Dog for living in a flat

[MyNameIsCleo]

I'm considering a dog, but would like to get views on a) is it ok in a flat? b) what sort of breeds would be suited for this life?

Not massive not small flat, we have a large garden, but on a different floor. Out 7.30am until 6.30pm at work but would definitely get a dog walker / doggy day care to make sure they weren't left at home all day, and can be taken to work (in an office) some days.

Thanks in advance for your views!

I can't have a dog either, I'm out for too long. What I do is borrow a friend's dogs one day a week, while she is at work and I am off. I take them for a good walk and give them attention for the rest of the day, then take them home. Would this work for you? I feel that I have got to know the dogs well and am very fond of them. They seem very settled with me. If you don't know anyone you could try borrow my doggy, it's a website that matches owners with borrowers.

OP - in answer to what others do - I work PT and DH works shifts. In an average week our dog is left alone between 2 - 5 hours Mon - Fri. He has 2 beds (one in cage) in our fairly large kitchen but mainly curls up quite happily next to the tumble dryer!

OP I think it's great that you have graciously accepted that a dog isn't suitable for your current situation and have put the dogs welfare above your desire to have a dog! There are too many people taking on dogs without considering if they can provide a good life for them and it breaks my heart to see dogs that just don't get the attention they need.

If I was in your shoes I would make myself available to the local dog shelter who always need people to walk their dogs and sit with nervous dogs to acclimatise them to human company.
I would also tell all my dog owning friends that I am happy to dog sit and you will get plenty of offers rolling in!
We also have a local charity which provides dog walkers for people who have become seriously ill/disabled and are unable to walk their dog - I think this is an amazing charity as otherwise these people may have to give up their beloved companions at a time they need them most. You should see if there are similar places local to you.

When we lived in a flat we shelled out hundreds a month for doggy daycare and I also took the dog to work 2 days a week.

Now, we each work from home one day a week and she goes to doggy daycare the other 3 days, meaning she's alone for max 1 hour in the morning and max 1 hour in the evening.

It's really not cheap at all - you're looking at hundreds of pounds a month - but to is she's worth it.

Do either you or your DH have the option to work from home one day a week, or to take the dog to work?

Otherwise I second what other posters have said - the only dog that fits the bill would be a greyhound. But you'd need to prepare for the fact the sleep about 20 hours a day, so you might not get too much doggy interaction even when you are home!

Thanks again everyone, appreciate the info and advice. Will definitely look into some helping at a rescue centre / with friends dogs, hiphop that charity sounds amazing so will definitely look for something similar!

I'd actually argue that the OP's working hours would make a greyhound totally unsuitable. Although many greyhound rescues will rehome to people who work full time OTH, the OP is out for really long days. NO dog should be left like that. We have greys and although they do like to snooze, they also really value their interactions, both with each other and with us, along with plenty of training, regular and varied walks and lots of other activities.

The PDSA recommend leaving a dog for only 4 hours a day.

www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/puppies-and-dogs/companionship

I think living with a dog in the flat is possible if you are able to take it for two 1/2 hour walks, one in the morning and one in the night and also a 2hour walk/park session in the middle of the day. Then you would also have to take it out for a wee every hour or two as well. (more when its a puppy). This of course would change for breeds but I think even small breeds like chihuahuas would need this routine if they had no access to the outside unless you took it - please don't think a small dog means it doesn't need the exercise.

please don't think a small dog means it doesn't need the exercise.

Tell that to my mum's walk-hating cavalier.

Ha - Bakedapple I guess their individual personalities and quirks is what makes them lovely.

BakedApple That's so weird, I know someone else who has a Cav and it doesn't want to go out much either! (Although I think because it was never taken out as a pup it gained weight and that's why). Obviously age/joint condition etc will effect how long a dog can go out for.

I was just trying to say in terms of, don't think just because they're small they don't need it, for example I know someone who's just bought a chihuahua puppy. because they have a garden they'll ''Never have to take it out because it can just run around the garden because its so small''. Winds me up, I take mine out every day for a few miles.

Sorry OP but I think it's very unfair to get a dog if you're going to be leaving it for 11 hours in a flat, regardless of having a dog walker. What on earth is the point in having a dog. You are just thinking about what YOU want. That is no life for a dog. They are not like cats who are much more independent. There are services like borrowmydog.com. Please do not get a dog at this time as it would be very selfish and cruel.

ThisIs I have made the decision not to a but further back in the thread.** Thanks.