Ok so here is my problem. I WANT A DOG! Pretext my dog we had since child hood died over a year ago and I'm just starting to want a dog, granted that dog stayed with my parents when me and my wife moved away.

 

Reason #2 I want a dog: My wife really wants a dog (it's that or a baby and we can't afford a baby) and I also have no idea what else to get her for Christmas.

 

Problem #1: My Mother. Her reasons why I shouldn't get a dog:

A. They are messy and will poop and pee all over our apartment

B. it is technically against my lease (though most of my neighbors have dogs and nothing has been done about them for a long time)

 

Problem #2: My dad, and his reasons (though I think his reasons are just to go along with my mother).

A. He doesn't think I have enough time to walk one like it should be and we live in an apartment so it won't be able to get out and run like a dog should. He may somewhat have a point but I'm fairly responsible and I wouldn't neglect an animal.

 

So basically I'm just looking for support, so when I go by a dog against my parents best judgment next week I can feel like I made the right call.

Getting a dog is like adding another member to the family. You are married. You and your wife should make the decision (IMO) as to whether or not you get a dog. If you all want a dog, by all means get a dog.

 

And you already know this, but living in an apartment might make it hard, but as long as you walk it a lot and make sure it gets some time outside each day, it will be fine. The first few months will be hard with it using the bathroom inside, just make sure you watch it closely and make sure you take it out after playing, eating, or drinking. That should help a little.

 

Also, if you want a dog that's easy to house train, don't get a Dachshund. They (or at least mine and every one I know that has one) are pretty hard to house train. But they are extremely great at laying right next to you and sleeping. They are the best dogs ever when you just want to lay there and pet them. Any time I get on the couch mine is right there next to me, and if there is a cover on the couch, he dives right under. I love him and wouldn't trade him for anything in the world. But he is almost 3 years old and still has "accidents" in the house. That's his only downfall. Regardless, I still love him .

 

Anyways, this was a little longer than I intended it to be. Just make the decision with your wife. If you all want one, get one.

I wouldn't get one. Why your "Problem 1 & 2" reasons.

Me and my girlfriend had this similiar situation about 2 years ago. We adopted a dog from Petsmart and without getting into the stories, it was the best decision we have ever made. That dog has kept our relationship going to an extent. I would check with your apartment authority and see if it is possible to have one. I know we had to sign some papers and pay like an 25$ a month but it was well worth it

If you want one get one, but living in an apartment has it's negatives for sure. Just be ready, I don't have any children but so far my 10 months of being the owner of a puppy has kept me on my toes.

Get her one...We have a four year old mix Shih Tzu Chiwahwah (sp) It is a breed Chiwahtzu. Great dog, trainned him in a couple of days. Follows my wife like a lamb. Someone knocks on the door, he lets you know/great with our sons/very smart. Mama says smarter than me...can we get a Poll?

 

I can pick up my keys or turn off the TV and he will run to his room. He knows I'm leaving the house. Goes by his dish and turns and stares at you when hungary.

 

Not very big, will not climb on furniture. Is a Bama fan, Good Luck.

Who cares what your parents think. You're no longer under their roof, and you can make decisions on your own. The only thing I would worry about is if your complex allowed pets or not. I would not get one if it wasn't allowed, because if caught, you're either getting evicted or you will have to get rid of a dog that you've already become attached to.

Who cares what your parents think. You're no longer under their roof, and you can make decisions on your own. The only thing I would worry about is if your complex allowed pets or not. I would not get one if it wasn't allowed, because if caught, you're either getting evicted or you will have to get rid of a dog that you've already become attached to.

 

And pay for the carpet/floors to be cleaned when they get soiled. I wouldn't do it without permission from the landlord. JMO

Problems #1 and #2 are not insurmountable.

 

I live in a duplex and have a dog, and my son and his fiancee live in an apartment and have a dog. There are several things you'll want to do:

 

1) Get a crate. A crate trained dog can be a very happy dog. They like to have a 'safe' place, and once they're used to it, they don't mind being in it while you're gone.

 

2) Get a "manageable" sized dog, and a "manageable" temperment. Certain dogs are really hyper and will require a ton of excercise, as will a very large dog.

 

3) Make sure you have plenty to occupy your dog in his/her crate while you're away so that he doesn't cause a ruckus. Chew bones and squeeky toys are awesome. When I had my dog crated, we put a blanket in the crate that had been on my bed so he was surrounded by 'human' scent.

 

4) The biggest issue is the ammount of committement you both are willing to make to the little guy or gal. No matter what, they will need to be walked frequently. This actually can be as beneficial for you as for the dog. Dog owners are statistically more likely to get more excercise than non-dog owners.

 

5) I adore my dog, and every bit of the walking in the rain, sleet, snow, excessive heat is worth it to me.

 

6) The reasons you want a dog remind me of Marley & Me...if you haven't seen it, do. :lol:

Who cares what your parents think. You're no longer under their roof, and you can make decisions on your own. The only thing I would worry about is if your complex allowed pets or not. I would not get one if it wasn't allowed, because if caught, you're either getting evicted or you will have to get rid of a dog that you've already become attached to.

 

I agree I'm not longer under their roof, only problem is they still usually have good advice and they still help us out a ton until I finish my law degree.

I'll go against the grain here. It is an immense responsibility, a heck of a lot bigger than you probably realize if you've never owned a dog (and I grew up with dogs in the house my whole life, it was just never technically MY responsibility). Be prepared for walks at all hours of the day, some messes (though I was super lucky), and for your patience to be tested...because they will. If you are unsure of whether or not you are ready, then you probably aren't. And I don't know much about your family, but if yours is like mine, even though I'm 26 my parents still have super solid advice. A few years back my Mother told me she didn't think I needed one and luckily I took that advice as I now know she was most definitely right. This time she was in full support and has turned out to be totally right!

 

BUT, if you do get one it is also immensely rewarding. I truly love my dog, he is definitely a part of my family, and I don't regret the decision one iota (even when I used to have those 3 a.m. walks). In fact I enjoy it so much, if my roommate didn't have a dog I would get one more (but that's it)!

You could probably find a very good one at a local animal shelter that is past the puppy stage and already housetrained. Many of these dogs have GREAT personalities and just want to be loved. If the wife wants a dog and the concerns are it going to the bathroom in the apartment, that could be a solution. Just a thought.

 

Personally, I love dogs. Have 2 of them, 1 little, 1 med/lg. Except for early in our marriage when we were moving around a lot, I have had dogs my entire life. We are spending around $4000 to fence in our backyard to let our dogs run free whenever they want without the constraints of a chain. If that works out, I am hoping my wife will let me get a german shepherd.

 

Formerkywrestler has some very good points. If you are not sure you are ready, then you may want to wait. Don't let 'dog fever' take hold and rule out all reason.

Here is my opinion!

 

 

Get two and have a blast.

You could probably find a very good one at a local animal shelter that is past the puppy stage and already housetrained. Many of these dogs have GREAT personalities and just want to be loved. If the wife wants a dog and the concerns are it going to the bathroom in the apartment, that could be a solution. Just a thought.

 

Personally, I love dogs. Have 2 of them, 1 little, 1 med/lg. Except for early in our marriage when we were moving around a lot, I have had dogs my entire life. We are spending around $4000 to fence in our backyard to let our dogs run free whenever they want without the constraints of a chain. If that works out, I am hoping my wife will let me get a german shepherd.

 

Formerkywrestler has some very good points. If you are not sure you are ready, then you may want to wait. Don't let 'dog fever' take hold and rule out all reason.

 

I was planning to go to the shelter.

I was planning to go to the shelter.

 

Very good idea. My next dog will come from an animal shelter.