subject: Do Dogs Need A Backyard? [print this page] Being a pet owner can be a very rewarding situation. Dogs can give companionship when you're feeling lonely, comfort when you're feeling low and love whenever you need it. In return for their affections, however, they do require some basic maintenance from you. As a dog owner, you have to be able to provide food and water, shelter, exercise and of course, love. Some might insist that a backyard is necessary for having a dog so that he can run around, relieve himself and play without having to leave home. Is this really true? Does being a dog owner mean that you need to have a yard?
To answer this question, we have to look at the variables of your situation.
What sort of dog do you have? Is your dog old or young? Is he big or small? Does he have lots of energy?
Some breeds are higher energy than others, so if you are wanting a high energy dog, you may want to keep in mind your living situation. Many people keep small dogs in apartments that have no yard. If you are without a yard, you may want to consider adopting a smaller dog instead of a big breed. Bigger breeds need more room to run around and play and therefore can make better use of a yard. Older dogs have lower energy levels, less of a desire to run and play, so they would be less likely to require a yard. However, if you are considering adopting a young puppy, you may want to take whether or not you have a backyard into consideration.
Another thing you have to keep in mind when deciding whether or not your dog is happy without a backyard is your commitment level to your dog. Keeping a dog without a backyard is certainly possible, but requires much more time, effort and maintenance. When you have a backyard, you have the chance to let your dog out to use the restroom when he may need to. Without a yard, you have to stop and walk your dog whenever you feel he may need to potty. Also, a yard offers a place for your dog to run around and play, a place where you can throw his ball or frisbee, without this close by, you'll have to take your dog somewhere he can run around (i.e. a dog park) before you can exercise him.
Do you work long hours? Do you have the time and energy to devote to doing more than just opening the back door? If you do, then having a medium or large dog or puppy in a space without a yard may just work out. If you can take the time out of your lifestyle to walk and exercise your animal in a place away from the home, then there shouldn't be a problem with having no yard. Plenty of people keep their animals in apartments where there are no yards. In fact, there are cities where it is unrealistic to find real estate with a yard, but there are still plenty of dog owners in those homes. These pet owners, however, have to simply keep in mind that their dog is a priority in their life not to be ignored and take the appropriate time out to take care of their needs.
So, to answer the question, "Does your dog need a yard to be happy?" it depends. It depends on your actions and commitment to your dog's health and happiness.
