Dogs in flats
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I debated it a while back when I was renting. The landlord wouldn't have mind as we got on very well. I was looking at a Greyhound as they sleep most of the time and very chilled. Also I read that Greyhounds are okay for flats but you have to be careful of stairs.
I canned the idea for the reasons mentioned in this post, also if my circumstances were to change (e.g work in an office 5 days) also where to take for a pee, using communal gardens will likely annoy!
Two lovely dogs in this post, if it works, brilliant, but as many say, a massive decision. There are breeds I wouldn't go near and think ahead if your circumstances change, for example, kids or cannot WFH.
I canned the idea for the reasons mentioned in this post, also if my circumstances were to change (e.g work in an office 5 days) also where to take for a pee, using communal gardens will likely annoy!
Two lovely dogs in this post, if it works, brilliant, but as many say, a massive decision. There are breeds I wouldn't go near and think ahead if your circumstances change, for example, kids or cannot WFH.
People rarely realise just how much work goes into taking care of a dog properly, as you say there's two great examples in this post. The first year or two is critical, if you're a responsible owner you'll train them (learn how to) properly and give them the time they need grow and become good dogs. Even with a small dog that's difficult, and it's a trap so many fall into -- it's just a little one so what's the problem!? Well, the problem is that the dog might be wee' but it still thinks and acts the way many larger dogs do. It needs a lot of socialisation and proper training or it'll be a nightmare for everyone around it.
It's a shame as one of the leading reasons we have strays and animals in shelters is due to people taking on an animal without understanding the work involved.
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It's not suitable for all dogs, especially when rehoming.
Knew a guy that had a Flat Dog, taking them out to poop or pee was a continuous problem.
Maybe if you can take the dog to work or you're a house husband it might be ok, but otherwise I wouldn't do it.
Knew a guy that had a Flat Dog, taking them out to poop or pee was a continuous problem.
Maybe if you can take the dog to work or you're a house husband it might be ok, but otherwise I wouldn't do it.
Funnily enough I've just been reading how Greyhounds and Whippets are great dogs for flats.
They need about an hour's exercise per day, but other than that are considered "lounge" dogs, ie they like nothing more than to curl up and chill.
So it very much sounds like it depends on the breed.
I would say 99% of the decision would be down to the personality of the dog. Some breeds are far more chilled than other but it's not always a given.
Our dogs can be yappy, especially when they can hear things but can't see them. I'd hate to be 'that' dog owner whose dog barks constantly when you're out.
Owning a dog in general is a big decision if you're not fully committed and understand what you're taking on. Adding in living in a flat and it makes it even harder.
Having to go downstairs and through communal areas to let them out for a wee would grate on me very quickly. I couldn't imagine that quick 2 minute wee before bed turning into a walk downstairs and out to the communal grass.
Our dogs can be yappy, especially when they can hear things but can't see them. I'd hate to be 'that' dog owner whose dog barks constantly when you're out.
Owning a dog in general is a big decision if you're not fully committed and understand what you're taking on. Adding in living in a flat and it makes it even harder.
Having to go downstairs and through communal areas to let them out for a wee would grate on me very quickly. I couldn't imagine that quick 2 minute wee before bed turning into a walk downstairs and out to the communal grass.
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Probably so. Mine is a collie so pretty active. That said, he is quite happy to just sit on the back seat when we travel long distances to hotels.
This would be the biggest deal breaker for me. Our dog always comes on holidays with us and a couple years ago we stayed in an apartment with no garden. It was a total pain having to walk down and go outside first thing in the morning and last thing at night. It made me grateful for having a garden at home where I can just hoof him out the back door!
Yeah we stayed in the Hotel Du Vin in Stratford-on-Avon and like Ahleckz mentioned, they allow dogs. I felt a right pleb getting in the lift with the dogs in my hoody and shorts at 11pm to take them out for a wee.
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Cats are fine indoors - our two are indoor cats only.
It's actually healthier for them. Just make sure they have lots of stimulation and places to climb.
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Never rehome a cat to be an indoor cat. It's alright if you have a large property and you raise the cat as an indoor cat.
There is no such thing as an "indoor" cat really, they all like to go outside. Certain breeds just won't roam far from the house.
Depends entirely how they're raised and what they're used to.
My cat is an "indoor" cat. She has the option, ~three times a day, to go outside on her harness (she has more opportunities now with me wfh).
A lot of the time she doesn't ask to go outside, but I want to take her out just to give her some extra stimulus. Quite often, she will accept the offer, do a quick circuit of the garden, and then ask to come back in again. Rarely she will ask to go outside. Most of the time I initiate it.
Make sure you look at everything, cost and space factor. A barking dog in a flat will only **** of the neighbours, which could result in complaints, noise complaints to your landlord or even Police in some cases. Depending on some dogs, they need to be taken out regularly, so they can burn of the energy and if your GF wants the dog, make sure you have guidelines in place, cost and rules. Also, discuss what will happen if you split up, seen to many couples fight over pets. Like a child, a dogs are a lot of responsibility. Good luck.
Tell that to one of mine. He's happiest indoors, on the bed in the sun. He only goes outside if I'm out in the garden as well. If I put him outside and close the door, he sits there and wails to come back in. Our other cat however, will quite happily roam all over the place!
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There are certainly cat's that have been conditioned to avoid the outside, usually those raised indoors all their lives.
I personally don't think it's natural, although wouldn't go as far to think it's cruel or unacceptable. It's difficult from an ethical standpoint, in one regard, some see it as a naturalistic imperative that animals be allowed, and raised encouraging, them to show their natural behaviours. Conversely, cats are dangerous to wildlife and can be indoctrinated to stay dependent on their owners indoors having them fulfil their function as companions while limiting environmental impact.
It's certainly a clearer argument than dogs, dogs need exercise and constant companionship. If a dog is left alone or is not walked regularly, they become irrational and depressed.