hey shipmates I need some help I am about to get married in two weeks and my future wife and I are thinking about getting a dog but we live in apartment and since I am at a small boat station and I am gone most of the month on duty I would like a medium to bigger size dog we are very active and will include the dog on our adventures and have looked to enrolling the dog in training and dog day care but what would be some good ideas for a breed that could handle apartment life?
Also remember a dog is a 15 year commitment. Moving around in the military and trying to find pet friendly communities can be difficult. I have four dogs of my own and love them, but I couldn't make that commitment while in the CG. Deployments, moving, temporary lodging in hotels, etc...
Hey Joe, I disagree with you. A fellow coastie wants advice. Seems like a good place to get it. I don't know what breed would be best but I will say that a lab or a springer would be a tough pet to have for our situation. They are way to active, at least till they get a number of years on them. Just my $0.02
thanks for the advice and thanks for the support my wife wants a small dog like a yorkie I dont, I have been looking on petfinders at rescues and shelters!
I have 2 dogs of my own. One is a Wolf and the other is a German Shepard/Pit Bull. They are part of our family. I wouldnt move anywhere that they could not go. No matter what u pick it will be the right decision. But remember you might need to check your apartments rules on dogs before you get one.
I've had two bloodhounds. Moved around to 3 units with the one, including overseas. Dogs and govt housing are a pain....especially non-CG housing. I think my dog days are over.
I had a St. Bernard while on the Tam years ago. Still have visions of her dragging my pregnant wife down the sidewalks of New York. Dogs don't always adapt well to their new surroundings.
I think you'd be surprised at how well dogs adapt to apartments. I have a german shepherd/pit mix that is as active as any dog you've ever seen and I lived in a one bedroom for two years. I would caution you to stay away from guardian breeds as some communities have BSL that bans them. It'd be a shame to PCS and have to leave the dog because the new city will have it put down.
Also keep in mind pupies are a lot of work and if you want an active dog, that means active, destructive puppy. You can't go wrong with a 1-2 year old mix from the pound.
If going to a breeder a Pure Blood Lab could be your best bet. Not to big, not to small. Got a German Shepherd myself. If you and your wife don't like dog hair then a German Shepherd might not be for you. Its Ridiculous.
Although you and your wife may want a dog it is also important, probably more so then your desires, to give serious thought to what quality of life the dog will have. Think about it. The dog will be the only one of it's species and will be locked up all day in a small apartment.
We have a Great Dane- TOTAL couch potato, she'd do fine in any residence, as long as she has a comfy sofa or bed. Danes are awesome with kids, other pets and people- just really big (no sneaking them into a hotel during PCS!) We also have a lab mix, great dogs. Although I was never a fan of small breeds, we also have a Maltese- its smaller than a cat but acts like a dog. Believe it or not they are great! Dogs = money though. Look at different breeds and don't forget to check with the local pounds, and AVOID PUPPY MILLS. CWO A
Go to the humane society and pick up a mutt. For the most part, they are great dogs. Getting anything from a pet store usually isn't a great idea. Those dogs come from puppy farms, where all they do is breed dogs and kill them when they can't produce any more litters. If you want a purebred, make sure you get it from a respected breeder (which may cost more) and you can go and visit the breeder before getting the dog. Get to know them and their personality. Remember, any good breeder will take the dog back if you can't / won't keep it. They should care about the best interest of their dogs.
+1 on the mutt. The best dogs are mutts and will be loyal as can be. Also, think how happy you'll be knowing that you rescued a dog from certain death.
I have to agree with Joe and QM. Not being rude, but if you insist on getting a dog in an apartment, get the kind your wife wants! She'll be taking care of it, and she needs to be able to manage it. Big dogs can easily become too much to handle as they get stronger. If you're at a small boat station now, good chance you'll be sailing next tour. A large breed is like having another adult in the house, seriously.
And if you're planning to move to Maine, be prepared for a hard time finding an apt or house to rent with a dog, or paying lots extra for those who will have dogs. Our little mutt was all of 6.5 lbs. at her heaviest, and people didn't care how small she was, no dogs. Cats were fine though!
Now we have a Huskie, who we inherited after puppy sitting during someone's marital difficulties. A 3 bedroom house isn't big enough for him! You have to think about the dog too. Walks, weather, dog parks, doggie day care, and transportation to all these places.
If your getting married in two weeks you have alot more to worry about than a dog. Get setteled in and see how that goes. Just like kids it is a lifetime commitment.
Originally posted by outlaw2nd: I have 2 dogs of my own. One is a Wolf and the other is a German Shepard/Pit Bull. They are part of our family. I wouldnt move anywhere that they could not go. No matter what u pick it will be the right decision. But remember you might need to check your apartments rules on dogs before you get one.
A wolf? As in Canis Lupus? Whats it like having a pet wolf as opposed to a domestic dog?
