Pets
kimberlygo
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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
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How many is too many?
in Pets
I have always wanted a dog, but because of my lifestyle and finances, I've never been able to responsibly have one. In the meantime, I have had cats and currently have three. I'm finally in a place in my life where I can have a dog. I really want to get a dog, but am wondering if 4 pets would be too much for a 1200 sq ft apartment. It is just me and my husband. It's a duplex, so it feels bigger (to me) but I'm wondering if that's really enough space. If I got a dog, I would look to get an older, more couch potatoey dog. I would prefer a medium to larger sized dog (no tiny dogs, but not great danes either). Anyone have a living situation like this and can provide insight? I am also considering a foster-to-adopt situation, so that we can make sure its right for us and the dog.
Re: How many is too many?
One of the ladies who used to be on here all the time has less than 1000 sq/ft (I want to say somewhere between 800-900) and had 3 dogs and 4 cats, one of whom was a feral she had to keep separated until everyone got used to each other. The space constraints are less of an issue than whether you personally can handle a fourth pet.
If you're looking for an older, lazier dog, the space should be completely fine, especially if you can dedicate a dog-free zone so the cats don't lose their marbles with the new addition! A smaller space is even fine for move active dogs, so long as you can give them the outdoor exercise time they'll need to be quiet and content indoors.
Ditto Doglove that a foster-to-adopt situation is a great way to see if the transition will be right for you.
B/w 1/8: betas 17,345, progesterone 25.6
i have a 1,000 sq feet with a cat and a 95lb, 9 month old cane corso who is still growing. The space of our house has not been an issue and corsos are more lazy laid back dogs. We do also have the yard space for him to run around if he chooses.
I do agree that the issue is probably more can you guys handle a 4th pet. A dog is entirely different than a cat and not self sufficient.
We live in a less than 1,000 sq ft. condo, and we have two dogs, one cat, and a two-year old son. At one point, we actually had four pets, but then our oldest cat passed. We make it work.
Honestly, I think space is your smallest concern. As long as you have a place to set up a crate, you should be good. If your dog is more active, you can always find ways to get outside for walks, runs or trips to the dog park.
Other things you should consider about having four pets is the time and expense of having four separate animals depending on you. In particular, think about whether you'd be able to handle it if more than one of them developed chronic health or behavior problems. That's the biggest stressor on us right now. Two of our senior pets have ongoing health issues that we're dealing with, and our other one has some behavior issues we're working on on a long term basis. All three are on prescription medications and require periodic vet visits in between their annual check-ups. I would not trade any of them for the world, but I will admit sometimes it is a lot to manage, especially with a small human child depending on us as well.
Dogs really are a joy, so I am not trying to talk you out of it, just encouraging you to look into the future and really think about what you and your husband are prepared to handle both now and in the future.
P.S. - I think foster to adopt is a great idea. Or, if you decide you're not ready for a long-term commitment, you could just foster on an ongoing basis. You sound like a thoughtful pet owner, so I am sure you will find your way to the right decision. GL!
"The hardest thing is to live richly in the present without letting it be tainted out of fear for the future or regret for the past." - Sylvia Plath
I think fostering is a great idea. You can have a dog but you're not making the lifetime commitment.
With a smaller place, I recommend adopting an older lower-energy dog. I don't think the size matters as much as the energy level. It seems like you have the same thought
I have a townhouse with no fenced yard and two small dogs. The first dog we got is a total couch potato and he didn't make our place feel small at all. As we adapted to the doggie lifestyle we got a second younger dog. That made our place feel smaller, lol. She needs a crate when we are out of the house and lots of toys etc.