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Original poster

To own an indoor only dog in one bed flat?

133 replies

JusWunderin · 17/04/2024 08:47

I’ve noticed a couple over the road have a dog, at first I wasn’t sure if it was actually theirs as I never saw it come or go so assume it was a visitor.

But since I’ve had a doorbell camera that picks up movement from their front door opposite my house I’ve never once seen them take it out, not once. I work from home and my office faces their front door too so I’ve become a bit of a nosey neighbour if I’m honest. But I feel sad for the dog, it never goes outside, they occasionally open their ‘patio’ doors (barred in doors with no balcony on upper level flat) and the dog just stands there with its nose poking through the bars.

It looks healthy, it’s a relatively young dog/puppy, large breed and doesn’t look uncared for but I would have thought it doesn’t have much room to get much exercise in a one bedroom flat?

and I know what you’re going to ask.. what about toileting? No idea.. I’ve literally never once seen them take it out on a walk, or just outside for the toilet. I’ve seen them come and go.. just never with the dog.

Is it cruel? Should it be reported? I don’t want to be ‘that’ neighbour but?

OP posts:
OldPerson · 21/04/2024 19:39

Yes it's cruel.

Yes, it should be reported.

Call the RSPCA.

kitsuneghost · 21/04/2024 19:53

I wouldn't have a dog in a flat or residential area. Farms, house in the country-middle of nowhere etc.. fine but not in built up areas.

Jeannie88 · 21/04/2024 20:00

Dogs need outdoor exercise, daily! It's their SM, tv, fresh air, the smells, as well as much needed exercise. I have known people who never walk their dogs and it makes me so upset 😡 No one should get one unless they are prepared to take them out at least once a day, no matter the size. In all types of weather I've always walked mine, let them off in a safe place to run around, the joy they feel is one of the reasons of reward for being such beautiful creatures. Xx

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Dogs
payens · 21/04/2024 20:37

So you're snooping on your neighbours with your doorbell camera?
YABVU

Hmm1234 · 21/04/2024 20:43

JusWunderin · 17/04/2024 08:47

I’ve noticed a couple over the road have a dog, at first I wasn’t sure if it was actually theirs as I never saw it come or go so assume it was a visitor.

But since I’ve had a doorbell camera that picks up movement from their front door opposite my house I’ve never once seen them take it out, not once. I work from home and my office faces their front door too so I’ve become a bit of a nosey neighbour if I’m honest. But I feel sad for the dog, it never goes outside, they occasionally open their ‘patio’ doors (barred in doors with no balcony on upper level flat) and the dog just stands there with its nose poking through the bars.

It looks healthy, it’s a relatively young dog/puppy, large breed and doesn’t look uncared for but I would have thought it doesn’t have much room to get much exercise in a one bedroom flat?

and I know what you’re going to ask.. what about toileting? No idea.. I’ve literally never once seen them take it out on a walk, or just outside for the toilet. I’ve seen them come and go.. just never with the dog.

Is it cruel? Should it be reported? I don’t want to be ‘that’ neighbour but?

massively over reacting and being nosey. The puppy might not be old enough to go outside yet- vaccinations and they may even have plans to move very soon. Jumping to conclusions so early sounds like you need a few days outside the house, maybe the office?

Original poster
JusWunderin · 21/04/2024 21:09

The puppy is probably getting near on a year old. Maybe around 9 months, even 10.

We’re digging too deep into the doorbell camera. I get a notification when there movement outside my house, their door happens to be opposite my house so I get notifications when they come and go. I don’t religiously check every notification. But for everytime I’ve seen “movement detected” and it happens to be them, they’re without the dog.

I actually do a hell of a lot more of the snooping from my office window 😂 because my desk sits I front of the window so I have a lovely view of them all day everyday, the doorbell is the least of their concerns tbh. But still, everytime I’ve physically seen them come or go, there’s without said dog.

I might be nosey, but it may come in handy one day!

OP posts:
aperolspritzbasicbitch · 21/04/2024 21:50

JusWunderin · 21/04/2024 21:09

The puppy is probably getting near on a year old. Maybe around 9 months, even 10.

We’re digging too deep into the doorbell camera. I get a notification when there movement outside my house, their door happens to be opposite my house so I get notifications when they come and go. I don’t religiously check every notification. But for everytime I’ve seen “movement detected” and it happens to be them, they’re without the dog.

I actually do a hell of a lot more of the snooping from my office window 😂 because my desk sits I front of the window so I have a lovely view of them all day everyday, the doorbell is the least of their concerns tbh. But still, everytime I’ve physically seen them come or go, there’s without said dog.

I might be nosey, but it may come in handy one day!

We aren't digging too deep at all.

The fact that they cannot leave or enter their home without you being notified is gross. I'd bloody hate it.

My doorbell COULD pick up my opposite neighbour every time he leaves, but it doesn't, because I have put the correct motion limits on my camera.

Can you not see how intrusive this is? How would you feel if someone could keep tabs on you like that?

pinkstripeycat · 21/04/2024 22:31

We live near a field and lots of people walk past our house with their dogs.

Someone asked my neighbour if we still had our dog as he’d not seen us for ages. We have a big, gun dog who needs a lot of exercise so we’re out with him a lot. Sometimes DH runs with the dog, he often drives to the woods and sometimes walks him in the dark.

I often don’t see people for ages even though they walk past our house twice a day with their dog and our lounge window is at the front. I am also very nosy with my ring doorbell and still don’t see people.

Also as long as a dog has shelter, is fed and watered they’re doing nothing illegal so there’s no one you can tell to be honest

Mamanyt · 21/04/2024 23:14

I have known a LOT of large dogs who lived quite happily in very small flats...HOWEVER, their owners were committed to at least 2-3 long walks daily, and visits to dog parks for running off-leash a few times a week. It doesn't sound as if this couple is doing that. Does it amount to abuse? Probably not. But it is neglectful in that way. Is it reportable and actionable? Probably not.

I'd suggest, for your own good, finding something else to occupy you.

Mothership4two · 22/04/2024 06:05

In your shoes, if you are 100% sure that the dog never goes out and there are definitely no other exits, I would have to report to the RSPCA. Hopefully they would look into it. At least they could have a good look at it and its living conditions and, crucially, offer advice. Then at least I'd have done all I could.

Yhtorod · 22/04/2024 08:54

JusWunderin · 17/04/2024 08:47

I’ve noticed a couple over the road have a dog, at first I wasn’t sure if it was actually theirs as I never saw it come or go so assume it was a visitor.

But since I’ve had a doorbell camera that picks up movement from their front door opposite my house I’ve never once seen them take it out, not once. I work from home and my office faces their front door too so I’ve become a bit of a nosey neighbour if I’m honest. But I feel sad for the dog, it never goes outside, they occasionally open their ‘patio’ doors (barred in doors with no balcony on upper level flat) and the dog just stands there with its nose poking through the bars.

It looks healthy, it’s a relatively young dog/puppy, large breed and doesn’t look uncared for but I would have thought it doesn’t have much room to get much exercise in a one bedroom flat?

and I know what you’re going to ask.. what about toileting? No idea.. I’ve literally never once seen them take it out on a walk, or just outside for the toilet. I’ve seen them come and go.. just never with the dog.

Is it cruel? Should it be reported? I don’t want to be ‘that’ neighbour but?

All dogs need walking but small dogs like Yorkies or chihuahuas can be exercised indoors with playing fetch, running for a toy, they still like a walk when it’s nice weather though if its cold or wet my Lola Chi won’t walk anywhere 😂🤣bigger dogs need more exercise!

Watchkeys · 22/04/2024 09:11

It's not just about exercise. Dogs get mental stimulation and social benefits from being walked outdoors where other dogs are/have been. Staying in all the time is like solitary confinement for a dog. They need the influence of other dogs to stop them going mad. They're pack animals.

Teddleshon · 22/04/2024 09:16

Yes the smells and stimulation they get on an outdoor walk are vital for a dog to lead a happy and healthy life.

MintTraybake · 22/04/2024 10:31

JusWunderin · 17/04/2024 08:47

I’ve noticed a couple over the road have a dog, at first I wasn’t sure if it was actually theirs as I never saw it come or go so assume it was a visitor.

But since I’ve had a doorbell camera that picks up movement from their front door opposite my house I’ve never once seen them take it out, not once. I work from home and my office faces their front door too so I’ve become a bit of a nosey neighbour if I’m honest. But I feel sad for the dog, it never goes outside, they occasionally open their ‘patio’ doors (barred in doors with no balcony on upper level flat) and the dog just stands there with its nose poking through the bars.

It looks healthy, it’s a relatively young dog/puppy, large breed and doesn’t look uncared for but I would have thought it doesn’t have much room to get much exercise in a one bedroom flat?

and I know what you’re going to ask.. what about toileting? No idea.. I’ve literally never once seen them take it out on a walk, or just outside for the toilet. I’ve seen them come and go.. just never with the dog.

Is it cruel? Should it be reported? I don’t want to be ‘that’ neighbour but?

This is just really nosey and not
your business. You have no idea what the dogs circumstances are 🤷🏻‍♀️
rescue, adopted, medical needs.
Id be more concerned about getting your needs met in other ways; so other people’s comings and goings aren’t concerning you so much.

Are you going to offer to walk it? If not/ leave them alone.

Not everyone has the privileges of a garden or a house and it likely either can’t go out yet or maybe they to
out at more “unsociable” times,
espcially if a larger breed.

if a Bully breed then they are now legally restricted to muzzles and leads constantly - so maybe the dog is better inside if being constantly muzzled affects their Behaviour.

Mothership4two · 22/04/2024 11:44

Yes OP is being nosey (and admitted it) but she also seems to be concerned (rightly) for the dog. Keeping a dog inside 24/7 is cruel and probably unsanitory. It will now not have been socialised with other dogs and maybe not other people either. I'm sure she has thought about all the different scenarios. She is not an expert, hence her asking.

Why would it be OP's job to walk their dog?

By the by, but bully's still need to be walked (that's the RSPCA advice). Several weeks ago there were bully owners being interviewed (I think on This Morning) about walking their dogs with special leads with wording something like "it's OK to approach" (obviously with non-reactive 'friendly' dogs) as people are now avoiding them on walks as they are muzzled and keeping their dogs away from them - dog psychologists say this will probably have a negative knock-on effect on the dog's behaviour.

I used to comment to OH about one of our neighbours and how I never saw her walking her (old) dog.

Teddleshon · 22/04/2024 12:43

The fact that our neighbour keeps her 2 small dogs caged for up to 10 hours a day and never ever walks them (this is indisputable) makes me very upset. It’s not a question of saying “it’s none of my business”, it’s frankly very distressing to know that animals being mistreated in this way.

I have looked into reporting it but it doesn’t seem to be against the law and isn’t something the RSPCA is likely to take action on.

Countrygirlxo · 22/04/2024 12:49

Might've already been mentioned but do they have a back door and access from there to walk it? I rarely use my front door as I have a back door which leads directly onto the canal

Original poster
JusWunderin · 22/04/2024 15:20

No no other back access, and the block of flats are on a dead end so they would have to walk past my house to go anywhere anyway so I’m positive I would have seen the dog at some point outside if they ever took it outside.

I guess there could be a medical reason, there may be any other reason. But it’s not going to be a common one by the seems of it.

Id say it’s more medium in size, it looks a bit like a staffy in the face but slimmer and not as wide set in the body, could be a cross perhaps.

my neighbour also mentioned seeing it in their window and has never seen it out, although she doesn’t work from home so I guess she’s more unlikely too.

OP posts:
MintTraybake · 22/04/2024 16:12

Mothership4two · 22/04/2024 11:44

Yes OP is being nosey (and admitted it) but she also seems to be concerned (rightly) for the dog. Keeping a dog inside 24/7 is cruel and probably unsanitory. It will now not have been socialised with other dogs and maybe not other people either. I'm sure she has thought about all the different scenarios. She is not an expert, hence her asking.

Why would it be OP's job to walk their dog?

By the by, but bully's still need to be walked (that's the RSPCA advice). Several weeks ago there were bully owners being interviewed (I think on This Morning) about walking their dogs with special leads with wording something like "it's OK to approach" (obviously with non-reactive 'friendly' dogs) as people are now avoiding them on walks as they are muzzled and keeping their dogs away from them - dog psychologists say this will probably have a negative knock-on effect on the dog's behaviour.

I used to comment to OH about one of our neighbours and how I never saw her walking her (old) dog.

Spying The Cw GIF

Do you think the OP is reviewing their cameras 24/7 to check for all/any movement for the dog? If so, its ridiculous and what a waste of energy when they said the "dog looks healthy". I wish people cared for other children and people the same way - I bet many of their neighbours don't get out of the house daily either.

If there are signs of abuse - report to the authorities - if not, quit being nosey. What other responses would you expect here?

People are very quick to judge and not so quick to help nowadays. If the dog appears healthy and no one else is concerned - let people live.

Mothership4two · 22/04/2024 16:28

No she's not @MintTraybake she has said she is also working looking out the window. Then sounds like she has checked footage. After 9/10 months of never seeing a dog being walked a lot of people would begin to wonder.

I think she should report, as I said upthread, so they can do a welfare check and advise. It's cruel to keep a dog constantly indoors - OP can see it, so it doesn't sound as though its injured or disabled.

MintTraybake · 22/04/2024 17:13

Mothership4two · 22/04/2024 16:28

No she's not @MintTraybake she has said she is also working looking out the window. Then sounds like she has checked footage. After 9/10 months of never seeing a dog being walked a lot of people would begin to wonder.

I think she should report, as I said upthread, so they can do a welfare check and advise. It's cruel to keep a dog constantly indoors - OP can see it, so it doesn't sound as though its injured or disabled.

Would love a welfare check to be done - maybe set up a community facebook page to see if there are any other concerns too.

Hopefully the dog is well and gets walked when the OP isn't looking! Just like mine does, at 3:30am after my shift. In jet black clothes.

I just find it so odd to scroll through what could be hundreds of notifications/videos (even if a few seconds long) to see if a dog is being walked. Speaking with a neighbour or the person concerned casually would probably confirm this and inform the basis of a conversation with RSPCA.
Have you watched Baby Reindeer yet? Would recommend.

Original poster
JusWunderin · 22/04/2024 18:18

@MintTraybake You’re next.

OP posts:
Yerroblemom1923 · 22/04/2024 18:23

If you don't own a garden or are prepared to take dog on nice long walks, runs in fields etc then why bother getting a dog?! I don't get it myself. I dog walk for a friend and he gets at least 2 hrs a day of outside activity - running, walking miles, chasing balls etc doing what dogs enjoy doing basically. I don't think there's really such a thing as an "indoor" dog! Yes, they get old and need shorter walks but they still need to go out and enjoy the fresh air, sniff about, wee/poo etc

Mothership4two · 22/04/2024 18:43

So you only walk your dog once in every 24 hours @MintTraybake? Must have to cross its legs a lot

I'm sure the neighbour is also sneaking out in camoflage ninja style in the early hours🙄

OP has said somewhere upthread that the camera is triggered by movement and she gets notifications, so she's not scrolling through hours of footage.

My only concerns are for the welfare of that dog. I really couldn't give a monkeys about OP coming across as nosey or not.

Mothership4two · 22/04/2024 18:46

Have you watched Baby Reindeer yet?

You seem very angry about this thread