Hi everyone, I (F22) am going to be moving into my own apartment in the next few months. The thing is, the apartment will have its front door accessible to the outside, like a house. Since I will be living alone, I want to ensure I feel safe. I am open to getting a dog as I love animals. I want a dog that will help me feel safe living alone, while also being tolerant of my cats. I don’t want a dog that would drag me around when I walk it since I am petite. I am interested in getting a Keeshond, but I heard that they are very vocal at times and I don’t want my cats to be freaked out by constant barking. I am stuck as some people have said that their Keeshond is quiet and chill, while others say the complete opposite. I’m aware this trait depends on the dog itself, but how can I know for certain? This will be the first dog I would ever own as I’ve only owned cats my entire life. Preferences: - A dog that will get along with my 2 cats - Is alert when strangers are around - Doesn’t have a high prey drive - Doesn’t bark aimlessly unless a threat is made - Is small/medium sized (I am small myself) - Easy to train - Preferably with medium to long hair. Thanks!
Check with your apartment complex to see if they have any dog restrictions. A specific breed can be helpful when co-existing with a cat, but ultimately it will come down to the personality of the dog. Who you adopt from can help (they usually say ok to live with cats). Have a cat-only section of the apartment separated by a baby gate.
Are you in the US? Most rentals only allow 2 pets. Even if this place allows more, what is your plan if you need to move in the future?
Once you determine you can get a dog, go to a local shelter or rescue and tell them what you just told us. They can usually direct you to dogs that fit your needs. Some other safety tips for females living alone: put only your first initial on any mailboxes or buzzer lists if a name is required. Get a large pair of men’s work boots and dirty them up and leave them outside your door. Get a large dog bowl and/or heavy duty tie out lead/collar so it looks like you have a big dog.
well you can’t know for sure, unless you adopt a dog you actually know personally, say from a friend or relative that needs to rehome. Shelters can give you a guide but how a dog behaves in a shelter is very different in a home. With puppies from a responsible breeder you can ask about the parents, but there will be quite a spread of personalities in a litter.
Head to your local shelter. Rescue dogs are the absolute best!
Apartments have many restrictions regarding dogs. Size and breed will factor in. Most have a two pet limit. If you already have two cats you may not be able to get another pet.
The breed and traits aren’t a guarantee either. I have a Great Pyrenees that hates outside and barks at the wind. Turns out the breeder kept him and his siblings in a barn.