Uninformed people with dog opinions

unimaginativeusername

This is a rant because I don't know where else to vent.

I am preparing to get a dog next year, hopefully.

I am hoping to get a large breed and I am well informed on the breed's temperament, health issues, exercise and nutritional requirements. I am prepared (excited actually!) to do basic training, puppy classes, socialisation etc.

I also live in an apartment*. Large breeds that are low energy live quite happily in apartments once their needs, like any dog, are being met.

If one more person looks at me like I'm some sort of monster I'm going to scream. I've done more due diligence on this than some people who bring children into the world. I am first and foremost a dog lover and I wouldn't even dream of it if it was a bad idea. I even waited until lockdown was over (unlike many new/first time dog owners) to see what my ongoing employment situation would be as I didn't know if I'd be working from home long term or not.

Many small dogs are full of beans and vocal but "acceptable" as apartment dogs while large breeds who cause no disturbance are frowned upon. The size is much more insignificant than many other factors and I hate this misconception.

Is it an Irish thing because we don't have a long tradition of apartment living?

That is all.

*Dogs are allowed so long as they don't cause nuisance, before any asks!

sirmixalot

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058270431/uninformed-people-with-dog-opinions

Go for it, just look at NYC, thousands of dogs living in apartments (big and small dogs/big and small apartments) I met a guy there years ago with a Great Dane, not sure of the square footage of his apartment but the dog was out 3 times a day, in the park with other dogs being socialized as they should be. Anyway main thing is to get out as much as you can with him/her. I have a boxer, big lad too, out morning,lunch and evening. When I can't get him out then have a dog walker that really runs him in the Phoenix Park. Plays best with any breed.

But I too have had dealings with small dogs, Bichon, Jacks etc, little yappy f%&kers, he got bitten more times from those types of dogs, only ever retaliated with a low bass tone growl that makes them piss off as quick as they lunged at him.

Anyway, you get your dog, look after him and enjoy the best friend a man/woman can have.

unimaginativeusername

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119833515#Comment_119833515

Thank you! I wish more people had this attitude. There's nothing wrong with big dogs in small homes if they are loved and cared for properly. It's not just the owning but the caring for the dog that I'm excited for. I really appreciate the encouragement and boxers are AMAZING dogs. Give him a treat and tell him he's a good boy for me please.

anewme

Good Luck with your dog. Great that you have put the research in and know you can make it work.

I did the same and settled on a small dog. It was the right choice for me.. What I don't like is people with big dogs saying small dogs are fookers and vice versa.

Before i got my dog I had people telling me, oh dont get one of them, they bark, they are needy, you cant leave them alone. I can do all this with my fella and he is the most chilled little man. It was because I put the effort in when he was a puppy.

Dont judge dogs by their size but by how they are raised, same as children I suppose.

Wishbone Ash

If one more person looks at me like I'm some sort of monster I'm going to scream

Why are you going around telling everyone your plans? Just get the dog and keep it to yourself.

Posting it here will probably make it worse.

John_Rambo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119834813#Comment_119834813

Agreed.

But, my tuppence... I've had neighbours in tiny houses with big low energy dogs that have been incredibly happy well balanced dogs that wished for nothing.

My inlaws have a neighbour in a big house with a small high energy dog that's locked in a pen at the end of the garden that's deeply unhappy, unhinged and a snappy loud suffering nuisance that gets now exercise.

unimaginativeusername

I’m glad to hear you’re getting on so well with your furry friend! While I’m drawn to bigger dogs personally I have no problems with little dogs at all.

My only annoyance are people who haven’t taken the time to do even a quick look online but decide big dog + apartment is cruel and selfish, when a dog’s size is much less important than factors like energy levels and exercise needs.

In casual conversation about my plans I’ve had people look at me like I’m guilty of neglect for just thinking about it and their tone is so accusatory. Honestly I probably would have thought the same before researching but I just wish they’d do the same before judging something they are ill informed about.

I just wish for a change in mindset.

unimaginativeusername

Yes and one theory I’ve heard is that some people with gardens or big houses assume their dog is catered for so don’t put in as much work. Whereas a much more concerted effort has to be made when a dog lives in a smaller environment.

Of course that’s not at all true in all cases but it’s an interesting thought.

I really believe because Ireland doesn’t have a particularly long history of apartment dwelling or even city living really (not like New York or even London) that we automatically think it’s wrong to keep a pet in one. Like you need to have a bloody farm or something for a dog that needs a 30 min walk and then wants to sit at your feet for the evening!

anewme

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119834946#Comment_119834946

My heart goes out to that little dog. Its not unhinged or a nuisance. Its not being treated properly.

John_Rambo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119834995#Comment_119834995

It's unhinged, vicious and a noise nuisance. That's what happens to dogs that are ill treated. My heart goes out to it too, it needs to be rehomed or put in to a sanctuary but the owners "love" her too much. Just heard they got another dog. They're morons.

I work as a dog walker, I have studied Animal Care, and I am constantly being told I need to do X, Y and Z.

Smile and nod! Just smile and nod.

I own a Newfie myself and he would very happily live in an apartment! When I first started researching giant breeds because I knew I wanted one, I met a man who had six giant breeds living in his large apartment.

You have done your research and there are always people with their personal anecdotes who will "know better".

My Lab is very reactive so he's always on lead, a man told me (after Lab attacked his off lead dog) that's he's reactive because I don't let him off lead. Oh yeah? You want me to let him off? He's bigger than your dog, don't fancy your chances here. Another lady told me that my Newfie who has zero recall only has no recall because he's not allowed off lead! He was allowed off lead till he was 18 months but we couldn't handle the stress of the "little" bollix going missing every time and someone having to bring him back to us.

Everyone who once owned a dog or currently owns a dog is an "expert". I have just adopted the "smile and nod" into my regular day!