Are you keeping a dog in an apartment? It won’t be easy, but these tips will help you both be happy!
Living in a (small) apartment is the life of many Americans, and that doesn’t mean it has to limit you to doing certain things, like owning a pet, for example. But if you’re going to be a first-time dog owner, you have to consider a few things before making this big step.
First, you may need to make some adjustments to the apartment and think about outdoor access. Second, maybe you’re not happy with the place you’re living in right now, and you’re thinking about moving into an apartment with your current pet. You might be wondering how to make them feel comfortable and at home because animals take changes harder than us, humans.
In the following lines, we will give you some tips for keeping a dog in an apartment happy and healthy. Let’s begin!
Renting the apartment? Check the terms and conditions firsthand!
You’re moving into a new place, but renting is the best option for you at the moment. No problem! But you have to check the terms and conditions of the owner if you’re thinking about keeping a dog with you.
Regardless of what is specified in your lease or agreement, it’s a good idea to discuss what is and isn’t allowed with your landlord (for tenants) or management company (for private owners). It’s still worthwhile to ask even if your lease or contract specifies that you are not permitted to have a dog in the apartment. Who knows? Maybe you’re nice enough to make them change their mind.
Some freeholders or landlords might agree to change the terms of the contract or lease to let you keep a dog. This could entail additional costs or unique requirements, like your promise to have the house thoroughly cleaned before you leave.
It’s worth talking to your immediate neighbors if you decide to move forward. Assure them that you are a responsible pet owner and outline the measures you are taking to make sure your dog is at home and content. As a way to introduce your loyal friend, you could even give them a copy of your pet’s resume with all the vaccines and other important details about it.
Consider the size of the apartment vs. the size of your dog
If you’re thinking of keeping a dog in an apartment (especially as a first-time owner), it’s crucial to consider the size of the apartment and how much furniture you are planning on buying. Think that your dog also needs a bit of space to move freely without stumbling across chairs or any other piece of furniture. Don’t forget that you’re still in a limited space in which both of you need to feel comfortable!
Since every dog is unique, it’s important to choose the best dog for you and your house. Think about the dog’s medical, training, grooming, and behavioral requirements as well as their energy levels before adopting them.
If you have had a dog for a few years and you intend to move or downsize, it’s crucial to make the dog feel at home in the new location.
Does the apartment have outdoor access?
If you’re keeping a dog in an apartment with limited space, it’s very important to ensure your pooch has a little bit of outdoor access. For example, a balcony. Even though it is significantly smaller than a backyard, it’s still a space in which your dog can connect to nature. If you’re living in a ground-floor apartment, it’s really important to have easy access to the outdoors for both you and your dog. If that’s not an option, try to make sure that you take your dog outside at least twice a day.
P.S. Is this the first time you’re living in an apartment? If you’re living on the top floor, you have two options: elevator or stairs. The elevator sounds better, especially when you’re tired or you’re a senior with mobility issues. However, this experience may be a bit frightening for the dog, especially if they have never entered an elevator before. It’s best to take things slowly and allow them to get accustomed to it first. It will take a bit, so be patient!
Pet-proof your apartment
It’s time to finally move to your new place, so you must make your apartment safe for your dog, just like you would in any other home. Dogs may be particularly at risk in apartments due to high-rise windows and balconies. It might be risky for your dog to get to these.
Keep windows closed or block them off if your dog can get to them and they don’t have a safety feature that lets you lock them slightly open. The same is true of balconies; if yours isn’t totally safe, it might be best to keep your dog off of it or, of course, let them explore only when you’re around.
If your balcony is wide open without any bars or something that can keep your nosy dog out of danger and you’re living in a rented apartment and you can’t make any significant changes, you may also buy a pet fence. Simple to put together, ready to use right away, and appropriate for installation in balconies, stairs, doorways, or bedrooms. Amazon is selling it for $15.99.
Create a routine for your dog and stick to it
Your dog needs various activities to combat boredom, and it’s up to you and its owner to make sure of that. So what do you need to do? First of all, create a routine that’s suitable for both you and your pooch, and try to stick to it as much as possible.
All dogs enjoy having a routine, but as mentioned above, if you’re downsizing and your dog has grown used to going outside into the garden whenever they want, it’s even more important. You can be certain that your loyal friend is getting a healthy mix of training, exercise, and mental stimulation if you establish a daily routine.
Keeping a dog in an apartment can be quite challenging, but with a little bit of effort, it will work out just fine. Just remember these tips, and you will be well on your way to success.
…In the end, be a good neighbor
Keeping a dog in an apartment, especially a noisy one, may cause conflict between neighbors. It’s important to talk to your neighbors as soon as you have permission to get a dog to inform them and reassure them that you will be a trustworthy and considerate pet owner. Here are some more strategies to maintain a positive rapport with the locals:
training your dog, particularly if it is a puppy
always cleaning up after your dog if you let them do their needs around the building
keep them occupied (with toys), particularly if you will be gone for a long time.
prevent your dog from becoming bored
make sure to address any issues regarding your dog that might upset the neighbors from the building.
First-time dog owner? You may be interested in reading: Top 6 Best Kibble Brands for Your Pooch (Recommended by Vets).Â
