Top 7 Tips for Apartment Living with a Dog

If you live in an apartment and are thinking of bringing a furry friend into your life, you might be concerned about what apartment living with a dog will be like, especially if you live in a hectic New York-like city. You will also want to know how to make your home into a pet-friendly apartment.

At AcmeCanine, we are here to reveal that the transition is challenging but not impossible. Here’s everything you need to know.

7 Tips for Apartment Living With a Dog

1. Choose the Right Breed and Size

The first consideration can be made from the comfort of home. Look around you and ask yourself whether the size of your apartment can jive with the dog breed. If it’s a Saint Bernard and you live in a small apartment, it’s worth rethinking the plan. Instead, look for breeds well-suited to apartment living, such as Yorkshire Terriers, Boston Terriers, and Shih Tzus, all of which fall into the small dog category.

2. Set Up a Designated Space

Once this is sorted, create a designated space for your incoming dog! You can build a safe space with a crate or doggy corner fit to purpose with a dog bed, treats, toys, water, and food dishes. This is particularly important if you are getting a puppy, as they will need training, to be given routines, and to have a safe space for soothing and downtime (yes, dogs need it too) is essential for their development.

3. Establish a Routine

You must schedule a routine for your dog’s feeding, exercise, and bathroom breaks. The latter can be a challenge in a high-rise apartment setting. Elevating down to the ground floor every time can quickly become a pain. For that, you can consider puppy pads or indoor potties as training. In terms of exercise, make sure that you stay on top of it. If you need to, take your dog out early before work, or hire a dog walker.

4. Keep Your Dog Active

Dogs need regular exercise. Whether that’s a daily walk to a dog park, a run, or that plus mental stimulation with playtime, exercise is vital for their adjustment. So take your dog on routine trips to the park and play indoor games with them at other times. You should give your dog plenty of toys to stay mentally active and entertained.

5. Be Considerate of Your Neighbors

If your dog isn’t trained in good behavior and manners, they might develop habits that a non-dog lover wouldn’t like, such as barking excessively or jumping on others. It’s essential to avoid this, as an unruly dog can lead to other apartment issues like neighbor complaints and general unpleasantness. Also, remember to keep them on the leash if necessary and to clean up after your pet. Neighbors won’t take kindly to pet waste!

6. Address Noise and Odor Concerns

An apartment dog is likely to cause odors through pet waste at one point or another, even if exercised regularly. It’s the nature of living in a small space. To combat this, use an odor-absorbing litter. For noise, consider purchasing a white noise machine. These drown out industrial noises and can even calm your dog from anxiety, preventing them from barking incessantly.

7. Plan for Emergencies

It’s less likely that you will experience an emergency like a natural disaster or an accident, but it’s still good to be organized just in case! A plan is better than no plan, and when it comes to dogs, it’s good to keep an emergency kit and important documents and medications on hand. If your pet has a particular health issue, this is more likely, so be mindful of the potential of this.

Conclusion

As an apartment dweller, bringing any pet into your life can bring new challenges. But if you can address them as laid out above, you can raise a happy, healthy apartment dog in no time. Just remember to reassess the situation continually.

Ask yourself if your pet is doing well in your apartment complex and whether they are getting the necessary exercise. Moreover, have they had the proper dog training to prepare them for apartment life? This, plus a safe space, will give your new dog the best apartment life they can ask for.

If you need more tips and tricks (see what we did there) on pet care, check in with our previous content and learn about the best ways to care for your dog!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a dog-friendly apartment?

Many landlords will allow apartment living with a dog; you just have to filter them out when searching for a property. If you have to make a case for you and your pet, make it strong.

Can I leave my dog alone in the apartment?

You can, but adult dogs shouldn’t be left alone longer than four hours at a time. For more information on this, check out our previous article, all about home-alone doggos!

How do I socialize my dog in an apartment setting?

Build a safe space for them with a bed, toys, water, and potentially bathroom facilities. You can even hire a dog walker to walk your dog or ask a family member or friend to do it for you. In some cases, dog lovers can put their pets into the care of doggy daycare centers.

What are some common challenges of apartment living with a dog?

Lack of sufficient exercise and a lack of suitable areas for playtime are the most common challenges of apartment living with a dog. They can lead to your dog getting restless and barking a lot, which can disturb your neighbors and cause additional living issues for dog owners.