Are we suitable?

[KNein]

Caveat: I am not a dog person.

DH, however, has helpfully told DC that whilst we can't have a cat, he would consider a dog.

We live in a flat, and I could see how we could install a cat bed etc, I can't see how we could house a dog.

DH works from home twice a week and runs in these days, says he would take the dog with him - although I thought they needed to be taken out 3 times a day, not one.
DD says she would take it one afternoon per week, and DS would love to play with it too, he could take it out three afternoons a week.

At the weekend, we often go out hiking, biking, swimming but not every weekend.

I'm assuming only larger dogs are suitable for hiking, but we don't have space! So any large, energetic dog would need to be entertained else it would destroy our flat?

What are the realities of living with a dog in a top floor flat?

@Newpeep I once did an emergency loo break for them as the owner was in an accident - I'd already gotten ready for bed so just went in my PJ's and a puffa jacket with wellies 😂

Trust me. The kids always say they will walk the dog. This lasts a few weeks if you're lucky and then everything will be on you. Don't have a dog In a top floor flat. You will be constantly up and down the stairs for toilet and it would be a nightmare our dog also goes out In the middle of the night for a wee. Think about it practically. It would be very hard work and actually it wouldnt be fair on the dog

It will all be on you, so think about what that means and if you personally are up for it. Dogs are full on. They need a lot from you. It's not like you take them for their daily or twice daily walk then they go off and occupy themselves. They love/ need company, plus mental stimulation. I've had a small older dog in a flat in London and it was fine, but I have a lab now and she is another kettle of fish. She is very very bright and needs walks, games, training, company, cuddles. Of course my DC were full of how much they would do with her, but other than some cuddles on the sofa, they do squat diddly. DH does a couple of walks a week but I do the lion's share. I love her to bits and I love having a dog in my life but it is a massive lifestyle change, and a lot of my logistics work around the dog. I also have two cats who love a snuggle now and again, but are basically self sufficient. Go for it, if you personally want a dog and feel you can commit. Research breeds carefully because an active working breed could go stir crazy in a flat.

The work will fall on you, and in an upstairs flat there will be a LOT of work.

If you 100% wanted a dog and were willing to change your life for one, I would say there are options (depending on breed, age etc) that might work.

But I don't get the impression that either of the adults are committed enough. No reason why you should be. But every reason not to get a dog.

Maybe explore the Cinnamon Trust (I think? Walking a dog/sometimes pet sitting for someone elderly) or borrowmydoggy to get some dog interaction without the major commitment of a dog of your own.

I don't really understand why you are considering this at all to be honest, So what if your DH has said he'd consider a dog? They are waaay more work than a cat.

I wouldn't rely on teems promising their time either - things change.

It will fall to you. It doesn't even sound like DH will pull his weight. Lots of dogs don't like running with humans.