Dogs in apartments. Fair?

[i-need-a-martini]

New laws about to be introduced to allow dogs in apartments. Previously it was a matter the corporate body making the decision.

On the one hand I say it should be OK.

But on the other hand I wonder if it is fair to the animal (I can't imagine a large dog being cooped up inside all day without a yard) and is it fair to neighbours?

http://smh.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/apartments-go-to-the-dogs-20130619-2ojec.html

[***super_nova***]

It depends on the dog, on the breed, on the owners' circumstances.  There are dogs that will bark constantly, there are dogs that do not bark at all.  Working breeds, like a Kelpie, that were bred to spend the day being constantly active or just naturally hyperactive terriers will not be very good in an apartment.  Many larger breeds are quiet, and provided they are taken out for good run/long walk they can be fine.  GAP greyhounds are particularly well suited to such conditions.  They are used to being confined in small kennel runs for most of the time.  As long as the owner/s are active enough, and are retired or work from home, there is no reason for dogs not to be perfectly happy in an apartment.

[i-need-a-martini]

A friend (of a friend) of ours lives in a tiny inner city terrace. I don't know if any of you know how small some of these terraces in Sydney are but I am talking about 2 rooms downstairs and if you are lucky 2 bedrooms upstairs. Their backyard is 4 metres wide x 4 metres deep with a cubby house taking up most of that space.

It's about the size of an average apartment.

They a lovely but very large retrievers. Yes she gets walked as someone comes to the house every day to collect her. But otherwise she spends her day inside 2 small rooms.

How can that be good for a dog? 

[***super_nova***]

I used to live on 50 acres in one stage (or 6 acres, 2 acres later on) and had a number of giant breed dogs; they had a good gallop around paddocks in the morning and again in the late afternoon, but spent most of the day on  the sofa, or sprawled on the lawn.  They could use the space any time they wanted to, but they did not.  When i went down to the stables through the day, they sometimes came along, if I went for a ride they would come with me, but other than that they did not need the access to the space during the day.  But when once I minded 2 GSDs for friends who went o/s, these two would not stop all day; they needed to be active at all times. 

[i-need-a-martini]

Our bassets (not exactly the most energetic of breeds) were always outside dogs. And I'd often look out and see them 'taking a turn' around the yard.

There is no way even a basset could stay cooped up in an apartment.

[azureline**]

Our mini dachshund rarely ventures outside willingly, he lays in the sun if he does go out, so he would be fine...... we have enclosed dog parks here too... what does he do when we go there? sits......

[cherry*135]

At least  he gets out and gets fresh air and a few rays of sunshine az.

[crystal**flake]

:^O Az.

[azureline**]

:^O Az.

well, he does, lol

AM3, I expect anyone in an apartment would have windows.... Max lays in front of a door or window to get sun. Wouldn't they take them for walks as well....?

[lynnie3024]

We have 2 large dogs who spend most of the days indoors. They have a huge backyard but prefer to just lay around on their beds inside. I am sure people in apartments would take their dogs for walks.

[daydream**believer]

if i owned an apartment i certainly wouldnt allow any pets to be kept there