Can I successfully raise a puppy in an apartment?
First I would just like to say what a wonderful site this is. I am a student in occupational therapy, live alone in a 1200 sq. foot apartment on the lake in Milwaukee, WI. I am looking to get a OES puppy this summer when I have a good 3 months to devote to training the puppy. When school starts up again, the pup will only be alone 2 days for 4 hours. I have a few questions about this, and am very nervous as it will be only me rearing this pup! My sister and mom both have tiny havanese dogs that love eachother and other dogs. I am wondering how well they get along with one another? Also I am very afraid of the barking. I live in an apartment and knwo that this wouldn't be tolerated for long. I bought a citronella basrk collar and spray bottle already. Is this somethign that can be broken. also, I am a runner and go for walks everyday, so the sheepie would be well exercised, so does everyone think it is ok to keep a sheepie in an apartment with me. There is a large park right across the street as well. I am just so nervous about this and respect the breed so much that I dont want to make a mistake and get one for selfish reasons. I eventually in 2 years want ot have the dog work with me as a therapy dog. ANy thought on that as well. I would really appreciate any input. I just dont want to make a mistake in getting a pup. thanks! Lauren |
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| Hi Lauren,
Welcome to the forum! I'm glad you decided to investigate things first. That's cool. Apartment living might be kinda tough with a big bouncy bousterous puppy, not becuase an apartment is small, but because you're going to have to try and limit his running around (unless you're on the first floor, the people underneath you will go nuts with an OES puppy overhead), going to have to try and limit his barking, and of course, there's the potty training accidents in the apartment and in common areas. Therapy with a sheepdog is special, and I've had my non-certified dog into nursing homes and rehabs, but he was MUCH older and more calm by then. A 2 year old, if properly trained might be able to do it, but I'd guess the odds are against it. Just way to much energy in a huge package. I'm not saying that what you want to do is impossible for an experienced OES person with the right puppy (which is a difficult thing, you'll have to interview breeders, inspect the sire and dam, see about temperment in the lines and so forth), but what you're proposing is a huge task. If your puppy and young adult dog experience is limited to a couple of lap dogs one thenth of the size and bounciness of a sheepdog, your idea of what to expect may be somewhat skewed. Sooo, this leads me to ask... have you considered rescuing an adult dog? Joan and I got our first Sheepdog at 3 and our second at 2, and boy, there is a world of difference! We've had the 2 year old for about 6 months, and he has calmed down some, but he's still more energy packed than our 3 year old was. If you rescue a dog through most OES rescues, they will have evaluated the dog in foster care, and you'll be able to know if this will be the kind of dog that will meet your desires. Just my two cents! |
| I think as long as you can wear your dog/puppy down before you leave him/her alone it would be alright.
And as long as you have the time and energy I don't see why you couldn't get a puppy - but yes - they bark. I think you'll be spending so much time trying to get them to do all the other things first though (potty training) etc etc... where an adult dog would already have all those things worked out and you could specifically work with barking. If you do get a rescue - make sure that they are good with smaller animals. Ask if they know how she/he would react. Also - since you are living on your own - make sure if it's a puppy you crate her so she won't get out and hurt herself on anything or eat anything too strange. But then... you get the howling and the whining to be let out... just so you know. I've just brought Momo home... it is a LOT of work!  |
| If you want to do therapy work with a sheepdog by age 2 you will have some work ahead of you. OES are exceedingly intelligient and headstrong these 2 traits together make them not the easiest dogs in the world to train. They tend to want a reason to do what you are asking them to do. They are not like a Golden or a Lab who do things because you said so. The amount of time it takes to train an OES every week is enourmous they need consistency in amount of training but also need variety in how you train, they can get bored easily.
The other training aspect is that sheepdogs are very much puppies for a long time. My 2 year old sheepdog is more rambunctious than ever and he has been in high level obedience training for almost his entire life. All that being said, people's reactions to an OES are amazing! When we are in public you will be hard pressed to find a person who does not instantly connect with this breed. They are also very in tune with people and love the attention. With the right training they have great potential to be therapy dogs. In your situation you may want to seriously weigh the option of getting an adult dog before you jump in on a puppy. If you are concerned about a rescue dog you can always check with reputable breeders who may have older dogs available who have finished their show careers or have been eliminated from confirmation for some fault. These dogs already have some formal training under their belts and are used to large amounts of people. If you go this route, you will have been able to check out different breeders, their programs and their dogs so that when you are ready for a new puppy down the line you will already be familiar with what they have to offer! |
| Welcome to the forum, Lauren! You've found the perfect place for all questions sheepie.
I totally agree with what everyone has said. The only other issue I see is that you said you're a runner. Short walks are fine for puppies, increasing in distance slowly, but they should not run long distances for awhile. Since they are a large breed, they tend to grow quickly as puppies, and this in itself puts more stress on their hip joints. Until their hips are mature, they should not be exercised that strenuously on a continual basis. Same goes for stairs. We are on our third sheepie, and all have been rescues. We've never experienced the puppy phase, but before I check out of this world, I will have a puppy! That said, it is nice to have a dog that's already gone through teething and house breaking. And grooming - a BIG job with these guys!  Depending on the dog and your comfort level with it, it can either be a great stress reliever at the end of the day, or it can be a continual tug of war.
If you can devote the time and patience to this breed, you will be hooked for life. Good luck! Ask any and all questions. We're all devoted sheepie junkies! Chris |
| My boy has been an apartment and city dog since I got him at 8 weeks. Besides the occasional knocking over of furniture/lamps/people while we play, he has been great. He is so use to going out with his leash on that he is terrible when you just stick him out in someone's backyard he has no clue what to do. Doesn't understand why you aren't out there with him.
I have never had an issue with barking. Squashed it while he was a puppy, but even then he only was a barker when he was put in the crate and felt there was someting better going on outside. Knowing that most of the apartments on Lake Michigan in Milwaukee are vintage apartments, the pitter patter of large OES feet could be annoying to the neighbors below. I live in a vintage garden front apartment, so our noise is not an issue. But my neighbor above has two german sheppards that sound like cattle at times. But I take it in stride because I know we make our own random noise with the soccer ball against the wall. I say go for it. Bring the dog to Summerfest, or Jamaica Fest or German Fest this summer and have fun. |
| Thanks so much for all of your replies. It is sucha help. I know all about not running a puppy, I actually am not sure if I would run an adult sheepie as they get so hot.
I guess I am just so afraid of the barking. My apartment is all carpeted and very sound proof, but I have heard OES bark and it is earth shattering! I would love to adopt an adult OES, but am afraid they will ahve behavioral problems that I wont be able to correct. Ho would I get in contact with someone who has adult OES for rescue. I have gone on Petfinder, but I guess I am just so excited about a puppy. I know that this phase is so much work, but I have the summer off of school and really would like to do it. I am such an animal lover though and am so afraid that I would be short changing this gorgeous animal just because I "want one". I would love to rescue an adult, but I also love the idea of having a puppy to train and raise with my sisters dog from puppihood on and go to obedience class etc. I am really stumped here guys. I am financially able to pay for everything it entails, but I cant afford to have it bark.....has anyone heard of the citronella bark collars? I WANT ONE SO BAD!!!!! Please help. I really cant make this decision alone. My parents are upset about ti because I am not married and have no one to help me...its like I'm having a baby or something! ugh...I am just so confused, but this is my dream to have one. Then I think....I should just wait 3 years until I have my own house. Please help everyone. Thanks, Lauren |
| Lauren,
I think all the points made earlier are worth serious consideration. Might I also suggest you contack Becky Hinson our breeder at www.heavensacres.com; she had experience raising a sheepie in an apartment when she was in school. |
| You might consider a rescue now and when you get your house, you could take on the puppy then. It is definitely a plus to have someone to help you with a puppy-- it really is like having a kid. I don't think I could've done it by myself! |
| I want to warn you not to get your hopes up for a puppy at a particular time - like between now and June, so that you can have the summer to raise it. Many questions come to mind - have you investigated breeders? Have you gotten in contact with them and asked them all your questions? Do they have a litter now so that a puppy will be available when you want it? Have you been screened by the breeder and have you been approved to adopt? Because of health issues, you want to make sure you buy from a reputable breeder.
As I said, all 3 of my sheepies have been rescues. Buford was my indoctrination to the breed. Boy! What I didn't know then could fill 10 books! But we got through, and he was the absolute joy and love of my life. I miss him to this day. Because of our grief when we lost Buford, we hurried in too fast to rescue Farley. The rescue woman did not know his background (first strike, in hindsight). He turned aggressive with my then 8 year old daughter on the ride home (second strike). His aggression continued, and no matter what we did (behavior consultant, training, etc.), we could not break him of the aggression. After trying for a year, and enduring mood swings, minor snaps and bites, when he bit our son's hand to the tune of 5 stitches right in the middle of his knuckles, we had to make the difficult decision to put him down. We could not put another family in jeopardy. He was a beautiful dog, but in hindsight, we now understood why, at 18 mos of age, we were his third home. Drezzie, our current rescue will be 12 in August and has been with us for 10 years. She is truly the love of our lives. Although she was a rescue, she was in only one home before us, and they were giving her up because of timing constraints. She was not abused, so her transition to us was fairly easy. My point is that not all rescues are behavior problems. You just have to know as much about their background as possible to make an informed decision. We made that mistake with Farley, and to this day I still feel guilty about him on many levels. Good luck! I know what it feels like to desparately want one of these great God's creatures. They are worth it! Chris |
Welcome lauren  It's good that you are thinking it through and investigating carefully. Research should always come first, as this is at least a ten to fifteen year committment, hopefully more!
I would not consider the size of the home an issue personally. No matter how big or small your home is, no dog is going to be taught to run like mad through your house and need more space to do it. They don't need to be taught... they just do it anyway...
You have lots of other good points to consider.... and have already gotten some great advice... good luck! |
| Hi Lauren, and welcome to the forum!
I'll offer a couple of small points in my own brief way. Maybe one of them will assist you with your decision. First, puppy or rescue? I've done both and both have pros and cons. One thing you should be critically aware of is that whichever you choose you are in it alone - no spouse, kids or roommate to help out. Puppies are a lot of work, to be sure, but you'll have a clear idea ahead of time what you are in for and what needs to be done. Taking in a rescue is a wonderful thing for the dog and you largely miss much of the initial training aspects you would have with a puppy, however you don't know what exactly you will be getting and what emotional baggage you may inherit and have to deal with. Take a hard look at your personal situation and see what you think you can handle . . . or not. Second, I wouldn't worry about barking or noise too much. If the apartment owners allow the dog then a moderate amount of barking should be tolerated. Excessive barking should be squashed whether or not you are in an apartment. Third, exercise is crucial for a sheepie. So much natural energy can lead to wanton destruction if not given a proper outlet. An adult dog can easily go running with you if you run at a moderate pace. Two miles shouldn't be a problem, maybe three . Walks and romps in the park are ideal. My question for you is this: with your schedule as a student, will you be home enough to get the dog outside four or five times a day, every day? 10 minutes a trip, five times a day is a BIG commitment for one person. Fourth, sell your mother on the sheepdog as a protective companion, which he will be. Nobody messes with a sheepdog, especially if you don't cut their bangs. First, it's a good-sized animal. Second, it's rare enough that people do not know what to expect. Third, there is something about not seeing the dog's eyes that intimidates a lot of folks who don't like dogs in the first place (i.e., criminals). That ball of fluff which wouldn't hurt a cat is actually quite an excellent deterrent for any would-be wrong doers. Go sell Mom on how much safer you'll be.
Okay, there's my initial reaction. Now here's what I'd do: I'd go with my gut. Ron made an excellent suggestion regarding investigating rescues and the rest of us have chipped in but only YOU know your situation and what you are willing/capable of doing. If you decide on a course and commit yourself fully toward it then you'll make it work, whether a puppy or a rescue. Know thy self first then the rest is easy. Good luck! Oh, and umm, by the way . . . don't know anything about your personal situation but having a sheepdog about is a great way to meet people.  People that like dogs often will approach to chat about your sheepie. Not a bad way to meet someone special OR gauge someone already in your life. As we say around our house: Love me, love my dog. hehe
Hey, go read about my puppies in Chit Chat. Ron split the post into three but it's all there. Fun stuff. Cheers, John |
| Thanks so much for the reply John! I really appreciate the honesty. I really like that you point out that I could make it work if I wanted to, but it will be a lot of work for just me. I do have the time for the dog to let it out 5 times, and I walk/run every morning at 530 before class. I only have class 2 days a week for 4 hours.
My pup will stay at my sisters with her dog (pending they get along! Cross my fingers!) when I am at class. When I work I want her/him to come with me. Can you tell me any good breeders out there. I am so afraidn of getting one with temperament problems. Thanks again.....and hey I have definitely conmsidered the meeting other people through the dog avenue! Come on...it can only help right!
Thanks again! -Lauren |
| Tasker came to live with me 8 years ago at the age of 6 weeks. I got and OES because I lived in the country had a large house and LOTS of yard for him to romp and play in. Well, as the saying goes "life is what happens when you have other plans" and when Tasker was only 3 months old I suddenly found myself husbandless and houseless. About the only thing I had left was my kids and my dog. I searched in vain for an apartment that would allow me to keep my OES and was unable to find anyone who would even consider it. I ended up living in a 1000 sq foot mobile home in a Mobile Home park that didn't allow dogs to be walked or to be tied outside. Tasker and I lived there for 7 years. Every time we went for a walk I had to load him in a car and drive to the local school or park. To potty him I could take him out on a leash as long as we stayed on my own lot. It was far from the ideal situation and not one I would have chosen (I'd a gotten a chiuhahah had I know where I was headed ). We went on lots of road trips, found alternative places to walk and Tasker has grown into a very calm well mannered WONDERFUL member of my family. There were certainly times when that little mobile home was just a rockin from his energy and zip but with patience and love we managed.
The happy ending is that last year I was once again able to move to a house in the country and Tasker has 2 acres to roam and run on. Cramped quarters with a big energetic dog is not an ideal situation, it can be done. But make sure you have the time to get your pup out of the house to places he can play and run AND the patience to put up with the spurts of enery (I call them Tasker's POWER SURGES) that can occur in close quarters. |
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