Keeping dogs in a flat/apartment
Discussion
Big debate started at work today after someone brought in their puppy to show people.
They live in a flat (a very big 2nd floor flat) and someone has kicked off saying that it is unfair on the dog (Mastiff X) because it hasn't got a garden to do it's business in etc...
Now I get why some people might see it as unfair but I had a dog in a flat when I lived with my Mum from the age of 9 to 14 and we never had any issues. We walked the dog 2/3 times a day for a minimum 45 minutes each time.
What is the Pistonheads opinion as I know from previous experiences it is a touchy subject for some!
They live in a flat (a very big 2nd floor flat) and someone has kicked off saying that it is unfair on the dog (Mastiff X) because it hasn't got a garden to do it's business in etc...
Now I get why some people might see it as unfair but I had a dog in a flat when I lived with my Mum from the age of 9 to 14 and we never had any issues. We walked the dog 2/3 times a day for a minimum 45 minutes each time.
What is the Pistonheads opinion as I know from previous experiences it is a touchy subject for some!
Not all flats are gardenless (excuse the made up word)
We lived in a flat for 2yrs with our collie but we had garden access, the flat was huge bigger than most houses. The only thing I would say is that a mastiff is quite a big dog to have in a flat even a big one, if a long term home then could be issues with stairs and a big dog later in life and obviously it's unlikely to have the chance to wander in and out of the garden like some dogs can but as long as the owners are prepared to put in the effort to ensure it has plenty of outside access I don't see a huge problem.
There are dogs who have far worse lives.
ETA for a short time we had to live in a smaller flat with no garden so we had to walk our dog 4 times a day, now this I would not recommend and if they are in this situation and have chosen to get a dog under these circumstances rather forced circumstances (as we were) then no I don't agree it's the best idea. Unless they have a good local park to take the dog to several times a day
We lived in a flat for 2yrs with our collie but we had garden access, the flat was huge bigger than most houses. The only thing I would say is that a mastiff is quite a big dog to have in a flat even a big one, if a long term home then could be issues with stairs and a big dog later in life and obviously it's unlikely to have the chance to wander in and out of the garden like some dogs can but as long as the owners are prepared to put in the effort to ensure it has plenty of outside access I don't see a huge problem.
There are dogs who have far worse lives.
ETA for a short time we had to live in a smaller flat with no garden so we had to walk our dog 4 times a day, now this I would not recommend and if they are in this situation and have chosen to get a dog under these circumstances rather forced circumstances (as we were) then no I don't agree it's the best idea. Unless they have a good local park to take the dog to several times a day
Edited by bexVN on Wednesday 22 June 15:25
How do they know the dog is not kicking of whilst they are not there???.It is also a big Dog so if its couped all day it will need at least 2 hours excercise per day.Put it this way I doubt very much if the RSPCA or the Dogs Trust would rehome a dog to someone living in a flat.Someone's going to prove me wrong now.
That's what I said. I haven't been there during the day, only once in the evening to pick something up but I think there was a communal garden? He said they checked with neighbours and they all said that as long as the garden was kept clean then they didn't care, most of them couldn't wait to meet the dog!
He is like me, wants to move by early next year and he said he is looking for a house like us so it isn't a long term thing.
We live in a flat and are getting one but she willl nearly be 6 months when we collect her and is already toilet trained (including the training pads she had for car journeys apparently when she was really little).
I already have a timetable drawn up, walk in the morning, work, Dad/Step-mum to check on her mid morning, back for lunch at 1, outside toilet break, home at 5, long walk, home, rest, tea and walk before bed! I set it all out to convince myself and my other half we would be fine
He is like me, wants to move by early next year and he said he is looking for a house like us so it isn't a long term thing.
We live in a flat and are getting one but she willl nearly be 6 months when we collect her and is already toilet trained (including the training pads she had for car journeys apparently when she was really little).
I already have a timetable drawn up, walk in the morning, work, Dad/Step-mum to check on her mid morning, back for lunch at 1, outside toilet break, home at 5, long walk, home, rest, tea and walk before bed! I set it all out to convince myself and my other half we would be fine
Rescues *do* rehome to flats without gardens, but it would depend on the dog. I would not home a pup to somewhere without a garden. They need to be put outside about every hour in order to housetrain them. I would also not home a pup to somewhere with a load of stairs - especially a large breed. A lot of physical damage can be done to pups going up and down stairs 
johnxjsc1985 said:
How do they know the dog is not kicking of whilst they are not there???.It is also a big Dog so if its couped all day it will need at least 2 hours excercise per day.Put it this way I doubt very much if the RSPCA or the Dogs Trust would rehome a dog to someone living in a flat.Someone's going to prove me wrong now.
If it was left all day in a mansion it would still kick off! I have a Springer cross and I am in a flat! she gets at least 3 hours exercise a day and never left alone more than 4 hours! she is an extremely happy dog! I know many of dogs from big houses with big gardens that are not quite as lucky! johnxjsc1985 said:
Ask the question "whats in it for the Dog". Dogs are pack animals and dont enjoy peace and quiet and get stressed out when seperated from their pack.
There are plenty of dogs who are kept on their own. Whether that is right or not is a different matter. A dog can be bored in a house or a mansion, as said above. If it is getting quality attention and sufficient exercise, then I can't see a huge problem with it.
johnxjsc1985 said:
Ask the question "whats in it for the Dog". Dogs are pack animals and dont enjoy peace and quiet and get stressed out when seperated from their pack.
Not sure my whippet would agree with that! He takes himself off upstairs to bed most evenings, obviously we are too noisy for him when we watch the TV my friends run a dog walking service during the day some of the dogs only see them for 30 mins in a day whilst the owners maybe out till 6 or 7pm.I am not suggesting its cruel I know many dogs live like that I am just saying it isnt ideal.
I would say having 2 dogs can be less hassle than having 1 and provide good company for each other.
I would say having 2 dogs can be less hassle than having 1 and provide good company for each other.
johnxjsc1985 said:
my friends run a dog walking service during the day some of the dogs only see them for 30 mins in a day whilst the owners maybe out till 6 or 7pm.I am not suggesting its cruel I know many dogs live like that I am just saying it isnt ideal.
I would say having 2 dogs can be less hassle than having 1 and provide good company for each other.
I know what you're saying I was just making a light hearted response, I would not leave my dog alone for more than 6hrs and that is only on occasions. I'm lucky that I can take him to work with me. I don't actually think it is fair for a dog to be home alone 5 days a weeks with a 30 min break. I know circumstances change but I wouldn't advise getting a dog if you know this will be your set up unless carefully plannedI would say having 2 dogs can be less hassle than having 1 and provide good company for each other.
I think we are talking ideal world and we all know its not one.Better to be in a loving home than in a kennel locked up for 23 hours a day going mad.All our dogs are rescue dogs and I am at home for them but obviously they get left but no more than 5 hours max and then they have each other.I would say that Dogs do like repetition so they do get used to a routine pretty quickly.
See, it is a very touchy subject with alot of differences in opinion!
I think the only reason a dog shouldn't be kept in a flat is if the owners aren't prepared to put the effort in. If the owner is willing to make a million and one trips up and down stairs for toilet breaks and go out for proper walks every day then I don't see it as a problem.
He is back in work today and not happy about the disagreement yesterday, he said he wasn't asking for approval, he was just socialising the dog lol He has had a face like thunder all morning!
I think the only reason a dog shouldn't be kept in a flat is if the owners aren't prepared to put the effort in. If the owner is willing to make a million and one trips up and down stairs for toilet breaks and go out for proper walks every day then I don't see it as a problem.
He is back in work today and not happy about the disagreement yesterday, he said he wasn't asking for approval, he was just socialising the dog lol He has had a face like thunder all morning!
It is a touchy subject, isn't it, with so many variables and attitudes.
Since having our staffy, circumstances changed, and he had to be left for 4 hours of a morning and then another three in the afternoon after a lunchtime visit, for 4 days a week.
He sleeps for most of the morning anyway, but we still got him a friend to keep him company in the afternoon.
Plenty of good quality exercise, a routine, and not leaving them along for more than 4-5 hours at a time (and not leaving them every day), and most dogs will be fine.
Although, obviously, some breeds are more susceptible to boredom/destructive behaviour/separation anxiety than others (I'm comparing Bex's whippet and the dalmation breed in my mind, here!)
Since having our staffy, circumstances changed, and he had to be left for 4 hours of a morning and then another three in the afternoon after a lunchtime visit, for 4 days a week.
He sleeps for most of the morning anyway, but we still got him a friend to keep him company in the afternoon.
Plenty of good quality exercise, a routine, and not leaving them along for more than 4-5 hours at a time (and not leaving them every day), and most dogs will be fine.
Although, obviously, some breeds are more susceptible to boredom/destructive behaviour/separation anxiety than others (I'm comparing Bex's whippet and the dalmation breed in my mind, here!)
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