Never believe anyone who says a dog isn’t ideal for apartment living or has a lot of energy. If you take good care of your dog, he will fall asleep in front of—or on—your couch every night. Keeping a dog in an apartment requires a little more thought and creativity.
Having a dog as a pet is a wonderful experience. In addition to being excellent companions, they can also be quite entertaining. If you’ve always wanted a dog but thought your apartment wasn’t the ideal place for one, consider getting a small breed. If you choose the proper dog and commit to making it work, you and your dog can live together peacefully. It is possible to maintain a healthy living environment for you and your dog in your apartment by following a few simple guidelines.
Extend your dog’s exercise time
Whether you live in a one-bedroom or three-bedroom apartment, your pup won’t have much room to run. Every day walks, fetch games, and trips to dog parks or other enclosed areas where he can run off-leash are essential. Aim for daily off-leash exercise.
Take into consideration your breed
It may surprise you to learn that some breeds do better in smaller environments — and that size is not necessarily a good predictor. However, many low-energy large breeds, such as Saint Bernards and Great Danes, may thrive in confined spaces, whereas certain high-energy or boisterous little dogs, such as terriers and toy types, and beagles, may struggle in such confinement.
If you haven’t yet acquired a dog, conduct some research on breeds to determine which ones flourish in small flats. Bear in mind that any dog may have a lower or higher energy level than is considered usual for its breed, and high-energy dogs are more prone to being disruptive when left unsupervised.
Establish a routine
Dogs thrive on routine, which is especially true if they cannot go outside to relieve themselves whenever they need to. Try to take your dog for a walk every morning and evening so that it becomes used to knowing when to anticipate it.
Create a safe refuge for your pet
Your dog will rapidly become bored without a large yard to romp in. Provide him with a play basket full of chews, bones, ropes, and incentive dispensers. The more tasks he has to do, the less likely you will return home to a broken wooden chair or a damaged carpet.
With a canine roommate, it’s time to maximize your home’s space for both of you. Keep as much furniture against the wall as possible, and leave pathways between rooms open. Squeeze his bed into tight spaces to keep it from taking up space but leave enough room for him to lay comfortably.
Place its food in your room or a low-traffic area like a sunroom. The noise from your washer and dryer may be too loud for your pet in small laundry rooms. Intimidation when eating or drinking might result in violent or anxious reactions.
Set boundaries
Put limits in place. Dogs like structure. A good dog owner will tell the dog what the rules are. This can help greatly if you live with others in a small space.
Choose if your dog can sit on the furniture or not. This is a personal choice, but you need to get it right when you move the dog into the apartment.
Make it clear that the dog can’t sit on the furniture if that’s the case. Use clear commands and signals to get him off the couch.
Train your dog to go to the bathroom outside. Even if the dog already knows where the bathroom is, moving to an apartment can be a change.
Make sure your dog knows that when you go for walks is the time to pee and poop. Talk to your vet if your dog is having trouble making the change.
Prioritize training
Remember your neighbors. Remember that many individuals are sharing the place. A noisy dog is not welcome in a small shared flat. If your dog barks, talk to your vet about behavioral training.
Depending on the location, some apartments can be noisy. It may take your dog some time to adjust to the new sounds and surroundings. Introduce these changes carefully, safely, and quietly. Consider crate training your buddy, especially if he is a loud or aggressive breed. Having a safe place to hide while you’re gone can help him relax.
Getting a dog adequately trained is essential to your and his sanity. You’ll be happier if he follows simple instructions and knows the house rules.
Return home and open the blinds
Giving your dog a perspective and letting him see what’s going on outside will keep him from getting bored in his little space.
Deal with separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is one of the main problems with having a dog in an apartment. When this happens, dogs don’t do well when you leave for work or a social event and leave them behind. If you live in an apartment, this can be a big problem because it might bother your neighbors.
When someone has separation anxiety, they often bark and howl. Sadly, you might not know this is going on until your neighbors start to complain.
Try to show your dog that even when you’re not there, good things can still happen. For example, you could give him a puzzle toy filled with healthy food, like low-fat peanut butter. These can be done in 20–30 minutes.
Ask your dog’s trainer to help you figure out what to do. He can help you teach your dog to be okay when you leave.
Visit your vet. You want to make sure that your dog doesn’t have a health problem that you don’t know about.
Schedule regular visits to the veterinarian
The majority of residential complexes include a communal outdoor area. If other humans and animals use shared spaces, your dog’s vaccines and parasite preventatives should be current. Additionally, you should have proof of recent immunizations on hand if your dog is ever accused of biting someone.
RELATED QUESTION
Is it okay to leave my dog alone for a period of 12 hours?
It is not recommended that you leave your dog alone at home for more than 12 hours, except in extreme situations. In addition to being unable to comfortably retain its bladder for such a long period of time, a regular dog will demand substantially more stimulation than can be provided by being left alone at home.
