... is it possible?

Here's my situation. I am going to be moving into a dog-friendly apartment some time this year before summer. I don't know which one yet, but there's one in particular that is fairly close to a really nice walking trail- I forget the name of it. I have one small dog that is staying with relatives until I move into the new place, and I also have five very even tempered dog friendly cats. With proper introduction I'm sure they'd be fine with any dog I decided to bring into the home.

I've always loved GSDs, ever since I was about four years old. I've been dying to get my own GSD for years now, and I've done a fair bit of research. They seem like my perfect breed- energetic, devoted, trainable, and of course breathtakingly beautiful. I would especially love an east german/DDR lined dog but ANY GSD would be perfect. Except an extremely angulated Am. line GSD.. I don't think I could ever own one of those.

But there's the problem of the apartment. It is going to be a two bedroom with limited space. I have a treadmill, and have been upping my own exercise regime lately in preparation for possibly getting the pup. I figure I can devote about four or five hours of my time to exercise and training per day, spread out throughout the day.

I am still finishing high school, I'm a junior. Ideally I'd get the pup at the beginning of summer, so I could have a few months to socialize and housetrain it before school kicks in. Then I'm gone from 8 to 3, with a chance to come home and check on the animals at around 12 for half an hour. I know this is a sticky situation, and I'd probably be hiring a dog walker with what little money I make from working weekends.

Do you think, if I factored in some time on the treadmill, and a dogwalker while I'm gone, that I could possibly keep a GSD in an apartment? I was thinking of closing off part of the living room for an ex-pen and crate area for the puppy and also getting some time consuming toys to help for when I'm not there. I'm sure most people on this site know a heck of a lot more about what it takes to be a GSD parent than I do, but I really love this breed and I would love the chance to own one. However, if it would not be a good situation for the dog, then I will understand and concentrate on my little one for now.

Also, I would like to add that I have no strong desire to compete in Schutzhund or anything like that, but I would like to do competitive obedience or rally.

>> ... is it possible?

Yes.

Hi Amanda,

I am glad you are carefully thinking through a potentially huge decision. To answer your question of whether or not it is possible to own a GSD in an apartment - absolutely. I live downtown in a metropolitan city, in an apartment, with a 12 month GSD. Nonetheless, despite the cold (it will be -20 degrees Celsius) this weekend, my GSD spends most of her time outside with me and I keep her very mentally stimulated.

I would not stick to time tables too much (i.e., 3 months for this, 5 months for that) because it will never turn out that way. This is simply because every dog is different, ergo every dog will have different needs, demands, and quirks. In other words, do not start budgeting in time and expect it to work out that way.

You seem to be a very busy person being a junior in high school and all. What will happen to your social life, what about your career, etc.? Especially with pups, they take a lot of time. Can you, in the middle of your studying, get up every 3 minutes to attend to the pup (i.e., the pup will have something in its mouth, peed on the floor, etc.)?

Also, I would not depend on a treadmill for exercise. Remember, the whole purpose of walking your dog is to build a good bond, pack leadership, and exercise. A treadmill is not a substitute, and if you are considering a puppy, will not do (there is a whole topic on appropriate puppy exercise). This rationale also follows with dog walkers. I personally would not hire a person to walk my puppy.

Closing off part of your apartment with a gate may work for a small pup, but remember these things get to over 70 pounds, and they are still a puppy at that point and more obnoxious in their adolescence that a gate will not stop them from wreaking havoc.

It is ultimately your decision, but based on what you presented so far, a GSD may be a bit too consuming. It really is not the space in my opinion, but the lifestyle.

P.S. Nice prong collar on your little pooch.

I would say yes, especially if you can find a safe, fenced area for free-running time - i personally find, with my working breed dogs (not GSDs) that leash walks only go so far. However, training and intellectual work will really help.

It sounds like you will be a great owner. Consider applying to your local GSD rescue (they may not accept you - some rescues have rules such as you must have a fenced yard, etc - don't take it personally) - you sound like a great person to give a dog a second chance.

Will you have the help of other family members? What's your work schedule like on the weekends?

am i reading that right?
You have one small dog and FIVE cats already?
And you will be moving into a 2 bedroom apartment?

that, to me, would pose a problem and sounds to me like too many animals for a two bedroom apartment.

 Quote: Siaty Mantak

Hi Amanda,

I am glad you are carefully thinking through a potentially huge decision.

Ditto - the research and consideration part is HUGE, and you get big props for such thorough forethought . That said, after reading your whole post, I don't think your question should have much to do with a puppy in an apartment (that's completely doable, many of us here were/are in that boat), it should instead be about the total commitment and responsibility of bringing a large breed puppy into your home. As Saity brought up, puppies are a LOT of work, and even people who prepare for them are taken aback sometimes by how much their lives change because of it. The really determined people make it work and tailor their lives to fit the needs of their pup - those who can't handle it get rid of the puppy .

Will you be moving to this apartment on your own, or with family? If you get a pup this summer, it will still be very much a holy terror by the time you go back to school. It might be potty trained, but being completely alone every day for 7 hours is NOT going to go over well, and ultimately it isn't fair for the puppy (you can buy some crazy good toys these days, but a young dog needs more regular interaction than that). What if the puppy decides to bark in it's crate all day while you're away? Will your neighbors/landlord be patient about that? What about your after school job - more time away from the pup? And when you come home after a long and tiring day, will you always have the determination to muster the energy to take the pup out for an hour of playtime? I remember my high school years got busier and busier the closer I got to graduating...

Also, the point about not relying on averages is a good one. Every dog is different and each will mature at it's own pace - for your sanity, you'll have to be prepared for things to take longer than you expect. Also be prepared for constant interruption - puppies do sleep, but there will be many times where 10 minutes is all they need to recharge before tearing into something again... will you be prepared to suspend your studies every time you need to tend to the dog?

You're asking great questions, and your desire for a puppy is clear, just keep considering all the angles. Having a dog is one thing, raising a puppy is another altogether. But best of luck with your decision - and if a pup isn't in the cards for you this year, you have PLENTY of years ahead to make it work - don't rush!

~Natalya

So what's your plans for the next 10 years of your life? Do they include any situation where the dog can't come with you? If you plan to go to college don't count on someone taking care of the dog. A high drive GSD is way more than most people expect even if you warn them. Even if you find a "good home" for the pup it most likely won't stay there unless they are working dog folks. If you really HAVE to have a dog would you consider fostering a dog? Most rescues won't allow you to foster due to your age and housing situation. My local GSD rescue requires that all volunteers who have any kind of contact with the dogs have to be at least 25 yrs old. Their policy is ridiculous so your local rescues is probably better but be prepared to be told no.

I think if the OP does get a dog it should not be a puppy - jmo.

Ms. Star,

I will, no doubt, be the odd person out in responding.

You are projecting a move to a pet friendly apartment, and will be bringing one dog, and five dog friendly cats. You will be a senior in high school - with all that entails, and you are interested in getting a GSD.

If you are like any one of my three daughters, advice is almost pointless because, in truth, you seem to have gone a long way toward making up your mind.

But, just as I would have an opinion for my daughters, I will share my opinion with you.

A GSD or any additional animal is a bad idea. You have plenty on your plate to accomplish in the next few years. You have many years in front of you in which you could satisfy your desire to acquire a GSD.

A GSD in an apartment, in my opinion, is a bad idea. Years ago I was there and I did that and the outcomes were predictable. For example, many GSDs are not the quietest of dogs, and you will have neighbors a wall away.

I wish you luck but I hope you decide against another creature - such as a GSD - for the apartment.

Two cents from a fellow with four.

And to my fellow thread posters, I am surprised that some of you would even in passing offer any encouragement. This is a bad idea on its face.