single, working dog owner

[Aggie_Ama]

As you may know I had Heidi and Maggie. Both are (were) small and kenneled in our laundry room while we were at work. You asked them to "get in their beds" and they walked to the room and climbed in their doggie beds. Maggie was 4 when adopted and about the mellowist dog. It isn't funny now but we used to say "if she was any calmer she'd be dead". Heidi is almost 8 and really energetic but she loves being in her bed during the day or when she is tired. We still play with her when we get home (she doesn't like walks). So I think it is perfectly fine as long as it fits the dogs personality or needs. My miniature schnauzers did not have high exercise requirements. A heeler, young lab, pointer or a dog that needs a job and a lot of exercise I wouldn't leave home 8 hours.

Before we owned a house we lived in an apartment (900 sq ft), the girls lived in the bathroom behind a baby gate during the day and got a morning, afternoon and nightly stroll to potty and investigate the outdoors. They seemed content.

[GLC1968]

I was single with a large dog in an apartment/condo setting for 8 years of my life. As long as you are willing to commit to what the dog needs, then there is nothing wrong with it (even a large dog in a small space is fine, depending on the breed). It certainly sounds like you know what to expect, so I would tell the nay-sayers to mind their own business!

I'm sure you already know this, but definitely pay attention to breed (as best you can with a shelter dog). You don't want a jack russell or border collie mix unless it's a much older dog. These are breed types that are high energy, working type dogs and they'll go nuts inside all day. On the other hand, many BIG dogs are very content being quiet all day (like Great Danes - if you wanna really freak out your neighbors!). My dog was a shephard/dobie mix and she had no trouble with 10 hours alone (figure in commute, too) as long as she got plenty of attention and exercise when I was around. I had no life outside of work back then, so it was really, really easy to devote a lot of time to her. In fact, I find that I very much miss that one on one connection that we had. She'll forever be the best dog I ever had and I miss her terribly, still.

Please share pics when you find your next companion!