Apartment Dogs: Fact or Fiction?
Claims that Certain Breeds Better in Apartments May Be Exaggerated
Jan 14, 2009
There's a notion among dog owners that certain breeds are better suited to apartment life than other breeds: small or lower-energy breeds might be happier in small city apartments because they need less space or exercise. But let's think twice before agreeing with this kind of generalization. Why would larger or more energetic breeds be less fit for apartment life?
Are Smaller or Quieter Dogs Happier in Apartments Than Large, Exuberant Animals?
Dog behavior expert Cesar Millan (famous for his tv show, "The Dog Whisperer") says that every dog, no matter its size or breed, needs at least one 45-minute walk – ideally, first thing in the morning. That applies equally to a hyper, year-old lab and a five-year-old chihuahua – and it's a lot more exercise than most apartment-dwelling dog owners give their miniature pooches.
If your dog is young or very active, a second or third walk later in the day is also a good idea.
Do Big Dogs Need Big Houses?
Is a larger home really any benefit to a dog? Most human beings thrive in larger houses, enjoying the space and the opportunity to fill more rooms with more possessions, but your dog doesn't think the same way you do.
To a dog, a home is a den. Dogs are most comfortable in a den that surrounds and encloses them. A small den gives them a sense of security from knowing that predators can't sneak up on them as they sleep. Whether your home is small or large, most dogs will pick one or two out-of-the-way corners in which to curl up and rest.
If you're thinking that a larger home gives your big, energetic dog more room to move around and play, think again. Do you really want your dog to get the bulk of his exercise racing around the house?
Exercise for a Dog's Body and Mind
Living with an energetic dog means you need to walk her more to fulfill her need for exercise and stimulation. Whether you live in a mansion or an apartment, your dog needs walking and outdoor exercise.
The one benefit of larger homes is that they often come with larger yards. Room to run in the backyard can be a boon to most dogs' happiness and health.
Keep in mind, though, that many dogs will still need supervision in the yard (think of that insatiable puppy who digs up flowers and eats anything she finds) and that yard time can't replace a relationship-building walk with a dog's owner. Walking your dog correctly entrains the habit of thinking of the owner as "alpha" or leader and is deeply fulfilling to the canine psyche.
If Not By the Size of My Home, Then How Do I Choose the Best Dog for Me?
The most important factor in choosing a new pet is to consider the animal's exercise and training needs. How much time and energy are you willing to commit to training your dog and becoming what he wants in a best friend? Look for a low-maintenance breed (such as a bichon frisé or a retired greyhound) or even a cat if you're not willing to commit at least an hour daily to exercising and training a dog.
Owning a dog can be one of life's biggest blessings. Make sure you find one who will suit your lifestyle, so that you can be just as good to her as she will be to you.
Reference
Fisher, John, Why Does My Dog…Ho MacMillan Publishing, 1992.
Millan, Cesar, Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems. Harmony, 2006.
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