If you live in an apartment and are a dog lover, you may wonder whether owning an apartment dog is a good idea. You may hesitate about getting a four-legged friend because you are concentrating on the potential downsides, including:
- You live on the 7th floor and don’t have access to a backyard.
- You have neighbors who won’t be happy if your dog whines from separation anxiety while you’re not there.
- You worry that a mischievous pup might cause the loss of your security deposit because of doggy damage.
However, these situations are avoidable if you know how. Here are some tips to follow so you can happily own an apartment dog.
Doggy-Proof Your Apartment
Take steps to keep both your dog and apartment safe. For instance:
- Keep your trash can in a closed cabinet with a safety latch.
- Tie up any long curtain or blind cords so your pooch can’t get tangled up in them.
- Keep electrical cords out of the way of a chewing pup.
- Keep anything breakable, or that could create a mess, out of your dog’s reach.
Don’t Neglect Training
Training your new canine friend is important wherever you live, but it’s essential in an apartment building because you live with people all around you. So, you must devote sufficient time to potty training and teaching your apartment dog simple commands like sit, stay, and come. Training your dog to be comfortable in a crate for when you have friends over or workmen in your apartment is also a good idea. Here are some more tips:
- If you have an apartment with a balcony or patio, consider training your dog to use an outdoor potty pad.
- Show respect to your neighbors and any noise ordinances by doing your best to discourage your dog from indulging in excessive barking.
- If you’re struggling with training, think about working with a professional trainer.
Establish a Schedule
Dogs like routine, so set up a suitable schedule. Begin the day with a brisk walk and some play so your pup is more likely to rest after you leave for work. A schedule can also work to train your dog’s bladder to take bathroom breaks at times that are more convenient for you. Here are some more helpful hints:
- Consider hiring a dog walking service so that your dog gets the right amount of exercise when you’re not around.
- Being organized will help you stick to a schedule, help your life run more smoothly, and keep you calm. When you are calm, your dog will be too.
- Organize your dog’s items like leashes, brushes, food, and toys in a way that fits in with your lifestyle so that tasks like leashing, feeding, and grooming are easy to do.
Should You Get an Apartment Dog?
Apartment living might not be a good fit for a dog breed that needs a lot of exercise, especially if you don’t live an active lifestyle. However, owning an apartment dog can be a wonderful experience as long as you go about it in the right way.
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