by (( Nikki ))

Created on: October 31, 2009

Thinking about getting a dog, but you don't have a yard?

I'll tell you - my aunt has a very large yard. She also has a very large dog. A large dog that gets shoved into the yard all by herself, where she proceeds to get bored and either lays in the corner, stands on the porch pawing at the door, or barks incessantly until she's let back in.

A yard is meaningless to a dog. It is a patch of land where he can sit, bark, and poop. That's about it. Exercise? What dog exercises all by itself? Unless, of course, it's to get into mischief while attempting to find China.

It isn't a yard that makes a dog happy. A dog is happy when it gets mental stimulation, exercise, and socialization. A yard doesn't do that. People do that.

Dogs take work. They require a time commitment. A very large time commitment. Basically, you're going to have the equivalent of a toddler for 10 or more years. The degree of care, exercise, training, socialization, and play required varies highly among individual dogs, but you can't get away from the fact that you are responsible for an animal that can't do much without your help. Yard or not. Whether you're more likely to meet those needs if you have a yard is a personal decision, and one that you need to be honest with yourself about.

A dog that has a lot of energy is going to need walks, even runs, frequently. Tossing a ball in the yard or tossing it at the park, to the dog, there isn't much difference. What matters is if you're willing to get on all your gear and get off your butt and go to the park with your dog to toss that ball. Some breeds may need even more than that, such as running next to you while you bike or rollerblade. Some may need less. Personally, I have to take my dog for a drag. She's quite lazy.

It will also be up to you to provide the proper amount of mental stimulation for his or her personality as well. Training classes, walking, games, and doggy sports are all ways to meet that need. None of which require a yard. But will you do them? Even after working, when you're tired? After taking care of children, if you have any? A yard isn't the solution here. A bored dog shoved into a yard is a dog that digs, barks, or chews up the shed. He won't want to be by himself. He will want you to play with him. Some people are more likely to work with their dogs if they have a yard, but it certainly isn't the requirement. Your time and willingness to spend it are.

Socialization is as important a part of raising and training a dog as exercise. A yard doesn't allow for any socialization. Walks outside the yard and trips to classes, parks, and pet stores are all part of owning a well-socialized and balanced dog. If you live in a pet-friendly apartment or condo complex, you have the advantage here, as you're highly likely to meet all the other dogs as you take yours out for walks and potty breaks. In my complex, everyone gets to meet the new puppy, and friendships are formed not only between the dogs, but between the owners as well.

Deciding to get a dog is a huge decision that should not be taken lightly. A yard is not a magical panacea that lets anyone be able to own a dog, guilt-free. Nor is it a requirement for a well-balanced, happy dog. The key to a happy dog is his owner - YOU.

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