House dog?

[primitivemom]

Prepared for flaming... I'm thinking about getting a puppy, I'm disabled and we live in a flat. Is there such a thing as a house dog? We are talking about a very small lap dog type, could we train puppy from early on this way?

[dudsville]

I understand wanting a dog, they are fabulous company. Knowing how incredibly excited my two get when it's time to go for a walk, how much they absolutely relish running around the garden, sunning themselves out back on warm days and rolling on their backs on the lawn, listening to birds and being curious about all the smells they come across, etc., ... I could never recommend anyone get a dog knowing they would be deprived of these experiences. Sometimes the life of a living being is limited in some ways, but I wouldn't suggest limiting one intentionally.

[GinIsIn]

Absolutely not, sorry. We have what would be considered a "handbag dog" and even she couldn't cope with your circumstances - it's just not fair. Why not look at a cat or smaller pet as PPs have suggested? Please don't get a dog - I am so sorry but your lifestyle would make them miserable.

[Dieu]

What about maybe a retired greyhound? They're the ultimate couch potatoes and would have a lot of love to give, I'm sure. You would absolutely still need a dog walker though, but maybe there's one locally who'd give reduced rates due to your disability.
Please don't do the whole puppy thing. I have a small dog, and toilet training him was pure hell. For months. And it was bad enough being able bodied, and with a garden.

[cuntinghomicidalcardigan]

Could you look into pets as therapy dogs and maybe see if you could arrange with them for someone to visit you with a dog? Then you'd get the interaction but not have to worry about walking/ toilet training etc. I wouldn't get a dog to keep it in the house, I don't think it's fair to the animal. My old boy was a homebody and not bothered about walks but he loved to sunbathe and would be outside wandering round from morning til night. He had regular long walks until at age 8 he got ill and couldn't tolerate loud noises (a startled and upset 8 1/2 stone ridgeback x mastiff was not something to be taken lightly!) He spent a happy couple of years in the house and about, but he was already well socialised and trained.

[orangeyellowgreen]

I know a couple who have two small dogs which never go for walks but they have a big garden and there are two of them. I still feel sorry for them.

[Haffdonga]

It's not only the physical stimulation. Dogs need the mental stimulation of going out and smelling different smells, meeting other dogs etc.

Please dont. Sorry.

[Gamgee]

Hi, how about a house rabbit? If you get a rabbit from a young age that's been well socialised then they can be fab companions :) I have a puppy (whippet) who has helped me massively with my anxiety. My life has gotten much busier and he has certainly helped to get me out and about more.

[primitivemom]

Thanks for all your replies, have decided against a dog. I understand it wouldn't be fair, we are now looking at hamsters

[KoalaDownUnder]

Oh, good for you. I hope you find a lovely hammy.

[FarrowandBallAche]

A hamster is better

[Floralnomad]

Rats or Guinea pigs are much better company than hamsters so may be worth considering or what about a parrot ?

[pigsDOfly]

Agree, rats or guinea pigs are both better than hamsters. Hamsters are nocturnal so will sleep for much of the day and only live for 2, maybe 3 years if you're lucky.

Rats are intelligent and loyal and generally make fantastic pets. But if you're looking for something hamster like go for guinea pigs. They're more fun to have around than hamsters, they live a lot longer and because they're larger are easier to handle and train. And it has to be said, they're very cute.

[Dieu]

especially the ones with the sticky up, tufty hair!

[pigsDOfly]

Yes, the tufty hair:), the popcorning and they make the best noise of any animal ever.

[blueskyinmarch]

Hamsters are mean and nasty. Guinea pigs are friendly and sociable. Get a guinea pig. They are easy to keep indoors.

[pigsDOfly]

Oh, just on a more serious note OP. If you were considering a guinea pig you really have to have more than one as they need to live with their own kind, so much better to get a pair of the same sex - we had two females - not sure if males will fight.

Hamsters, on the other hand, being mean and nasty, as Bluesky says, like to live alone.

[Wolfiefan]

Hamsters are nocturnal. I wouldn't.
Rats are lovely.
Wouldn't a guinea want to be outside in a run for at least a little bit?

[insan1tyscartching]

We had a house rabbit who was great fun and very happy to be cuddled up on your knee as well. He used a litter tray so here was no mess and he'd come when you called him.He had the option of going in the garden when he wanted but rarely did so in fact he'd growl if he thought you were trying to take him outside when he didn't want to go. I'd love another but Mr Buns was quite a character and a big act to live up to.