Muenkel 0 #1 July 9, 2002 I'm considering getting a dog this fall. I need advice from the dog lovers on the best type of dog for my lifestyle. I live in an apartment, approx. 1000 square feet. I am single. Generally not home from 8am until 6 or 7pm. I am leaning toward a type that is hypo-allergenic because some of my nieces and nephews are allergic. Any great suggestions? I'll even take mediocre suggestions. Thanks _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TequilaGirl 0 #2 July 9, 2002 Ummm - if you are never home - why on earth would you even consider getting a dog........who is going to take care of it from 8 am til 7 pm????? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nws01 0 #3 July 9, 2002 get one of those Taco Bell Dogs. They are small, they talk, and you don't even have to take them outside to use the bathroom. Just open the window, hold them outside with one hand and squeeze the "shit" out of them. They are so small you can do that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites fonz 0 #4 July 9, 2002 Quoteget one of those Taco Bell Dogs. Yeah, they're called Chihuawa or something (you'll have to forgive me the spelling on this one).And five hundred entirely naked women dropped out of the sky on parachutes. -- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skybytch 273 #5 July 9, 2002 QuoteGenerally not home from 8am until 6 or 7pm. You don't need a dog. Dogs are social animals; leave one alone for 10+ hours everyday and you'll come home to a very unhappy dog... not to mention a big mess. Besides needing lots of interaction, most dogs also need lots of exercise, every day. Your schedule doesn't look like it leaves a whole lot of time for that, and if you're in an apartment you probably don't have a yard. I just don't think that kind of life is fair to an animal that craves interaction like dogs do... Why not a cat? Cats could care less if you're around during the day or not as long as they have a cozy place to sleep and food and water available. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bbarnhouse 0 #6 July 9, 2002 No to the dog!!!! Get a gold fish. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JJohnson 0 #7 July 9, 2002 That was funny. JJJJ "Call me Darth Balls" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PLFKING 4 #8 July 9, 2002 QuoteI just don't think that kind of life is fair to an animal that craves interaction like dogs do... Agreed. I've had two dogs and gave them away to good homes for exactly this reason.......I didn't feel it was fair to them. And I hate seeing dogs tied up also. Don "I'm a gulch !" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhreeZone 20 #9 July 9, 2002 A Crew Dawg would be the right type for you. They might smell a little funny... but at least they know how to be social creatures. Plus they know a lot of cool tricks... like being able to land 15 miles off the DZ and think thats close. A hook knife and lost shoe is only a load away with them too..... no need to worry about them chewing a shoe up... most would rather lose it in a wrap.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skymama 37 #10 July 9, 2002 I agree, don't get a dog. It's not fair to the animal. What about a cat, fish, bird or reptile?She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JDBoston 0 #11 July 9, 2002 My roommate and his girlfriend went out and got us one of those. Why didn't someone ever tell me that's how they work?!! All this time I've been getting up early to walk the little fucker outside. And I didn't know I was supposed to be speaking Mexican to him either. That must be why he never listens to me. Damn language barriers... Joe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Jessica 0 #12 July 9, 2002 QuoteWhat about a cat, fish, bird or reptile? If you're not home much, and you're not a freaky crazy person who doesn't mind birds sitting on his head and pooping on him with impunity, I'd really advise against a bird. They're very smart creatures, and they need a LOT of attention or they go nutso crazy and start biting you, or themselves, or any manner of super creepy behaviors. Look in the paper; there's always a long list of older birds for sale. People have NO idea what they're getting into when they buy that pretty parrot. They're loud, messy as hell, and lots and lots of trouble. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to pry a beak from my earlobe and get something to wipe up all this bird crap from my keyboard. Muenkel, I'm going to go with the consensus here -- I'd get a cat, or some pretty fish.Skydiving is for cool people only Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JDBoston 0 #13 July 9, 2002 Oh, and Chris, my suggestion is don't get a dog. There are three of us taking care of this little bastard, including 1 full-time student and my roommate who works from home a lot. He gets walked about 6 times a day, sleeps in the bed with my roommate, and he still begs us for food and attention 24/7. To say nothing of when one or more of us want to go out of town for a weekend or longer, which is like planning for a military operation. They're worse than kids because they never get any more self-sufficient. It would be better if you also had kids, because then the kids can take care of the animal and everyone's happy. I have gotten kind of fond of him though. Joe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skybytch 273 #14 July 9, 2002 Quotethe kids can take care of the animal and everyone's happy. Don't count on that! My kid and I went and got a dog when we lived in an apartment with a deck. He swore he'd walk her every day, take care of all her needs (food, water, poop cleanup) and spend lots of time with her. Yeah. Right. One destroyed couch, 43 destroyed doggie toys, one door frame, wall and door scratched beyond repair and lots of torn up paper later... we moved onto a half acre and got another dog so she'd have some company during the weekdays. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JDBoston 0 #15 July 9, 2002 Hahahaha..... the difference between theory and practice, I guess! Come to think of it, I don't think my parents ever trusted me with anything larger than a hamster. Joe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freaksister 0 #16 July 9, 2002 Its the apartment thing. That's going to hurt ya. If you get really good training (PAID trainer) you'll be Ok. If you heart is set on a dog, weiners are small and their poop is too. They will entertain themselves all day with a few toys - just be sure to love on them a LOT when you get home or they'll have separation anxiety. LOL I have two weinie dogs but they are outside 99% of the time and completely happy there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Slappie 9 #17 July 9, 2002 Don't get hamsters they eat their own young!! If you want something that is the coolest get SUGAR GLIDERS!! They are a riot! Noctrunal but still a riot! They'll keep you up all night long jumping around the cage skreetching at all hours of the night and just to think when your off at work all day they are sleeping so they can do it all night again. Plus when they have babies they don't eat their own young "Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites MarkM 0 #18 July 9, 2002 I love dogs, but sorta have the same situation you have: small apartment, not home much. So I won't get one, I don't think it's fair to the animal. Avoid birds, they're so damn annoying. A cat is probably the way to go. He'd probably just sleep all day and wake up in time for you to come home. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites fonz 0 #19 July 9, 2002 QuoteQuoteGenerally not home from 8am until 6 or 7pm. I just don't think that kind of life is fair to an animal that craves interaction like dogs do... I think you're spot on there, Lisa. I know of some people who keep a big shepherd. Occasionally, they let him into the living room or the back garden, but it spends most of the day in a small hallway not larger than a couple of square metres. Needless to say the poor thing can barely turn around. Everytime I see it, it breaks my heart To the OP: I can understand that you'd love to get a dog. They can make great pets. But given your current situation I recommend against getting one. In the end of course it's your call but I think it's just plain cruel to keep a dog in a small place and leave it alone most of the day. If you're desperate for a pet, I suggest you try something less demanding: e.g. a cat or a hamster (or similar rodent) or something. Or, if "cuddlity" (what's the proper word???) isn't your main concern, an aquarium with tropical fish. If you fancy something less conventional, try spiders, lizards or snakes. In fact, snakes make great pets. They don't need hugging or training and most species can go for weeks without needing to be fed. And chances are very rare that someone will be allergic to them Hint: if you go for the aquarium, think twice before putting different species together. Cannibalism is very common among fish and amphibians such as frogs and turtles, so mixing can be a very delicate thing Hint: if you go for the spiders/lizards/snakes: please don't start with venomous species! You don't buy a VX-69 as your first canopy either, now do you...And five hundred entirely naked women dropped out of the sky on parachutes. -- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Slappie 9 #20 July 9, 2002 QuoteA cat is probably the way to go. He'd probably just sleep all day and wake up in time for you to come home. That's my cat. Sleeps all day long whether I'm there or not. When I am home he just seems to sleep closer to me or on me. When I'm at work it doesn't bother him, until I come home and he meeows till he gets his 15 minutes of attention then he's usually cool the rest of the evening. He does like to "talk" though. All the time when he's in the mood. Oh and hairball hacks then sometimes they come up. Not a big mess. Cat's are cool.... IMHO "Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites TequilaGirl 0 #21 July 9, 2002 I have three cats......and cats do need attention - so if you were to go the cat route - I would get two.....preferrably from the same litter - that way when you are gone all day and at the DZ on the weekends they have each other for company...... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Jessica 0 #22 July 9, 2002 QuoteAvoid birds, they're so damn annoying. No they're not! I hope that screaming and whistling that's been coming from upstairs all morning is my other bird and not a homeless person. And Dante, just because something is shiny, that shouldn't mean it has to die.Skydiving is for cool people only Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Gypsy 0 #23 July 9, 2002 Think wisely about whether you are ready and willing to take care of a pet. If so I would highly suggest going here: www.animalplanet.com then to option pet help on the left then to dog breed selector it's really good, it askes you what you are looking for in a survey type questionaire. Try it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Muenkel 0 #24 July 9, 2002 You people are awesome!After reading your responses I have realized I have not given enough facts about my living arrangements. The apartment is in a seperate wing of my parent's house. Though it is completely private, it does have an entrance to the main part of the house. My parents who are pretty much retired said they would be happy to give the dog any attention it needs while I am not home. Their yard is several acres, so it will have plenty of space for exercise and recreation. Also, my sister and her family live a couple houses up the road. They are total dog lovers and offered to stop in and tend to the dog's needs when necessary. I think I would be looking for a dog that does enjoy independence. In this case, he would only have one master, not a whole family. _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JJohnson 0 #25 July 9, 2002 Well, if many people are going to be dealing with the dog you want a family personality. Golden Retrievers are a grat dog, would not harm a soul, except maybe other dogs. They do want to be center of attention. They are also hyper. PitBull is another great dog. Highly undeserved bad reputation. In had one from pound for 15 years. Best dog on the planet. Loved everbody and everything, except frogs. Those would be my choices. JJJJ "Call me Darth Balls" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 Next Page 1 of 3 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. 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fonz 0 #4 July 9, 2002 Quoteget one of those Taco Bell Dogs. Yeah, they're called Chihuawa or something (you'll have to forgive me the spelling on this one).And five hundred entirely naked women dropped out of the sky on parachutes. -- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #5 July 9, 2002 QuoteGenerally not home from 8am until 6 or 7pm. You don't need a dog. Dogs are social animals; leave one alone for 10+ hours everyday and you'll come home to a very unhappy dog... not to mention a big mess. Besides needing lots of interaction, most dogs also need lots of exercise, every day. Your schedule doesn't look like it leaves a whole lot of time for that, and if you're in an apartment you probably don't have a yard. I just don't think that kind of life is fair to an animal that craves interaction like dogs do... Why not a cat? Cats could care less if you're around during the day or not as long as they have a cozy place to sleep and food and water available. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbarnhouse 0 #6 July 9, 2002 No to the dog!!!! Get a gold fish. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JJohnson 0 #7 July 9, 2002 That was funny. JJJJ "Call me Darth Balls" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFKING 4 #8 July 9, 2002 QuoteI just don't think that kind of life is fair to an animal that craves interaction like dogs do... Agreed. I've had two dogs and gave them away to good homes for exactly this reason.......I didn't feel it was fair to them. And I hate seeing dogs tied up also. Don "I'm a gulch !" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #9 July 9, 2002 A Crew Dawg would be the right type for you. They might smell a little funny... but at least they know how to be social creatures. Plus they know a lot of cool tricks... like being able to land 15 miles off the DZ and think thats close. A hook knife and lost shoe is only a load away with them too..... no need to worry about them chewing a shoe up... most would rather lose it in a wrap.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #10 July 9, 2002 I agree, don't get a dog. It's not fair to the animal. What about a cat, fish, bird or reptile?She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JDBoston 0 #11 July 9, 2002 My roommate and his girlfriend went out and got us one of those. Why didn't someone ever tell me that's how they work?!! All this time I've been getting up early to walk the little fucker outside. And I didn't know I was supposed to be speaking Mexican to him either. That must be why he never listens to me. Damn language barriers... Joe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jessica 0 #12 July 9, 2002 QuoteWhat about a cat, fish, bird or reptile? If you're not home much, and you're not a freaky crazy person who doesn't mind birds sitting on his head and pooping on him with impunity, I'd really advise against a bird. They're very smart creatures, and they need a LOT of attention or they go nutso crazy and start biting you, or themselves, or any manner of super creepy behaviors. Look in the paper; there's always a long list of older birds for sale. People have NO idea what they're getting into when they buy that pretty parrot. They're loud, messy as hell, and lots and lots of trouble. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to pry a beak from my earlobe and get something to wipe up all this bird crap from my keyboard. Muenkel, I'm going to go with the consensus here -- I'd get a cat, or some pretty fish.Skydiving is for cool people only Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JDBoston 0 #13 July 9, 2002 Oh, and Chris, my suggestion is don't get a dog. There are three of us taking care of this little bastard, including 1 full-time student and my roommate who works from home a lot. He gets walked about 6 times a day, sleeps in the bed with my roommate, and he still begs us for food and attention 24/7. To say nothing of when one or more of us want to go out of town for a weekend or longer, which is like planning for a military operation. They're worse than kids because they never get any more self-sufficient. It would be better if you also had kids, because then the kids can take care of the animal and everyone's happy. I have gotten kind of fond of him though. Joe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #14 July 9, 2002 Quotethe kids can take care of the animal and everyone's happy. Don't count on that! My kid and I went and got a dog when we lived in an apartment with a deck. He swore he'd walk her every day, take care of all her needs (food, water, poop cleanup) and spend lots of time with her. Yeah. Right. One destroyed couch, 43 destroyed doggie toys, one door frame, wall and door scratched beyond repair and lots of torn up paper later... we moved onto a half acre and got another dog so she'd have some company during the weekdays. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JDBoston 0 #15 July 9, 2002 Hahahaha..... the difference between theory and practice, I guess! Come to think of it, I don't think my parents ever trusted me with anything larger than a hamster. Joe Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freaksister 0 #16 July 9, 2002 Its the apartment thing. That's going to hurt ya. If you get really good training (PAID trainer) you'll be Ok. If you heart is set on a dog, weiners are small and their poop is too. They will entertain themselves all day with a few toys - just be sure to love on them a LOT when you get home or they'll have separation anxiety. LOL I have two weinie dogs but they are outside 99% of the time and completely happy there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slappie 9 #17 July 9, 2002 Don't get hamsters they eat their own young!! If you want something that is the coolest get SUGAR GLIDERS!! They are a riot! Noctrunal but still a riot! They'll keep you up all night long jumping around the cage skreetching at all hours of the night and just to think when your off at work all day they are sleeping so they can do it all night again. Plus when they have babies they don't eat their own young "Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarkM 0 #18 July 9, 2002 I love dogs, but sorta have the same situation you have: small apartment, not home much. So I won't get one, I don't think it's fair to the animal. Avoid birds, they're so damn annoying. A cat is probably the way to go. He'd probably just sleep all day and wake up in time for you to come home. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fonz 0 #19 July 9, 2002 QuoteQuoteGenerally not home from 8am until 6 or 7pm. I just don't think that kind of life is fair to an animal that craves interaction like dogs do... I think you're spot on there, Lisa. I know of some people who keep a big shepherd. Occasionally, they let him into the living room or the back garden, but it spends most of the day in a small hallway not larger than a couple of square metres. Needless to say the poor thing can barely turn around. Everytime I see it, it breaks my heart To the OP: I can understand that you'd love to get a dog. They can make great pets. But given your current situation I recommend against getting one. In the end of course it's your call but I think it's just plain cruel to keep a dog in a small place and leave it alone most of the day. If you're desperate for a pet, I suggest you try something less demanding: e.g. a cat or a hamster (or similar rodent) or something. Or, if "cuddlity" (what's the proper word???) isn't your main concern, an aquarium with tropical fish. If you fancy something less conventional, try spiders, lizards or snakes. In fact, snakes make great pets. They don't need hugging or training and most species can go for weeks without needing to be fed. And chances are very rare that someone will be allergic to them Hint: if you go for the aquarium, think twice before putting different species together. Cannibalism is very common among fish and amphibians such as frogs and turtles, so mixing can be a very delicate thing Hint: if you go for the spiders/lizards/snakes: please don't start with venomous species! You don't buy a VX-69 as your first canopy either, now do you...And five hundred entirely naked women dropped out of the sky on parachutes. -- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slappie 9 #20 July 9, 2002 QuoteA cat is probably the way to go. He'd probably just sleep all day and wake up in time for you to come home. That's my cat. Sleeps all day long whether I'm there or not. When I am home he just seems to sleep closer to me or on me. When I'm at work it doesn't bother him, until I come home and he meeows till he gets his 15 minutes of attention then he's usually cool the rest of the evening. He does like to "talk" though. All the time when he's in the mood. Oh and hairball hacks then sometimes they come up. Not a big mess. Cat's are cool.... IMHO "Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TequilaGirl 0 #21 July 9, 2002 I have three cats......and cats do need attention - so if you were to go the cat route - I would get two.....preferrably from the same litter - that way when you are gone all day and at the DZ on the weekends they have each other for company...... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jessica 0 #22 July 9, 2002 QuoteAvoid birds, they're so damn annoying. No they're not! I hope that screaming and whistling that's been coming from upstairs all morning is my other bird and not a homeless person. And Dante, just because something is shiny, that shouldn't mean it has to die.Skydiving is for cool people only Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gypsy 0 #23 July 9, 2002 Think wisely about whether you are ready and willing to take care of a pet. If so I would highly suggest going here: www.animalplanet.com then to option pet help on the left then to dog breed selector it's really good, it askes you what you are looking for in a survey type questionaire. Try it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #24 July 9, 2002 You people are awesome!After reading your responses I have realized I have not given enough facts about my living arrangements. The apartment is in a seperate wing of my parent's house. Though it is completely private, it does have an entrance to the main part of the house. My parents who are pretty much retired said they would be happy to give the dog any attention it needs while I am not home. Their yard is several acres, so it will have plenty of space for exercise and recreation. Also, my sister and her family live a couple houses up the road. They are total dog lovers and offered to stop in and tend to the dog's needs when necessary. I think I would be looking for a dog that does enjoy independence. In this case, he would only have one master, not a whole family. _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JJohnson 0 #25 July 9, 2002 Well, if many people are going to be dealing with the dog you want a family personality. Golden Retrievers are a grat dog, would not harm a soul, except maybe other dogs. They do want to be center of attention. They are also hyper. PitBull is another great dog. Highly undeserved bad reputation. In had one from pound for 15 years. Best dog on the planet. Loved everbody and everything, except frogs. Those would be my choices. JJJJ "Call me Darth Balls" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
