love better than anything else.

VERY wise assessment.

[GORDYmac]

Hence, the statement that not enough information is provided to make a clear opinion.

There are more small dogs considered as lap dogs than considered outdoor dogs (Chihuahua, Pekingese, Pug, Shih-Tzu, Yorkshire Terriers, etc.). I have never seen a Chihuahua at the pet park. Beagles and Jacks, yes, but they're a little bigger.

BTW, most small dogs have since outlived their intended breeding purposes such as fighting badgers (Dachshunds) or killing rodents (Terriers), and are now house pets because of their watchdog prowess.

Heck, hanging out inside with buddies beats a dog pound anyday.

[DeathMan]

Originally posted by Cody Dawg:
VERY wise assessment.

Just because she agrees with you, she's made a wise assessment? I've seen small dogs live perfectly "happily" in a relatively small space. The fact that there are more than just one dog probably has more to do with the dog's daily life than oppurtunities to "track and hunt."

Don't attach human attributes to dogs. Most humans wouldn't eat their own dried vomit.

Also, since I just watched Legally Blonde 2 (I know, big mistake), just cause a boy dog wants to hump another boy dog, doesn't mean its gay. It just means it wants to hump everything. I doubt a "gay" dog would turn down a hot bitch if there was one in sight.

[Zimphire]

I have a fenced in back yard that my dog has access to any time he wants it. And even then I walk him around the corner to the large field so he can sniff around at least once a day.

[Cody Dawg]

DeathMan: I'm posting that comment because it's true: Terriers are not happy cooped up in close quarters with no exercise or interaction all day long.

How do I know that? I have one. A Jack Russell Terrier to be exact.

Read here then continue the conversation. They are a hunting dog and they need space:

Jack Russells can be very destructive if left unattended and unemployed! Most behavioral problems are due to a lack of companionship, discipline, activity and exercise.

I think this applies to most terriers because they are hunting dogs.

Now, small lap dogs, like Shih Tzus and Maltese and those sorts of dogs, I'm not sure if they'd be fine all day long left alone in an apartment. Maybe they are. I don't know since I don't have one and haven't interacted with one. I only know that most of the terriers are very high strung, extremely intelligent, and thus are very prone to be destructive when left alone.

That's why there are so many Jack Russell Terriers in JRT Rescue.

Owners are often gone all day, and therefore unable to provide the time, attention, and level of activity necessary to this active little dog. We would like to emphasize that JR's need an active lifestyle, as they are hunting dogs by instinct.

[djohnson]

Dogs do not like being couped up all day inside! At least our Pom doesnt... Nor does she like being left alone. All we have to do is get another one and that would be fixed.

[Sandbaggins]

Originally posted by GORDYmac:
Not enough information to decide. But, based on what you said, they are 'happy'.

True, these are not the most sanitary or PC conditions for humans, but I doubt if the dogs care if poop's around the place. It's probably in the same area of the house anyway. That's how dogs do--no pun intended.

Dogs are den animals, so I'd even argue whether smaller breeds need to walk outdoors for exercise at all. Larger breeds are bred for outdoor activity, so it's more instinctive for them to be outdoors.

And finally, since you said 'dogs' I'd imagine that they enjoy hanging with the pack. So, they don't have time to be destructive--which a lonely dog would do.

That being said, the local humane society or the leasing office may be unhappy, but I think the dogs are fine as long as they are not lonely and not hungry--the only two things pack animals really care about.

By the way, dogs don't get 'happy'. They respond to their environment by either being excited, threatened, submissive, territorial, lonely, etc. 'Happy' is a human thing.

It depends alot on the breed/temperament of the dog.

Some breeds do better than others in apartments or places with no yards.

But IMO it sounds like those dogs are not getting enough care/attention
from the owner

[nredman]

probably not, but who knows, they could be really stupid dogs and not know any better, my cat gets pissed at me if i don't give him some attention. meows and whines at me, bites me, and rubs against my leg until i play with him. this girl probably shouldn't have a pet if she can't give some of her time to them...imho

[voyageur]

Originally posted by DeathMan:
The fact that there are more than just one dog probably has more to do with the dog's daily life than oppurtunities to "track and hunt."

So I asked my two 12-lb mini-dachshunds whether hanging out indoors together is as fun as going on a long tracking run with the humans, and they both said no way.

[rozwado1]

We have an old beagle that's locked up all day, but my dad wont let her roam the house and if we leave her outside she always runs away and gets lost. We used to spend lots of time with her, but now we're all busy. I feel bad, but now she just sleeps all the time and can barely make it around the block. We probably shouldn't have gotten her in the first place...

[itai195]

Depends on the breed. Some small dogs can do pretty well in an apartment.

rozwado, you definitely shouldn't have a beagle. They need a lot of attention and a lot of opportunities to roam around and explore. I know because I also want one, but since I live in an apartment and both of us work full time, we're going to wait on getting a dog. We may get a cat soon, as they're more suited to solitude and apartment life.

[Lancer409]

Originally posted by MilkmanDan:
My philosophy has always been this: If you don't have a yard OR you're unable to walk or properly play with a dog, don't get one. Get a fish.

I only wish people had this in mind before having children as well. Except replace "yard", with, "a clue".

One of the coolest posts i've ever read in my life..

[MilkmanDan]

Originally posted by Lancer409:
One of the coolest posts i've ever read in my life..

You should have read my post about buying a knife. It was darn funny.

http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.p...ighlight=knife

Though this one is darn true to life, love, and dogs.

I'm glad someone likes me. (Random plug for my useless blog. Click on my face!)

[Cody Dawg]

Here is a picture of our Jack Russell terrier. This dog LOVES to chew...he'll chew up couches, tables legs and chairs, shoes, any books or paper he can find or reach...he is a chewing and digging machine.

As you can see in the picture below, he has something to chew on: A 2-inch thick hardwood branch.

Despite having his branch to chew on, he would still get into trouble if he was not constantly supervised. If someone was not home to watch him constantly, he would have to be put into a crate or kennel and spending 8 to 12 hours in a crate or kennel for an active little dog has got to be almost like being in jail. Look at that face! Doesn't he deserve room to run around in and attention? We think so!

[GORDYmac]

How this discussion got stuck on Jacks and Dachshunds escapes me.

Furthermore, the topic starter mentioned nothing about aggression, noise or destructive behavior--all traits easily attributed to these two breeds, so the assumption that these dogs are the breeds in question are weak.

BTW, Braxton spends each day at home waiting for my return. He's a hound--a well-trained beagle--and is perfectly fine. So is the carpeting, shoes, remotes, etc.

[voyageur]

Originally posted by GORDYmac:
Furthermore, the topic starter mentioned nothing about aggression, noise or destructive behavior--all traits easily attributed to these two breeds, so the assumption that these dogs are the breeds in question are weak.

Methinks you don't know what you're talking about.

[Cody Dawg]

Methinks you don't know what you're talking about.

Methinks the same. Maybe you're jealous because dachsunds and Jack Russell terriers are so darned cute?



Naw, can't be that...looks like your dog is a good looking dog also.

Cheer up, GORDYMac!

[GORDYmac]

Maybe I am a little bitter, but, it's unfair to globally state that a house dog is bad. But my observations are on point. Much research went into my dog choice.

Just to clarify, Brax runs/walks at least 3 miles a day. Beagles have to get outdoors, but that's not to say this should apply to all dogs.

But Jacks are mean little devils, despite their extreme cuteness --but I digress...

[itai195]

Originally posted by GORDYmac:
Maybe I am a little bitter, but, it's unfair to globally state that a house dog is bad. But my observations are on point. Much research went into my dog choice.

You're right, but if you walk your beagle 3 miles a day that's not typical of the life most apartment dogs endure, and it's not the case that the original poster described either. A beagle in the situation described above would probably be terribly unhappy.

I've never met a mean Jack Russell though, personally.

[voyageur]

I agree Gordy, some dogs are fine in an apartment. It's more based on energy level than size, that was my point.
IIRC, Pekingnese were actually bred to be canine "water bottles", to sit on the couch with their royal owners in the drafty palaces of ancient China and keep them warm.
And Jacks aren't mean; they're just smart and stubborn. Good traits in a tracker.

[Xeo]

Originally posted by Sealobo:
The dogs shxt and pee inside the apartment (the dogs are small breed).

Litter box, or wherever they want?

Either way, a dog in that situation isn't necessarily sad, but not living a very good life. Dogs should live where they can stay outside. A dog can keep themselves entertained if you can let them run around outside by themselves for part of the day. I know a family that lives a mile outside a small town in a housing development. The area has 6 houses and that's all it's going to have. They have 2 large dogs so they can't just let them run since they have neighbors. Instead, they have a small 8' x 8' kennel outside that both dogs stay in. I'm not sure if it's 2 halves with one in each half, but the dogs don't go inside from what I've seen. They are outside 24x7. I think they get walked everyday, but still... the rest of the time they spend in a cage with barely enough room to turn around. And they live in an area where they could just fence in their back yard and be done with it. They have a huge piece of property.

My dad lives in a town and fenced in his yard a few years after he moved in. His dog and the one before it where both inside dogs, but he'd put them in the yard for a couple hours a day just to let them be outside. He doesn't walk them like he should, but takes them out to play every now and then. He lets them run along side his vehicle down at the park (his physical abilities are limited) or throws dummies into the lake to have them fetch it.

I won't keep a pet until I live in a suitable home, preferably when it's with more than one person so the dog gets the attention it needs.

[Sealobo]

Originally posted by Xeo:
Litter box, or wherever they want?

...

The dogs that i mentioned are chihuahuas.

They are trained to dump on newspapers. But 5% of the time they misfire. They like to pee on soft surface, or plastic bags.

They do not follow their master very well if went onto the street unleashed. Basically it's impossible to keep track of them all given the traffic in the city.

[GORDYmac]

They're happy.

[Cody Dawg]

They're happy, yes, maybe.

But, they don't know any different.

And for some reason I just found out that they're chihuahuas (which I can hardly spell!) They're not like normal dogs. Some are so small (like 3 pounds) that going outside is probably not good for them. An ant might carry one off.



I'm talking about SMALL dogs, not TOY dogs -- and trust me, there is a big difference.

So, if we're talking about TOY breeds then I'm more inclined to believe that always staying in the house and not going outside is probably a good idea. But a SMALL breed is not the same and my opinion is that there are a lot of dogs that fit the definition of "small" and some of them happen to be hunting and working dogs.

A TOY dog is a dog that I see often down here where I live; they live in purses or on a corner of the couch. A lot of those small dogs have health conditions because they've been bred down to a tiny size. They have luxatting patellars and bladder problems and some even become hypoglycemic and you have to give them a protein and sugar paste to keep them from passing out. I've seen them shivering and shaking at dog shows. They seem very cute but very sickly. I can understand why a person wouldn't bring a 3 to 5-pound TOY dog outside and why it wouldn't need a yard.