They can definitely be a lot of work, a lot depends on the breed and its important to try to get something that fits your lifestyle if possible. My dog is
high energy and needs exercise which is tough living in this area for about 4 months or so. It's a whole production trying to get a coat on the dog and
everything. He is not made for the winter. Other anxiety issues have been tough to deal with but I am able to come home for lunch to let him out and
give him some attention during the day. My dog can't go to daycare but if you can do it and afford it, that is a great option even a few days a week.

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Flew too close to the sun on wings of pastrami

My oldest will be home soon with his 1.5 yr old Rottweiler. Not quite enough room for her to run around here, so every other day he'll have to take her to my parents 1/4 acre fenced yard where she can run for 20 minutes or more. Then she'll come back here and flop on my spot on the couch and sleep.

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There are only two examples of infinity: The universe and human stupidity and I'm not sure about the universe.

For sure, I recently started a job in the city which prevents my wife or me letting her out during lunch. Before the new job I would split the week between daycare and dropping her off at my parent's house (and using my lunch hour to let her out). She could hold it for 8 hours if we left her in the apartment but like your pup she needs to play. She is very social and loves to wrestle with other dogs.

The winter definitely sucks. My parent's house is great since they have a decent fenced in backyard where she entertains herself by sniffing around and stalking squirrels and rabbits. Just let her out to do her business. But at the apartment ya gotta bundle up, trudge down 2 flights of stairs and she sniffs around the courtyard before doing whatever. One positive where I am is a dog park and Montrose dog beach is just a 25-30 minute walk or 5 minute drive. The dog beach is her absolute favorite place in the world.

Getting them out just for some short walks for sniffs is a great thing. The dog interaction is great if they can do it. Like TBone, our raggle is terribly dog agressive. At 27lbs, she wouldn't stand a chance against any dog bigger than her. Friendly has hell though and loves our son, so thats good. I just make sure I get her out on walks as much as I can and I never take the same route on back to back days. The mental exercise she gets from the walks tires her out just as much as romping around the yard.

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Permission granted.

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Missed this.

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smells like updog in here

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Who's ready to party?

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I don't remember half the time if I'm hiding or I'm lost

We have a great dog. she's pretty much perfect. When she dies she will not be replaced unless we still have a bunch of other animals on our property.