I live in an apartment and if my building allowed it I would have a dog. It's not the size of the apartment that is a problem. If it's big enough for me to live in why not a dog? It comes down to how much you walk the dog not how big your house is. I live across the street from a huge park. Dogs love this area.
I know there are many people that have big yards and don't pay any attention to their dogs. Some people leave the poor dog tied up in the yard all day. Did you read the recent post about poor Buffy? Animals are happy anywhere they live as long as they get exercise and love.
Donna

My friend has a rat terrier that loves to run and does that for hours when she comes to visit the farm: she loves to come here. In his earlier abode, it was a small apt. with a postage stamp park across the street.

Now, it's downtown, with no grass visible nearby ... and a couple of blocks to a park (granted, a large one by the river).

To confine her to a leash (of less than about 400 ft. in length) in that environment is a shame, it seems to me.

I'm close to thinking of it as abuse of a female canine (I hesitate from using the proper word ... as "dog" refers to a male of the canine species).

ole joyful

Why shouldn't people in apartments be allowed to have dogs? I don't see any reason why they shouldn't--as long as they're responsible pet owners. And really, loving your pet and taking care of it has nothing to do with whether you live in a house or apt.

I actually know a woman who had a house and 1/2 of an acre. She had 8 dogs. AND she kept them either in small enclosed runs in the back yard or crated in the garage. They weren't allowed in the house. They were very large breeds, too. Oh, and I never saw them taken for a walk, either.

I'd rather see a dog have the run of an apt. and lots of walks a day, than see one spend ALL it's time in a crate (crates have their uses, but should not be the dog's home all day long).

There's a woman at the assisted living home where my aunt resides who has a miniature poodle. She takes it outside for lots of walks, and everyone loves that the dog is there.

I don't see why a dog can't be well loved and cared for in an apartment. And I don't think I would mind sharing an elevator.

In my condo, it's the peeps that disrespect the association rules for poop bags and pooper scoopers and allow them to eliminate in your yard and leave the stuff.

The dog that my daughter just lost lived in an apartment at one time a few years ago. They averaged several miles a day in walks- and lived right across the street from a large dog park. Weekends were spent hiking at State/National parks. Most of the people who owned dogs at this complex were very, very conscious about getting their dogs out. Of course there a few who were not, but even if they lived in a house the dog would still be neglected. Depends on how conscientious the owner is.

Some folks keep a mean looking dog in their apartment as a security measure. They feel that break-ins are less likely if a burglar (or intruder) knows he will find a snarling, barking dog on the inside.

Personally, I like dogs but I have not owned one for 60 years since I left the farm. An appropriate dog is ok in an apartment, but for many cases, I've seen too much trouble and messes with dogs and apartments.

I don't think an apartment building is a good environment for a dog particularly if he is larger than a lap dog. Many owners (who live in apartments) do not, or can not, properly care for dogs. I also beleive that a dog is happier and healthier if he has a chance to run free over a goodly distance several days of the week.

Also, when you live in an apartment, one must consider others nearby who might be alergic to your dog. When you mention this to some owners, they get defensive and can not relate to the impact their pet may have on others. Yah, trouble with human relationships. It's not the dog's fault, but it is friction in the neighborhood anyhow.

After her divorce, my DD got to keep the Rottie mix (and HER cat) when she moved into an apt. She got an apt. close to work so she can come home for lunch to let Holly out. She chose the apt. b/c the grounds are terrific for walking Holly (and DD lets her off the leash, for running & fetching the ball.) Holly frequents the dog park, the beach, and goes on a lot of errands. Still, my DD is barely a yr. into the apt. and talking about renting, or BUYING a house so that "Holly has a yard." You CAN be a responsible dog owner in a 700 sf. apt.

I think people end up with dogs in apartments for so many different reasons. Some have lost their house and don't want to give up their beloved dog. Others divorce and plan to stay in an apartment only for a short time. Then there are those who can't afford a house but need/want a pet for emotional reasons, security, etc.

I used to live in an apartment with a German Shepherd. I would take him at least on 2-hour walks/day and he got plenty of exercise. I had a HUGE balcony but he never cared to spend ANY time outside unless I was there with him. Based on what I have observed through the years, German Shepherds are happiest at their owner's feet. All of my dog's siblings stayed in the family and they were all like that. Unfortunately, my dog passed away a few months before I bought my home, so he never got to enjoy the yard. :(

No one mentioned barking. Are apartment dogs trained not to bark when they hear knocking at the next door neighbors door and their master is not home?

Walking issues aside, what happens when the owner is not present 100% of the time? Pee & chewing accidents can damage a dwelling that they are only renting and not fully vested in.

Since I live in the city, I know lots of people who have big dogs in apartments. As long as they are taken out to walk enough, they do just fine, and seem perfectly happy. My dog stays inside my house when I'm not home, he doesn't have free roam of the yard, so it wouldn't make a difference to him at all.

To answer neesie's question, just like with any rental (house or apartment), the owners usually charge an animal deposit to cover any possible damage.

We had a larger dog in our first apartment. We also lived right next door to a wonderful park and lake. We would take her on walks every morning and then in the evening when we got home we all went to the park to play. It was wonderful! I have 5 dogs now and when I am not home they are in the laundry room. My laundry room is bigger than my bedroom- they have their own bed too! We have a house with 2 acres, but no fences. I have dog runs, but I would never just leave them out there. They want to be where we are.

Trish

Conway does fine in the apartment.
Walks three or four (or more) times a day.
Doesn't bark at the neighbors coming upstairs but will bark at a stranger coming up. Which is good.
There are four apartments on my floor. Sometimes everyone has their door wide open so Conway can come and go as he pleases. He thinks he owns the whole floor. And the neighbors get all the snuggly benefits of a pug without the responsibility. One neighbor, a 26-year-old single guy, sometimes comes and steals him if he's walking downtown because he's a "chick magnet" LOL