8 thoughts on “Dogs”

1. 1. Our dog just knows not to pee inside and holds it all day, even if we don’t come home until midnight. I have a gate up and he stays in our kitchen which is pretty big. I’ve put up a webcam on him before and e just sleeps all day. Some people do weewee pads even for adult dogs, but I personally don’t think that’s a good idea. For one, it makes the house smell and all the clean-up isn’t worth not taking the dog outside for me. Plus walking the dog is very important for bonding and the dog’s mental health, and I know I would stop walking him if he could pee inside (there’s many days when I dread taking him outside…). And two, weewee pad dogs tend to make poor guests at other people’s houses, peeing on carpets and rugs.

   2. I would check with the ASPCA or Humane Society. I know both are involved in the city a lot.

   3. I would find a large dog very unpractical for this reason. My dog I can put in a bag, though he’s really heavy and I wish even he would be a little lighter. That way it would be easier to take him to other parts of the city, like different dog parks and Central Park. And he’s too big to take on an airplane in the cabin if I want to take him when I visit my parents. I know some places do pick-up, though. And some dog daycare/boarding places too. Plus you can bring your dog in a Zipcar as long as it’s in a carrier. A cab as a last resort?

   Dogs, especially puppies, are a lot of work, though. And any time you can’t come home on time it’s an evening full of guilt (and then a night of the dog retaliating and acting bad cause he was lonely). Make sure you really know what you’re committing to, especially if you plan on walking the dog for the bathroom (three times a day).

2. All the above questions are why I got a kitten.

   I highly recommend my local shelter, for both dogs and cats, but I have a feeling you don’t want to come all the way out to the middle of Brooklyn.

3. I’m with you, Alex. I think a cat is more my speed, but Jeff is set on a dog…

4. Well I can’t really answer your questions, not having a dog or living in NYC, but maybe you could look into fostering a dog, or cat, and see how that works out for you. I’m sure the local shelters would have info on fostering and I know fosters are always needed. Good luck, I know any dog or cat would be lucky to have a home with you and Matt!

5. Living in a city like New York is a challenge for dog ownership, but just go to the local dog park and strike up a conversation…dog owners love to talk about their pups. I would also suggest an older dog (3 or 4 years old) from a shelter, so you don’t have the puppy training, plus it gives an older dog a much needed chance to find a home (most people don’t want older dogs, they want puppies, but I find that a dog with a few years is more grateful and a buddy for life for giving him/her a chance). I’ve had male and female dogs, and find that female dogs are more gentle…but it really depends on the dog. Good luck!

6. Consider getting a pair of pet rats (of the same sex, of course). They’re social animals like dogs, and more intelligent and affectionate than you’d suspect. They’re also easier to care for than either dogs or cats, and ideal for apartment dwellers.

7. For city living, the Cat alternative makes the most sense, especially because they are quiet and their daily needs (litter box) easy to maintain. Kitty love and puppy love are different and both are necessary, but face it, there is going to be a lot of money, expense and aggravation if you go with a city-dwelling dog. If either you or your partner worked at home, or had split shifts it would all be easier.

   If you are going canine, get a small breed, under 25 pounds. The reason is that if you travel, most hotels that accept canines have weight/size restrictions. DO NOT go for a big slobbery-breed like a bassett hound or boxer. You will regret it. My bro’s bassett hound bit me in the face a coupla years back (for no reason) and it still ticks me off. They can be skittish. In fact, any dog can be skittish but a Yorkie nip is a small thing. And so are their poo’s………..like AAA battery size.

   Remember, poo counts.

8. Sorry I missed this. I’ve been remiss in my blog reading.

   Getting dog requires the same kind of commitment as a getting a child, at least in my opinion. It’s great that you are considering it, but you need to be prepared to give the dog the best quality of life you can.

   1. I’ve known a person who was a dog walker, and I’m sure they’re good people. However, I would have never trusted anyone to walk Barney and Jed. I also would never have trusted anyone to come inside my house when I’m not there, but that’s largely because I’m embarrassed by the clutter and mess.

   I feel very strongly that in exchange for the unconditional love and companionship that the dog gives, it’s the responsibility of his/her people to walk him/her rather than hire it out to a stranger.

   Barney and Jed got a walk every morning before work, every afternoon after work, and every night before bed. That was enough for them. The after work walk was always the most difficult, though because it often put a damper on my after-work plans. Someone, whether my partner at the time or me, had to walk them. That often required negotiation if either of us had plans. Since you live in Manhattan, that should be easier for you. If I could make it work living in Outer Mongolia, then you should have no problem.

   2. ASPCA is good, but there is a great satisfaction in rescuing a dog from a kill shelter – or through one of the many wonderful people who run rescue services to get dogs out of such shelters and into good homes. The internet can help you find them.

   3. I notice there are a lot of vets in Manhattan. Ideally your dog won’t ever be sick enough to not be able to get to the vet under his or her own steam. If that should ever be the case, then you would do well to opt for a smaller dog.

   I’m biased of course, but beagles are IMO the best dogs. You get big dog personality in a smaller package.

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