| EnderW |
| Posted 2/27/2008 3:01:57 PM |
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Active: 02-27-2008
Posts: 11
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I'm a first time Dog owner that lives in an apartment. I work 8 hours a day, but since I live so close to work I intend on coming home at lunch for a walk or one-on-one training time. Therefore, the Dog wouldn't be left alone for more than 4 hours...but that's twice in one day! I lift weights some mornings, but I could shift my training schedule to once during the workweek and budget the cost of doggy day care for that day (it would be like a large dose of supervised doggy socialization).
The activities that I want to share with my Dog include: morning and evening walks around the neighborhood (which I could add a weighted backback to him to make it harder if needed). Also jogging on trails or parks in the city a couple of times during the week, but definitely on the weekend. Several parks have off leash areas where we can play fetch/frisbee once the recall is established. Hiking as well. I'd also like to teach the Dog tricks/obediance, but it's just more of a game/interaction, and it's not important that he learn quickly. He could be dumb as a rock actually, as long as I can teach basic manners.
I tried to rescue a couple of cocker spaniels, and each time throughout the home trial they barked while I was gone (with no improvement after a week). I like black labs, but seems like they'd have too much energy and be unhappy when I'm gone. I prefer dogs around 30lbs. I don't really care what it looks like or what it needs grooming-wise, as long as it can handle being alone while I'm at work and will enjoy outings.
Also note that I'm adopting mixed breeds from rescue groups that are around 1-3 years old (no Puppies.. |
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| CannonFarms |
| Posted 2/27/2008 5:34:57 PM |
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Active: 08-13-2006
Posts: 3100
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You seem to have a pretty good grip on things. Have you ever considered a Great Dane? Of course any dane will not do, you would have to be carefull to weed out those not so well bred dogs. A good solid dane will be able to do all those things and more, plus at the age of 2 or 3 they are mellowed some but still active and will stay active for many years. With proper care danes are living into their teens easily. |
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| EnderW |
| Posted 2/27/2008 5:36:58 PM |
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Active: 02-27-2008
Posts: 11
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Sorry forgot to include that a Dog has to be under 50lbs to live in my apartment complex. |
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| littlemissmom_23 |
| Posted 2/27/2008 5:54:47 PM |
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Active: 02-11-2008
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Wow, I wish I had the self discipline you have! When I was looking for another Dog all I knew was I wanted a large breed dog, I have two small dogs and the only knowledge I had of large breed dogs was the little bit I recieved from working at a petstore. I went to yahoo and google search engines and searched 'dog breed selector' and 'dog breed selector quiz'. I took every quiz more or less to narrow down my search for the ones I actually liked, then did lots of research on a select few breeds. When we started looking online at rescue organizations I knew which primary breeds in the dogs that I liked and didn't like. My favorite quizzes were the ones on animal planet and iams websites. When you find a few dogs you like, to find more info try typing 'dog breed information' in your search engine and go through each one accordingly, or go to akc or ckc websites.
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| CannonFarms |
| Posted 2/27/2008 6:03:45 PM |
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Active: 08-13-2006
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| Quote EnderW: Sorry forgot to include that a Dog has to be under 50lbs to live in my apartment complex. |
well, guess that leaves the danes out. German Shepherd would be my next but they are my next personal favorite breed.
Perhaps a standard schnauzer? american bulldog, standard rat terrier? More will come to mind im sure. |
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| THMINIS |
| Posted 2/27/2008 6:07:46 PM |
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Active: 03-16-2006
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I agree with the poster who said you seem to have a pretty good grip on things. I don't think a cocker would be the right Dog for you. Many are turned to rescue because they need a lot of work that there previous families didn't want to put in. I'm not saying you wouldn't be willing to work with a dog, but it's hard to train things like not to bark when you aren't home when they do it. (I know that would be an obvious statement, I hope you got what I meant).
Have you considered looking into rescues or shelters for a mixed a breed? Are you open to a "mutt"? There are countless dogs out there that are passed by just because they aren't purebreed. Plus, while we can tell you breed generalizations, you never really know what the Dog will be like. Some dogs are opposite of what there breed describes.
I can't think off the top of my head of good apartment yet active dogs. Do you have any other breeds that catch your eye? Sometimes it's easier if we can tell you our experience with certain breeds rather than try to suggest one. Dog breed selectors can help, too (like another poster stated).
Have you looked on petfinder.com ?
Personally my two dogs would be great apartment dogs. They both love good walks and playing, are under 30 lbs, and also love to relax around the house or sleep during the day. BUT, they're Pugs. While they are by no means not active, they can't be trusted off leash, and I don't think their muzzles and statures would allow them to catch frisbees. Though I do know some Pugs who do agility (it proves that it is the owner that makes the Dog what he/she wants it to be). |
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| EnderW |
| Posted 2/27/2008 6:11:15 PM |
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Active: 02-27-2008
Posts: 11
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I've tried to do the quizes, but they contradict each other.  I guess I've gotten too frustrated with using them. Even finding a list of Dog breeds that tend to do well in an apartment is hard. I just need some ideas of dogs that tend to do well in an apartment with someone who works fulltime and is happy to go for a jog or to the park when he/she gets an opportunity. Too bad my job isn't Dog friendly or I wouldn't have any problem. I could pick almost any Dog then, problem solved. |
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| EnderW |
| Posted 2/27/2008 6:22:17 PM |
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Active: 02-27-2008
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I'd prefer a mutt actually, they're healthier and live longer. I'm not attached to any one breed, but they usually have a lot of the characteristics of each breed if they are mixed.
I'm just going through rescue groups because they know more about the Dog after being in a foster situation than if I went to the pound. The first cocker that I tried to adopt was actually a little cocker/lab mix. I thought, WOW, she'll be perfect! Turns out...not so much...she actually has massive separation anxiety in that it is still up for adoption almost a year later. Interesting in that I specifically told the group I can't have one that has issues with being alone. |
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| EnderW |
| Posted 2/27/2008 6:32:28 PM |
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Active: 02-27-2008
Posts: 11
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Oh and actually I did try to contact a pug rescue group in my area and filled out an application. I got the automatic email so it went to someone. The email said it may take months to process the application, blah blah blah...that was in mid November. I haven't received any reply back. I tried to email them, but it got bounced back. I sort of gave up on them.
Also I read that pugs aren't good active companions (like for running) because they can't breathe well enough because of their muzzles. It was on a list of dogs for lazy people, because they basically just want to lay about and take naps. So were bulldogs, which someone mentioned early. This is why I get really confused.
Oh, and they don't have to play frisbee, I just meant taking them to the park to run around and romp. Most dogs like to fetch something...frisbees, tennis balls, cats, very small children...
Ok, the cat bit was a joke. I love cats.  |
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| CannonFarms |
| Posted 2/27/2008 6:45:12 PM |
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Active: 08-13-2006
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Quote EnderW: I'd prefer a mutt actually, they're healthier and live longer. I'm not attached to any one breed, but they usually have a lot of the characteristics of each breed if they are mixed.
I'm just going... |
its interesting that you would make that comment about the mutt as i just posted an artical called are we helping or hurting our pure breeds, it should still be in the first page this is on.
Even though in general it may seem true there are many factors that contribute to a dogs length of life number one being nutrition and second enviromental. I dont think that is any more true of a statement than saying blacks live longer than whites, americans longer than chineese ect.
Im not saying not to adopt a mutt, but out of my whole family of dogs the mutt gives the most trouble. In looking at a pure bred selecting a breeder or owner is key. |
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| moggie |
| Posted 2/27/2008 7:29:56 PM |
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Active: 09-01-2005
Posts: 546
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 what comes to my mind is a boston terrier....i can see you now...romping through the park with him!!! good luck.... |
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| THMINIS |
| Posted 2/27/2008 7:50:12 PM |
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Active: 03-16-2006
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| Quote EnderW: Oh and actually I did try to contact a pug rescue group in my area and filled out an application. I got the automatic email so it went to someone. The email said it may take months to process the application,... |
Where do you live? I may know some people in rescue in your area that you could speak with you. Even if you don't put in an application to adopt, you can ask if they have some calmer rescue Pugs. It really does depend on the weather, but I know many muscular fit Pugs that can walk for a few miles and that LOVE to run and play. I'll admit that many aren't going to be like a lab or border collie, but you may not want to rule them out just yet. The weather where you live is just something to consider. But, if you have the time, there are always cooler times like early morning and later evening. The idea that Pugs are for "lazy people" is one that causes many health problems in the breed. They are prone to obesity, and need exercise like ANY other dog! Pugs are not supposed to be big fat dogs. They require a decent amount of time per week to keep them in tip top shape, but even with two Pugs, I've never felt it laborious. In fact, I like taking care of my two's hygene because I feel it lets us bond. Maybe that's silly, but I love being their caretaker.
Oh, it's also another falicy that Pugs can't swim. One of my two LOVES to swim! Many people get life jackets for their Pugs just so they can go longer, but it really depends on the training and introduction (just like with any other dog). Although my Reggie was like a fish from day one (he loves the water more than my past cocker ever did!).
If you look at bostons like the other poster said, you have the same brachycephalic issues (their flat faces). Also, I've never met a calm, low key Boston Terrier. They can be sweet dogs, but generally they have higher energy levels. They are cute little commonly lean dogs, though. It could be something to look into. |
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| maoseger1010 |
| Posted 2/28/2008 6:50:35 AM |
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Forum Moderator
 
Active: 02-20-2005
Posts: 6723
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| Quote THMINIS: Where do you live? I may know some people in rescue in your area that you could speak with you. Even if you don't put in an application to adopt, you can ask if they have some calmer rescue Pugs. It... |
"If you look at bostons like the other poster said, you have the same brachycephalic issues (their flat faces). Also, I've never met a calm, low key Boston Terrier. They can be sweet dogs, but generally they have higher energy levels. They are cute little commonly lean dogs, though. It could be something to look into."
I could not agree more. I love this breed but "calm and low key", not in my opinion. |
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| maoseger1010 |
| Posted 2/28/2008 7:07:17 AM |
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Forum Moderator
Active: 02-20-2005
Posts: 6723
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Here are some breeds to think about
Keeshound, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Schnauzer,Norfolk Terrier
If you like mixes have you tried your local shelter? |
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| EnderW |
| Posted 2/28/2008 10:41:31 AM |
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Active: 02-27-2008
Posts: 11
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Quote CannonFarms: its interesting that you would make that comment about the mutt as i just posted an artical called are we helping or hurting our pure breeds, it should still be in the first page this is on.
Even though... |
Ahhh, well that's just what I've read. And I'm starting to think I'm suffering from info overload from too many sources. Just like on here at only a dozen posts, someone says one thing and the next poster says...uh uh! |
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| EnderW |
| Posted 2/28/2008 10:42:53 AM |
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Active: 02-27-2008
Posts: 11
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| Quote THMINIS: Where do you live? I may know some people in rescue in your area that you could speak with you. Even if you don't put in an application to adopt, you can ask if they have some calmer rescue Pugs. It... |
Central Texas. It's very hot a good part of the year, and humidity and heat are what I've read isn't good for them to be very active in. 
I'm having fun with these smilies. |
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| EnderW |
| Posted 2/28/2008 10:50:04 AM |
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Active: 02-27-2008
Posts: 11
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| Quote EnderW: Ahhh, well that's just what I've read. And I'm starting to think I'm suffering from info overload from too many sources. Just like on here at only a dozen posts, someone says one thing and the next poster... |
I actually went to my local humane society yesterday and finally talked to them. I used to go, see a Dog that I thought might be good for me, and then walk right out again. Mostly because I was worried that I didn't know what sort of Dog it might be in a home environment. But I went on a whim right after posting here and it was really slow last night. I finally talked to them and they explained how they test the dogs. They even have a test where they put the Dog in a room that simulates a bedroom and leave it there for five minutes. Then they watch on monitors and check off everything that the Dog does (like knock over the trash can, jump on the chair, chew on things, etc). She said some can't be in there alone and freak out. But some sort of just explore and hang out. They also give them a color based on energy level. She was very informative and said that being in an apartment and being a first time Dog owner, I should go with a Dog that's somewhere between a low and medium energy level. The things that I want to do with my Dog would tire a Dog out that had that energy level. Then he or she would just sleep the entire time I'm gone.
It's also more my energy level. I like working out and do it for health, but after I lift or go run I want to sit down or nap. |
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| EnderW |
| Posted 2/28/2008 10:50:52 AM |
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Active: 02-27-2008
Posts: 11
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Why in the world do I keep capitalizing dog???  |
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| ladybug2006 |
| Posted 2/28/2008 1:39:24 PM |
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Active: 04-28-2006
Posts: 20
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I would have said English Mastiff, as we just got one and I am in love with the breed, but since that is to big, I deffinately vote Schnauzer, they don't shed, they are smart ours has been very easy to train, and she is a super mouser! Only thing that she has ever bothered that wasn't hers in 12 years are crayons! She knows what are her toys and what belongs to the kids, doesn't bark just to be barking. |
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| maligirl1 |
| Posted 2/29/2008 8:52:20 AM |
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Active: 12-14-2007
Posts: 475
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my corgi is high energy but she can stay in her crate for up to 4 hrs at a time before she has to go out.it doesn't happen very often(proably only 4-5 times) but so far so good.the crate is big enough for to move around ,stand up, lay down etc.she doesn't bark very much only when playing.i think by far her only downfall is she needs alot of grooming(combed/brushed 4-5 times wk) but other than that she is great.good luck |
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