Apartment Living?

[scox]

Hi we are thinking about adopting a rescue rottie and just started doing our research on the breed. But we are having problems determining if our living situation is adequate for a rottweiler. We are a young couple living in an second floor apartment we have no attached yard but the complex is entirely fenced in and friendly to med to large dogs. I have asked the managers of the apartments about rottweilers and they only will allow a rottweiler if it is a mix. Which is what I am finding in shelters and rescues anyway. I work 3 nights a week and am home during the day, he owns his own business and would be able to take the dog to work with him if need be. We are finding that we have alot of free time and are lonely without a pet (both of us have always had dogs). We are looking for a bigger dog that will be a good companion and require our attention. I am very fond of the breed but have no experience owning one, where he has owned one in the past (Ronnie unfortunately died at 2 years from cancer). Anyone with input, positive or negative, would be appreciated. We want to be sure that our rottie will be a happy one!

[Cdn1050]

I have read that Rottweilers can adapt to apartment life, but a house with a decent sized fenced in backyard or country living is preferable. I would be concerned with the other dogs in the apartment complex. What I mean by that is, are they leashed when they are outside or are they free to roam the fenced in area? Are there a lot of children that live in the apartment complex and how do they interact with the dogs that already live in the complex (are they respectful of other people's dogs)? I ask these questions from watching a former neighbour of mine when I lived in an apartment a few years ago who had two pitbulls. Pitbulls that were IMO well behaved and friendly. The children in the apartment complex were horrible and disrespectful to everyone and everyting, even to their parents. The dogs had had enough one day of a particular 5 year old child and one of them turned on that child. Not a good situation at all. Luckily it was only a bite on the arm and not ending up with the child being mauled to death. I always thought it was unfair to have two high energy breed dogs living in an apartment (unfair to the dogs that is). When your dog is not in obedience classes, you still have to practice what you have learned when you are home. This means your dog needs your undivided attention with minimal distractions during your home training sessions. Where will you practice this if there are a lot of people, children and dogs in the fenced in area in your apartment complex?

I'm not saying don't get a dog of a large breed. I'm just saying you need to have all your bases covered, a backup plan should something not workout the way you originally planned.

Hoping, some of the experienced members on board here can jump in and give their expertise.

[Baxter's Mom]

I live in a apartment and my two large breed dogs and the cat are doing just fine. They get walked alot, and we have 7 miles worth of trails behind my community were we do lots of hiking. Our community is pretty dog friendly (few breed restrictions) and we have alot of doggie dates down on the trails to make it fun for the dogs. The dogs do great inside, they have low indoor energy, they never tear anything up or have accidents (that's Mommy with the coffee) and it's very quiet. Even though apartment communties are fenced all the way around, I'm going to go out on a limb and say ALL have leash rules, I know mine will fine folks who are seen with their dogs off leash ( as told to me from a neighbor with a boxer who was fined) If you exercise the dog, train the dog house manners and "public" manners, I don't see why you would have a problem. Good Luck!!

[nicasoares]

I live in a one bedroom condo and had similar concerns about owning a rottweiler in a limited space. However, after a bit over six months Cheyla is doing well in the condo. We go for walks and she walks very well on a leash. This was highlighted in the puppy classes where some dogs had never expereinced the leash. Cheyla is always on a leash (do to condo rules) and has found her own little private space under my desk.

Best of Luck and thanks to everone on the site that has been so helpful.

[rottielover2004]

I live in a small 2 bedroom apt with a cat and Harley with my young daughter. Works very well for me. Around me, more people tend to walk their dogs when the do not have a yard.

[shybird]

A rottweiler can get along living almost anywhere that the humans choose. The main ingredient is a committed owner. Being that you will have to walk the dog, I sugguest you test your commitment before adding the dog of any breed. Practice walking EVERY morning upon getting out of bed, the first thing you do when you get home from work and the last thing you do before going to bed. Walk for at least 1/2 hour, every day no matter how wet or how cold. Do this for at least one month maybe two before adopting. That will be the minuman that you will be taking the dog out to potty. See if you really want to commit to being a dog owner without a yard. It really can become a chore when you have to walk in pouring rain, blowing snow, zero degree weather, and being sick and feeling like you want to die. Saying that you will do it is one thing, but lots of people regret getting a dog after the newness wears off and the reality sets in. The rotweiler can adapt, but can the human?

[SABELLESMOM]

I don't see why a rescue Rottie wouldn't work for you. You indicated you have the time and are looking forward to a dog who will require your attention. No problem there! Rotties thrive on attention and training.

Sign up for some classes to help you along. No better breed representative than one who has some manners and training. Who knows? You guys are young. You might decide agility is something you're interested in. I'm "old" and I'm doing it. So can you!

Hey, thanks for considering a rescue. I'm certain with a bit of effort you will get back a thousand-fold of what you do with this dog, in terms of loyalty, and love.

[carolynnl4]

My dog's lived in apts with me all her life, and is great. The only thing I would worry about in your case, is living in a 2nd floor apt -- how friendly are you with your downstairs neighbors?
90 lbs of romping playing rottweiler makes a LOT of noise for anyone unfortunate enough to live below you, so I'd figure that out.

[StephanieandToby]

Rottweilers don't care!! They want to be with you, out for their walks...or training...Living space makes no difference because when you get home they go to their 'space' and flop down...
Give your dog 3 good walks a day...lots of attention/training and mental stimulation...(which you would do regardless)...and it will be great!

Good luck with your search!

[MissMary]

I really loved shybird's advice.