By Maryann Mott
About the authorMaryann Mott is a freelance writer who lives in Payson, Ariz. Don’t have a big backyard, but you’d like to own a dog? Don’t worry. In cities throughout the nation, dogs happily live with owners in high-rise apartments, condominiums, and town homes.
However, making the situation work takes commitment and dedication: You may need to adapt your lifestyle to provide your dog with consistent care, regular exercise, and proper training.
Catherine Hedges knows all about living in a crowded city with dogs. The no-kill shelter she founded in downtown Chicago, the Furry Friends Foundation, adopts many mixed breeds to urbanites.
Small Space Breeds Many breeds and mixes, regardless of size, can do well living in an apartment or condo. Select one with an energy level you can easily satisfy. Here are a few breeds to consider, but again, don’t limit yourself to small breeds. Greyhounds and other larger breeds can also live well in small spaces. Bulldog: Affectionate and quiet. Coat needs minimal care. Short, daily walks keep these dogs happy. Some snore and drool. Chihuahua: Enjoys walks in mild weather, but usually gets enough exercise running around indoors. Sheds heavily, but doesn’t have a lot of hair due to its size. Good watchdog, but not prone to excessive barking. Dachshund: Independent nature. Content to play alone with toys and balls. May be difficult to housetrain. Sheds, but has little or no doggie odor. Some bark. Moderate daily walks. Toy or Miniature Poodle: A playful and devoted family member. Low-shed coat; professional grooming may be needed. Indoor games or moderate daily walks. Some bark a lot. Pug: Even-tempered, loving, and outgoing. Minimal coat care, but sheds heavily. Moderate daily walks. Does not bark excessively or loudly. Shih Tzu: Friendly and quiet. Low-shed coat, but professional grooming needed. Short daily walks or vigorous indoor play.Hedges says that when choosing a dog, size and breed aren’t as important as temperament and energy level. She points out, though, that some apartments and condos have weight or breed restrictions and may require an additional pet deposit or monthly fee.
Small Space Breeds
Many breeds and mixes, regardless of size, can do well living in an apartment or condo. Select one with an energy level you can easily satisfy. Here are a few breeds to consider, but again, don’t limit yourself to small breeds. Greyhounds and other larger breeds can also live well in small spaces.
Bulldog: Affectionate and quiet. Coat needs minimal care. Short, daily walks keep these dogs happy. Some snore and drool.
Chihuahua: Enjoys walks in mild weather, but usually gets enough exercise running around indoors. Sheds heavily, but doesn’t have a lot of hair due to its size. Good watchdog, but not prone to excessive barking.
Dachshund: Independent nature. Content to play alone with toys and balls. May be difficult to housetrain. Sheds, but has little or no doggie odor. Some bark. Moderate daily walks.
Toy or Miniature Poodle: A playful and devoted family member. Low-shed coat; professional grooming may be needed. Indoor games or moderate daily walks. Some bark a lot.
Pug: Even-tempered, loving, and outgoing. Minimal coat care, but sheds heavily. Moderate daily walks. Does not bark excessively or loudly.
Shih Tzu: Friendly and quiet. Low-shed coat, but professional grooming needed. Short daily walks or vigorous indoor play.
Lifestyle Adjustments
All dogs need exercise, so if you live in a small space, consider living near a park or hiking trail so you have a safe place to walk your pet.
That’s what Hedges did. She purchased a two-bedroom condominium near Lake Michigan that has miles of walking paths, green grassy areas, and two dog beaches.
Hedges, like many people, works long hours. But she juggles her schedule in order to care for Rocco, her 8-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix. When possible, she works shorter hours or works from home. If she has to be at the shelter for a long time, Rocco goes with her. “It’s a matter of adjusting your lifestyle to the dog,” Hedges says.
Other options for busy owners include going home for lunch and a walk, hiring a midday pet-walking service, or dropping your pooch off at doggie daycare a few days each week. It’s also a good idea to create a support network of friends and neighbors who can help with dog care regularly or in times of emergency.
Right on ScheduleOne of the hurdles owners face is providing their dogs with a regularly scheduled potty break during the day. Hiring a pet walking service is one option.
Challenges and Solutions Barking: Dogs usually bark when they see people or other animals outside. Shut the shades or draperies facing busy streets. Hide your dog’s daily food ration inside one (or more) hollow rubber chew toys and let him work at getting it out. Busy dogs are less likely to bark and become destructive. Trainer David Reinecker of Los Angeles suggests taking your dog for a brisk walk or romp at the dog park before work so he’ll rest during the day. He also advises clients to play soothing sounds, like ocean waves or rain, or classical music to help calm pets and drown out street noise. Elimination: Go home at lunch to give your dog a potty break, or enlist the help of friends or neighbors. If you can’t provide consistent outings because your schedule is erratic, train your dog to eliminate indoors or hire a dog-walking service to come for a midday walk. Exercise: Most dogs need two walks daily, 30 to 45 minutes each. If you are short on time, consider a doggie daycare or dog-walking service. Team up with neighbors, and take turns walking each others’ pets. When it’s cold or hot outdoors, enroll in an indoor agility or canine freestyle class. Use the Internet as a source for indoor games you can play. Cleaning: Brush and bathe your dog regularly to keep hair and doggie odor to a minimum. Vacuum your home twice a week, and keep a towel by the front door to wipe dirty paws after walks. Protect your sofa with a throw made of stain- and odor-resistant fabric.Some people, like Sakura Komiyama of New York, who owns Yorkshire Terrier Morris, train their dogs to eliminate indoors in a specified place. Indoor potty products, such as litter boxes and piddle pads, help city dwellers like Komiyama provide their dogs with regular elimination opportunities.
Challenges and Solutions
Barking: Dogs usually bark when they see people or other animals outside. Shut the shades or draperies facing busy streets. Hide your dog’s daily food ration inside one (or more) hollow rubber chew toys and let him work at getting it out. Busy dogs are less likely to bark and become destructive.
Trainer David Reinecker of Los Angeles suggests taking your dog for a brisk walk or romp at the dog park before work so he’ll rest during the day. He also advises clients to play soothing sounds, like ocean waves or rain, or classical music to help calm pets and drown out street noise.
Elimination: Go home at lunch to give your dog a potty break, or enlist the help of friends or neighbors. If you can’t provide consistent outings because your schedule is erratic, train your dog to eliminate indoors or hire a dog-walking service to come for a midday walk.
Exercise: Most dogs need two walks daily, 30 to 45 minutes each. If you are short on time, consider a doggie daycare or dog-walking service. Team up with neighbors, and take turns walking each others’ pets. When it’s cold or hot outdoors, enroll in an indoor agility or canine freestyle class. Use the Internet as a source for indoor games you can play.
Cleaning: Brush and bathe your dog regularly to keep hair and doggie odor to a minimum. Vacuum your home twice a week, and keep a towel by the front door to wipe dirty paws after walks. Protect your sofa with a throw made of stain- and odor-resistant fabric.
Dogs who go to the bathroom indoors should also learn to relieve themselves outdoors, says trainer David Reinecker of Los Angeles. “Dogs who are kept inside and potty-trained inside may develop fears and aggression as a result of lack of socialization and exposure to the environment,” Reinecker says.
To help with this, enroll your dog in a basic obedience class. With the hustle and bustle of crowded cities, it’s important dogs learn to walk on busy sidewalks, ride elevators, and treat strangers politely.
It Takes Time
To make dog ownership work in a small living space, Reinecker believes owners must commit the necessary time to care for their pets. He notes that it’s not a good idea for a person to get a dog if he or she cannot provide it with attention, whether his or her own, or through the services of a dog walker or doggie day care center.
But with a little bit of planning and a lot of dedication, the size of your home really doesn’t matter. You and your pooch can live happily ever after.* This article first appeared in the September 2005 issue of DOG FANCY magazine. Pick up a copy at your local newsstand or pet-supply store.