by Jimmy Flatbush

Created on: March 05, 2010

Most apartment complexes contain sprawling, multiple level buildings bereft of an enclosed area where canines can release their pent up energy. Unless the canine owner is retired or works from home, regular walks are out of the question for the canine. The resultant effect is a dog that misbehaves, sometimes at a level reaching destructive force. Moreover, even structured walks prohibit the type of natural probing that is second nature for a canine.

Dogs need to utilize their uncanny senses of smell and hearing in order to thrive in any living arrangement. This means an enclosed outdoor area-preferably at least half an acre-is required so the dog can roam the area in search of the elusive scent or sound. Dogs ensconced in an apartment all day are better off living in a home where they have access to the outdoor recreation. Dog psychology has become a trendy phenomenon mainly because unhappy dogs either live off a tight leash in the front yard or they spend their days solemnly looking outside through a crack in the window shades.

Apartment owners prohibit dogs within their facilities for myriad reasons. Personal safety is the paramount consideration, followed by sanitation and property destruction issues. Even if an apartment owner allows canines, restrictions put on the dog and dog owner may be both costly and unpractical. For instance, many landlords require a steep pet deposit in addition to the rental deposit. People who consider living with their dog in an apartment without a yard should definitely refrain from signing a lease that includes additional costs and restrictions.

The question of whether to live with your dog in an apartment without a yard takes on added significance when considering the type of dog breed. Large dogs and breeds such as the Border Collie and Australian Sheppard demand open space to roam and play. If you own such a breed, you should not live in apartment without a yard. Older dogs, sometimes called retired dogs, may not be bothered living in a place without direct access to an enclosed area. However, dogs love familiarity, which is why a yard is almost a necessity when choosing a home for you and your dog.

The advent of dog parks has mitigated the negative aspects of living in an apartment without a yard. Nonetheless, you still have to take the time to travel to and from the dog park. An enclosed yard close to your front door allows you immediate access to your personal items if needed, and your dog gains familiarity with his territory and canine companions. You may serendipitously find a real estate company that builds a dog park within an apartment complex. However, do not hold your breath in search of such an amenity.

An apartment provides two main benefits: lower monthly housing costs and increased mobility. The mobility question is paramount for young professionals who move from city to city while climbing up the company ladder. If you have a dog and are considering apartment living, make sure you find one that has an enclosed area for the dog to call its second home. Otherwise, do you and the dog a favor and find it a home that has enough open space for the dog to enjoy.

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