A new canine family member is a great joy but, at the same time, a considerable responsibility. When deciding on a dog, we often wonder if we can provide him with the right conditions for a happy life. Many of the concerns that arise relate to where we live. Contrary to all opinions, it is not obvious that a dog will be less happy in an apartment than in a house with a garden.
To explain this issue, we must present a few critical aspects that dog owners often forget.
A dog in a house with a garden
A dog living in a house with a garden can spend all day outdoors if it wants to. It gives him a feeling of freedom and comfort. The dog feels that the garden is his territory. There, he can have unlimited fun or relax and laze around. A garden is a place where the dog feels very safe and secure.
A home garden will not replace a dog walk
However, it would help if you remembered that running in the garden would not replace daily walks for the dog. Unfortunately, many owners forget about it, claiming that the dog has at its disposal an area where it can use his energy and settle his needs. Nothing could be more wrong. After some time, a garden area is well-known by the pet, constantly needing to discover new, unknown stimuli.
Dogs, during walks, get to know new, previously unknown smells and places. That is extremely important to them. By giving up walks, we deprive the pet of this opportunity.
In addition, it is worth remembering that joint walks strengthen the bond between the owner and the dog. We should not give it up. A dog raised at home needs as much attention and spending time together as a pet living in an apartment block. Just remember that a dog who spends all day outside often feels lonely. Then even the most extensive garden will not replace the owner’s attention and interest, which are extremely important to him. That usually means that dogs raised mainly outdoors become less socialized than those living in an apartment.
It is worth noting that a dog, in addition to a large, beautiful garden, also needs interest and care from the household members to be fully happy.
A dog in a cosy apartment
A common opinion about raising a dog in a block of flats is that the apartment is too small for a pet. That mainly applies to larger dogs. However, there is a generally accepted belief that a dog will always be happier in a house with a garden.
Let’s note, however, that our pets are more active and willing to play together outside. Whether they walk in the forest or their garden doesn’t matter. Playing outdoors is one of the dog’s favourite pastimes. In turn, the interiors allow dogs to rest and relax. Usually, even in a huge house, they have one favourite spot where they spend most of their time. A comfortable bed in a favourite corner of the room will be just as enjoyable, regardless of the size of the whole house.
If the dog is well-groomed, has a sense of security and care from the owners and has as much outdoor activity as he needs, he will feel delighted. Whether he lives in a huge house or a cosy flat does not matter much.
For a dog, the most important thing is the attention of the owner
Whether we raise a dog in a house with a garden or an apartment depends only on us. In both cases, the dog can be just as happy. It all depends on whether we give him as much attention as he needs and give him love and proper care. All this makes the dog feel safe and sound in the place where he lives. Even the most significant house with a garden will not replace the longed-for closeness with the owner.
