Apartment Living With Your Dog

MSN Dog Central ^ | September 29, 2006 | Sandy Robins

[libstripper]

One sure sign that a downtown neighborhood is becoming a fashionable place to live—more than just a commercial district—is the number of dogs out and about on the sidewalks. Today, many apartment buildings and individual landlords are developing increasingly lenient pet policies to attract more dog owners to these newly gentrified urban areas.

There’s no question that city living offers many on-tap conveniences that make it an attractive alternative to a suburban lifestyle. But how dog friendly is downtown? There is much more to consider when it comes to your pal’s well-being than the landlord’s consent or the homeowner policy confirming that pets are welcome.

advertisementSeeking Out Pet Friendly Buildings Whether you are looking to rent or buy, the best way to find out if the neighborhood is dog friendly is to take your dog for a walk and stop to talk to anyone else out walking their dog.

Many realtors are now paying special attention to the pet-loving sector of the apartment housing market. So it’s a good idea to seek out someone who specializes in such properties. Veterinarian offices, groomers and pet stores are also a mine of information and many have notice boards with postings of suitable apartments in the area.

[proudofthesouth]

I've got a Corgi who is the love of my life. I live in a condo/townhouse and he is perfect for this place. Don't dare let him run loose cause he follows his nose and ignores everything else.

Most Corgi's as a rule don't like cats but 16 months ago I brought over several young ones out of a litter. A gray/white one immediately went up to him and they've been best buds ever since.

[wmfights]

"Those dog went on lots of walks and runs. You can do it, just gotta put in the time for them."
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I'm sure there are exceptions, but the problem is just that they are exceptions.

[wmfights]

"Yep, if they're apartments or condos they become big kennels."
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You are so right! Especially the day after the owner got "lucky" and didn't come home that night to take care of his/her pet.

[Moonman62]

Or if they work the midnight shift. When one starts barking, they all bark.

[pandoraou812]

I wouldn't have a large dog in an apartment, I don't think its fair to the dog or the neighbors. Little dogs do fine as long as they aren't yappers. I hate dog parks. I would never take my dogs to one for a few reasons. I have shih tzus and the bigger dogs would toss them around like a rag doll. I find owners who let their dogs off leash and start talking paying no mind to what their pet is up to. Plus the dogs can pick up all kinds of parasites. Besides get into fights. I keep my babies , all 4 of them in my backyard and if I do take them out they are leashed.

[mom4kittys]

I wouldn't want to live near people who didn't like dogs or cats. I think it says a lot about the people themselves.

[wmfights]

"Or if they work the midnight shift. When one starts barking, they all bark."
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Man, it sounds like you've been there!

I love dogs, but they are not bred for apartment living.

[wmfights]

"I wouldn't want to live near people who didn't like dogs or cats. I think it says a lot about the people themselves."
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Since we are going to start being judgmental without out thinking first; I don't like people who are so cruel to animals to put them in environments they are not suited for and have no consideration for how their actions impact those around them.

Just because an animal is cute, or well bred, does not mean it belongs in a high density urban environment.

[Moonman62]

Just because a person has animals, doesn't mean they are loved. The point is some environments aren't made for certain animals, or people who don't care for them.

[mom4kittys]

I'm mostly talking about landlords who make blanket polices on no pets. Pretty close minded if you ask me.

[mom4kittys]

I understand about that, but sometimes it is out of temporary necessity. I know a lot of people (myself included) that lost homes due to Katrina and need temporary rentals while they are rebuilding. People with kids are having the same problem. Not enough housing close by to rebuild and tight quarters if you do find something. I think landlords are being petty in some instances.

[wmfights]

"I'm mostly talking about landlords who make blanket polices on no pets. Pretty close minded if you ask me."
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Well, guess what! Your talking to one. I own and operate apartment buildings in a large urban environment and we will not allow pets. If you want a dog go live in the suburbs. You may not realize this since your so self centered but most of your neighbors don't want your dog around either.

[RepoGirl]

I agree. The last neighborhood I lived in before I left Boston (for Florida) was right in the midst of "Urban Renewal" meaning lots of rich yuppies were butting up against diciest of gangland. Further, it had a massive liberal gay population who were incredibly condescending and "attempting meaningful dialog" with their lower-income neighbors. More than once, there'd be a problem with some idiot's prized Chow coming up against some gang bangers nasty pit bull with ugly results.

In fact, there were LOTS of pits in my neighborhood, all owned by sullen young men with lots of bling, but I digress.

My rott is a bit of a couch potato by nature, but I still couldn't picture her living in my apartment up in Boston (too many stairs, for one--we were a 4th floor walk up with no elevator). Too much concrete, distractions on the street, aggressive dogs and no space for her to stretch out and enjoy.

[east1234]

yep, unless we were out in the woods somewhere. Now they have a fence, can't let dogs run free, they end up as speed bumps.

[wmfights]

"My rott is a bit of a couch potato by nature, but I still couldn't picture her living in my apartment up in Boston (too many stairs, for one--we were a 4th floor walk up with no elevator). Too much concrete, distractions on the street, aggressive dogs and no space for her to stretch out and enjoy."
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Thanks for the honest assessment.

Although, it is a misconception that until the "yuppies" move in the city is a gang infested run down place. I think you will find in most urban areas there are some great "blue collar" areas that are not rundown. The pitbull problem is worth noting. It is not uncommon for dogs to be stolen so pit owners can use them to train their dog.

[the OlLine Rebel]

My old wonderful GS grew up and lived most her life stretching out in a nice fenced yard.

At 9yo I moved to CT and a small apt in town center. She took to it well as soon as she realized it was mine, and hers. Also when she realized the cat was staying, too. We actually ended up in another nicer 1 (same complex), but still only about 600 sqft.

Neighbors never complained about my cat and GS. The manager was worried once about her barking when I was gone(guardianship), but neighbors didn't care (and half of them were definitely more obnoxious).

[RoadTest]

"I once worked with a woman who bred Great Danes. She told me that they make great apartment pets cause they are nothing but couch potatoes."

Maybe it's the opposite of what we thought. I have had little dogs, and they love to roam fields and woods (always on a leash and with a waste bag) - the wilder the better.

[j. earl carter]

And when the dog starts getting antsy (stir crazy--get nippy) or has an 'accident' in the apt ...they are shipped off to Animal control

This is exactly the reason pigs make such great pets. When they get antsy, or you get sick of them, you can just go ahead and eat them. I think they're tastier than store bought, too.

[mom4kittys]

I just think some people are too uptight for their own good.

[RepoGirl]

Fair enough, but I can't think of any really good, lower-income neighborhoods in Boston anymore. Even the last few Irish holdouts in Dorchester seem to have fallen to gangs and crime. A lot of the blue collar have moved into the suburbs, and the inner city is mostly affluent hipsters (not the technical demographic name...), government housing, and students.

Speaking of dogs being stolen, that's one reason why my girl is an indoor dog (and she only goes outside on a leash). I met a woman recently who's German Shephard was stolen from her yard and she suspects dog fighting as the reason.

The very idea of my "little princess" being used as training fills me with dread. She's an incredibly sweet dog, not a fighter by nature (but she is a bossy policeman, though.) She wouldn't last one round with a pit.