Indoors dog?

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I put my old, sick dog down a week ago today.

Here's a really stupid but most sincere question: is there such a thing as an "inside dog" - a dog that doesn't need walks? My health doesn't permit walks (although I paid for somebody to do them) - but I was wondering about a toy poodle? My last dog was a mini-poodle. I'm not allergic to poodles.

But then, maybe it's got more to do with nature than size. Maybe a dog needs to socialize a lot, even if he's got lots of room at home.

I'm desperate - can anybody take this question seriously and give me your thoughts?

Thank you!

I thought all dogs needed some fresh air and exercise to be healthy. Could you arrange for a daily dog walker if you got another dog? Possibly a reliable kid / young relative who'd take the dog out each day for a modest sum?

I've heard of some NYC apartment dwellers having very tiny breeds who are exclusively indoors -- but I'm talking teacup Yorkies and other extremely little specialist breeds, who would be like trying to walk a guinea pig anyway.

I also hear that dogs, being intrinsically social animals, have a need to interact with other dogs and humans and the world in general, so that the daily walks aren't just for peeing and pooping, but to allow them their social outlet, and the experience of "pack walking" even if the "pack" is only you and the dog. They seem to need the literal "walk" with their pack leader, psychologically.

A cat, on the other hand, has little interest in social stuff and can exist entirely indoors under the right conditions and with the right cat (not all of them, of course, before anyone gets all over that...)

I would think if you go for a very, very small breed, you might be okay. Search around online for this -- there may be people with experience of having a house dog the same way as a house cat.

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Plan "B" :

Good one!

My 5 pound chihuahua doesn't get walks. She uses pee pads in the house when we aren't home and then goes in our fenced backyard when we are home to go potty. She doesn't like walks, she prefers wandering and sunbathing in the backyard and then once in a while does a big sprint back to the back door to come inside. She's 7 years old, which adds to her laziness. I also have an old blind pug and she's extremely lazy and doesn't understand walks at all. She's like my chihuahua who prefers sunbathing. We keep them on a diet formula food for seniors to help maintain their weight since they aren't active. My other senior chihuahua isn't that active but once or twice a day he loves playing fetch with a squeaky toy in the house.

So id recommend adopting a small dog that's a senior in age because they're lazier and have already been socialized by a past family most likely. Chihuahua, yorkie, pug, Maltese, havanese, bichon, etc. are good breeds. Make sure to have pee pads, a couple squeaky toys, and a good quality food for inactive dogs, and you'll be set!

As far as socialization goes, if you pick the right breed, I don't think its a problem (for the dog). Certain mini dog breeds are more 'one-person' dogs naturally. Chihuahuas come to mind, and they do not need socialization with other dogs unless you wish them to be social with other dogs. Mine instinctively are very suspicious if not antagonistic of any other animal period, from Beetles to Bears. Probably a result of being the smallest breed and having to have a tough demeanor to survive.

Exercise, like walks, is not totally required in some small breeds, though is of course better for them. You can give a small dog some exercise inside. Possible options are playing fetch, or chasing them playfully when they have a toy. They do pick up on games you invent, but you have to be opportunistic and take advantage of what their preferences are. For instance, they may not chase a ball or expensive dog-toy, but will chase a balled up sock or hair bob. Another game they love is chasing my hand under a blanket. I use these techniques during the coldest parts of the winter, when the severe temps and deep snow makes outside exercise impossible. One key, I believe to this approach is regularity. You should make and stick to having 1-2 planned play times a day, just like walks.

If you can't let them out to eliminate, you will have to deal with inside messes and this can be a mess and require continual cleanings. Pee pads and such are available and may work, but be prepared for them choosing favorite sections of carpet. Some small breeds are very difficult to housebreak and individual dogs can be impossible. We have two like that, and one we took specifically as a rescue because many owners will not take a dog that can't be housebroken. Ultimately I had to put in hard laminate flooring and use disposable small sections of carpet with pee pads, and I still have to do daily cleaning of solid waste.

I think doing a lot of internet research and reading is your best bet and will help you decide if it is feasible for you and tell you which breeds or mixes are the best bet. The suggestion someone made about getting an older rescue dog is very good I think. The older the dog the more content they may be with a sedentary lifestyle. Again breed choice is important as certain breeds stay active longer. The average life-span is also an important consideration. Generally the smaller ones live longer. Chihuahuas typically live to be 12-14. Don't discount mixes. Just think of them as blendings of the separate breeds and you won't be far off.

Someone also mentioned cats, and they are very adaptable to living indoors entirely and almost always use litter boxes exclusively. The shelters also have many very sweet cats needing homes.

Yep, there are also some cats who are "dog cats" in the sense that they have some of the best traits of dogs, seriously! I had a cat who came when I whistled, understood word-commands I taught him just like you teach a dog; followed me around, ran to greet me when I came home from work every day, and was very "tuned into me" like a dog is, making eye contact and gauging my mood. It all sounds ridiculous and unlikely but he really was like having an affectionate and devoted dog around the place. The litterbox thing is also so convenient - most cats instinctively use it from kittenhood, so messing is never a problem.

I love dogs too though, and would have one if I had a more suitable lifestyle for one.

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