Don't want to give up my puppy

[mkfisher]

Max will be 8 weeks tomorrow, and I'm not sure if I need to return him to the breeder. How will I be a good owner without a fence? Will he be able to thrive if I can't leave him outside a lot? I have chronic pain, and being so high paced and high strung will be hard, but I love this little guy so much. I wanted him as mostly a house dog, but this might be cruel? We will be able to travel more and go to the park, for long walks, and exercise more once he is fully immunized. He is very good, behaves very well - even for his age, is smart, and pretty housebroken - can we ever be SURE when? Every day will be different. We've bonded already, but I'm sure he is young enough he can bond with a new owner. I want to do what is best for HIM. Please tell me your feelings on this - they are important. Thank you

[gaia_bear]

Gaia is a house dog, my backyard is not fenced nor is she outside without me. She's as happy as can be.


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[llombardo]

In order for him to thrive he needs you. The fence doesn't matter and neither does being outside in a yard. Hiking, going for walks, flirt pole, fetch, and obedience training will be the reasons your dog thrives. I live in an apartment with no fence and my little girl does just fine.

[gsdlover91]

I dont even have a yard, let alone a fenced yard. I live in a townhouse and mine is "thriving". I didnt take him out much until he was fully vaccinated either. Buy a flirt pole, good for exercise and you dont have to do much...also take him/her on walks daily. I take Berlin ATLEAST around the neighborhood daily. If its nice, or a day where I am home from work early or off, I take him on a LONG walk/run in the forest preserve. ALSO, mental stimulation is just as important.

[Powell]

I have a Siberian Husky ( in addtion to my GSD/Sheltie/Husky mix Jolene) and he's inside only. I have no fenced in yard. He'd rather be inside with me and Jolene anyway. We do walk twice daily.

[katdog5911]

Growing up I lived in an apt. Our dogs were fine as long as they got their walks and an occasional loose run at the beach.

[Shade]

As long as their needs are being met, both mentally and physically then there's no reason why it should be a issue. A fence is not a requirement for a dog owner

Look into dog walkers for long outside walks if you're not able to do it comfortably, and a flirt pole is a great tool for wearing them out inside the house.

[MaggieRoseLee]

I've never had a fence and raised 4 dogs. When they go out, I go out. When I go in, so do they.

I'd call and talk to your breeder though if there's more going on then just the yard. You are right that it's much easier for the puppy to return it early if you feel another home would be better for it.

[GusGus]

I don't have a fence exactly, and work 12 hour days. My boy is a very happy dog. I just give him as much exercise as I can and loads of love. I also give him plenty of mental exercise too.

[mego]

We have a fence at the apartment complex here but she still gets no off leash freedom yet, I just bought a 30 foot leash I wlil let her drag around, you can always do something like that, that way you dont have to keep up with being 6 feet behind them all the time when you do get to go out