Korean Job Discussion Forums

John Henry · Joined: 24 Sep 2004

Hi,

Wasn't sure where to put this, so I just shoved t in here.

I saw a thread in another forum, and it got me thinking. Is it feasable to keep a dog in an apartment? If you can do it in an apartment, can you do it in a dorm sized place? I've always had a dog growing up, and always lived in a house. This last year, I've been in a pretty big apartment, and I can't really see keeping a dog in one. I'd imagine it's worse living in a cracker box style place.

One of my neighbors has like five itty bitty chihuahua style dogs. Every night he lets them run around the courtyard area. So, I guess it is done.

So I'd like to have a dog again someday, but is keeping it in an apartment as bad of an idea as I think it is? What are your opinions/experiences with this?

Thanks.

periwinkle · Joined: 08 Feb 2003

I actually had 4 dogs (ranging from medium sized to toy sized- I ahve a tendency to rescue stray) in a 17 pyoung officetel. They were fine, because I gave them a 20 min. walk everyday. Anyway, I now have 2 dogs, and I'm in a bigger apt., but I can't walk them so easily (I'm not allowed to have dogs, but the mgmnt made an exception for me. Anyway, I don't want to parade them around the apt. complex when it's a rule not to keep dogs, so I just take them out occasionally after dark, and I go outside the apt. complex). I think it depends on the breed. I have a Shar- Pei and a Maltese, and they are both breeds that live comfotably in an apt., without a yard. The only problem I've had is that the walls/floors are really thin, so my neighbors can hear their nails clicking on the floor. They've also complained because they can hear the dogs racing around the apt. after a bath, so I've had to stop that behavior. Also, I live in a remote area, and as a single woman, I'm more comfortable having them around. Good luck!

periwinkle · Joined: 08 Feb 2003

Sorry about the typos- I was being distracted by my co-worker. Guess I shouldn't be posting at work. hahahahaha.

riverboy · Joined: 03 Jun 2003 Location: Incheon

I have a Shitzu and a Husky in a 22 pyeoung villa. It was a rough time training them, but now(both 8 months old), they are fine. I would like a place where I could let the husky run loose but I'm worried about her taking off in trafic(which has happened twice.

mack the knife · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: standing right behind you...

I live with a wife and beagle in a 26 pyeong apt. As you probably know, beagles are hunting (ergo: outdoor) dogs, and fall under the small-medium size category. He gets 20 or 30 minutes outside each day. If my wife and I do not extend him this courtesy (particularly after being house-bound for more a couple of days or more) he becomes restless and naughty.

The best dogs to have in Korea are toys. Toy poodle, mini-pin, mini-szhnauzer (sp?), etc. It's just a size thing. However, we belong to a "dog circle" which includes golden retrievers, and those dogs seem happy enough, and well-adjusted. The real key to taking care of a dog is time. How much time will it be alone? A few hours a day is fine, but half a day is simply torture, for a lone dog anyway. Another thing you should consider (seriously) is the bathroom factor. If you don't clean up after your dog (quickly), your apt. will soon smell like dog urine.

Good luck.

T-dot · Joined: 16 May 2004 Location: bundang

I live in a 10 pyung apt. with my jindo. She is about 20 kg and 6 months old. The training part was tough, but now its good except the roam about unleashed part.

The first few months were tough, but she has adjusted and ww will be moving to a 26 pyung apt at the end of the month. I walk her 3 times a day for about 40 minutes (at least) each time.

If you have the time to take it out, I say go for it. But, if its gonna be alone at the house for about 15 hours a day; get a cat.

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

My neighbor had 3 yappy dogs in his place and they would bark for a solid hour every time he came home at 2 am drunk. If dogs don't make a noise, hey, whatever floats your boat. But if your dogs are going to bark all day and night, and I was your neighbor, I'd figure out a way to poison your dogs.

Also if you get a dog here, plan on taking it home. Seems too many people can't live without a pet here and then have the animal put down because they leave moving home to the last minute and don't do the nasty bit of paper work.

casey's moon · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: Daejeon

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

Bad Idea

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

We had a yorkie and he did fine.

Now we have a baby and a cat. Luckily, neither make a lot of noise.. yeah, my angel baby hardly ever cries!! Very Happy

pet lover · Joined: 02 Jan 2004 Location: not in Seoul

I live in a two-room place with two dogs. Both are of a toy breed. Both are quiet unless the neighbors come home noisily...then they bark to alert me. I do make them get quiet again, but I LIKE that they bark at inappropriate outside noise. (They'll ignore the screaming kids playing at the park across the street.) It makes me feel safe and I know that no one could ever break in while I am here. They don't get much outside time during the week because I just don't have the time. We take long walks on the weekends. They have each other for company, to play with, and to annoy. The reason I have two is because I didn't want my first one to be alone at home all day long while I am at work.

I HAVE lived in a one-room with a dog. It's doable depending on the dog. I wouldn't do it with a large dog or a very active dog.

I think that if you want to live in an apartment with a dog, the most important thing is to teach it to be quiet on command and not to bark while you are out. I've lived here for two months and have only run into a couple of neighbors. They all expressed shock that I have dogs. No one had a clue until they actually saw them.

hojucandy · Joined: 03 Feb 2003 Location: In a better place

i actually agree with real reality.... i love dogs but never let them in my house. all my dogs have ben outdoor animals and that is difficult in korea unless yu live on a farm or something.

i hate the smell of a house where there is a dog living. the owners never seem to notice it... but i find it really stinks!

it seems a lot of yu are happily keeping dogs in apartments so i will butt out... just two more things -

low hair-shedding breeds like poodles are the best if yu suffer from allergies (as i do)

small dogs are prone to neurosis... yu will need to look after your dogs mental health well. cats are better in this respect - they are not so dependant on their owner.

snakes are best! Laughing

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

Sometimes, the dogs are too noisy. Several times my nieghbors and I have been bothered by dogs that live on another floor in the building.

There often is not enough space.

What is the population density in Korea?

riverboy · Joined: 03 Jun 2003 Location: Incheon

RR just made two consecutive posts without links to another website to back up his opinion!!!!!!!!!!! I think this day should be remembered by the board members.

On another note, the swear filters actually deleted the other breed of dog I have. Can anyone guess which breed that may be?

One more thing directed to Mack the KNife. 22 pyong, brother in law, wife (pregnant I might add)and two dogs. I got you all beat.

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

Im in the middle of house-training a miniature schnauzer. Not an easy job when you have to leave it alone for 7 hours per day. It's doing it's poop everywhere!!!

I think after the house training a toy dog is easy to keep but a bigger dog would be very restless.

Unless you have a yard, as small as possible is the key.