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Original poster

Can my MIL get a (small) dog when she lives in a flat?

39 replies

HepburnKNotA · 29/01/2020 14:03

She has NO garden, just a very small terrace.
It’s a conversion flat, London, first floor. Downstairs neighbour has small dog (but has the small garden).

She is near a park for walks.

I’m thinking more about the late-night wee situation. (The dog, not her!! Smile )

Cat not an option, she hates them and just won’t do it.

We really really really feel a pet would help with her mental health (she is lonely/has no routine)

Can this possibly work??!!

OP posts:
BillHadersNewWife · 29/01/2020 14:13

Is she fit enough to manage multiple little walks a day? I think it would be fine personally. I have a big dog and a small dog...my small dog would be fine in a flat as long as she had plenty of little walks.

Knowivedonewrong · 29/01/2020 14:15

If she can manage a few walks a day, I don't see why not.
Does she like birds? How about a budgie?

LochJessMonster · 29/01/2020 14:15

Yes, but she would have to take it out last thing at night/first thing in the morning. Plenty of people manage.

Does she have a balcony? A friend of mine living in a flat as a section of artificial grass on her balcony with a plant, for the dogs to wee on. Needs cleaning often though.

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Dogs
Woody479 · 29/01/2020 14:17

Would she get a dog or a puppy? I just wonder how the toilet training would work with a puppy? We’ve just been through it ourselves and I can’t imagine doing it without access to a garden. Puppy pads maybe on the terrace?

Fannia · 29/01/2020 14:17

Could she put something like a large cat litter tray on the terrace? It would still be better to take the dog out to toilet but this means she wouldn't have to rush.

Hoppinggreen · 29/01/2020 14:18

How would she feel about taking the dog out on her own at night?
My dog occasionally needs to go out at 2am, I can let him into the garden but your mil would have to get dressed, go downstairs and take it to somewhere it could see/poo.
One day last week Ddog had an upset tummy and went out at 12, 2am and 4.30am

Pippapotomus · 29/01/2020 14:19

My dog had more walks when we lived in a flat. Instead of a daily long one we did several short ones. Getting up and going straight out (usually with pjs undercoat) is something I don't miss.

Peakypolly · 29/01/2020 14:24

There is special sort of grass that can be delivered for dogs to use on balconies... bark potty I think?

boatyIII · 29/01/2020 14:25

I, along with thousands of other pet owners living in London, manage with dogs.

Peakypolly · 29/01/2020 14:25

Just googled it... not sure it is available in the UK yet.

EducatingArti · 29/01/2020 14:25

I'm assuming it is a leasehold flat. You need to check the terms of the lease as it may not permit dogs

Disfordarkchocolate · 29/01/2020 14:26

Yes. We lived in flats for over 5 years with our dog and it was no problem. He'd never been allowed to wee or poop in the back garden so there was no change from a house for him.

I'd suggest an older but not old dog so she has an idea of temperament and what the dog likes and I'd start with a breed rescue centre or the Dogs Trust.

Alexandernevermind · 29/01/2020 14:29

Yes no problem as long as the flat association allow it. A little lapdog breed would be more happy with the company of your mum than lots of space. Just research breeds very carefully. Perhaps a dog a little older from a rescue would be ideal. As others have said, a little potty on the balcony is essential as dogs like to be clean - a flat tub with sand or soil would suffice.

Original poster
HepburnKNotA · 29/01/2020 14:44

Thanks everyone!!

She does have a large balcony.

Will begin to look into it further!

OP posts:
Original poster
HepburnKNotA · 29/01/2020 14:47

Oh and multiple short walks per day would suit MIL well; that’s good to know.

OP posts:
BillieEilish · 29/01/2020 14:51

Dear Lord, here in Spain, if older people couldn't keep their (small yappy) dogs in flats the country would implode!!!

sueelleker · 29/01/2020 14:57

If she gets a very small dog, can she train it to use a litter tray?

DartmoorChef · 29/01/2020 15:00

Don't get her a dog of she hasnt asked for one. That would be do unfair on the animal.

Original poster
HepburnKNotA · 29/01/2020 15:30

Dartmoor, we are doing nothing of the sort. We are helping her look at rescues and making calls/emails on her behalf.

Thanks everyone!

OP posts:
Wereallsquare · 29/01/2020 15:30

We really really really feel a pet would help with her mental health (she is lonely/has no routine)*

How does SHE really, really, really feel? If she is not as enthusiastic as you are, this could be awful for the dog. Have you got a back-up plan for the dog?

Original poster
HepburnKNotA · 29/01/2020 15:32

She’s very keen Weareallsquare. Just worried about getting it ‘right’. She’s owned before and loved it; my phrasing if ‘we are keen’ is just a reflection of how much we are trying to help her get this sorted!!

Back up plan is one of her adult children takes the dog if she gets ill or something.

OP posts:
Alexandernevermind · 29/01/2020 15:53

You sound like a very responsible family @HepburnKNotA with a lot to offer. I hope you find a little dog very soon.

Bibidy · 29/01/2020 15:55

She definitely can, but as others have said she needs to check her lease. I own my flat (in as much as you can own a leasehold property) but even my lease stipulates no dogs.

butterry · 29/01/2020 15:58

You can train toy breed dogs to use a puppy tray which is a bit like a cat litter tray

Wereallsquare · 29/01/2020 15:59

Excellent! Apologies for misunderstanding and my misplaced concern. I think most small dogs are fine in flats as long as they can get adequate outdoor exercise. Good
luck to you. Thanks