Find The Best Dogs For Apartments Or Make Your Dog An Apartment Dog: Part 2

We discussed in Part 1 of this article which are the best apartment dogs, but many of you already have dogs and you have found yourself in a situation causing you to move to an apartment. Or, you may already live in an apartment and you just want to make your dog's life there better. All dogs can be apartment dogs. Here are a few simple steps to follow to make your dog an apartment dog.


Exercise

The number one way to ensure your dog is living his life to its fullest is by providing him with enough exercise. This is especially important in apartment living. Usually your dog will not have as much access to the outdoors as he would if he lived in a house. Also, there will most likely be considerably less space for him to roam around indoors. Dogs with pent up energy will cause more problems than those that are sufficiently tired out. You will make your life and your dog's much easier by simply taking him for daily walks or jogs. Take a trip to the dog park once a week if you can. Let him run on the grass and socialize with other dogs. It's extremely important that your dog gets fresh air and sunshine. He should not spend all his "outdoor" time confined to temperature controlled corridors and stairwells.

Meet The Neighbors

Apartment dogs are often only pets. Most apartments do not allow for more than one dog. This is unfortunate since dogs are highly social and love to have a pal to spend the day with. But, if you find yourself living in an apartment you may need to put your dreams of having a second dog on hold. Still, there are ways for your dog to make friends. Get to know your neighbors. Look for other people with dogs. Usually an apartment that allows dogs will have a substantial amount of dogs present. Perhaps you could arrange a play date with one of the neighbor dogs. You may even find someone else who has a lonely dog that stays home alone all day. You could take turns letting your dogs stay together for company. Just be sure your dog's new friend is house trained too. You may also find in a neighbor someone to look after your dog when you're running late getting home; if you return the favor of course.  Getting to know the neighbors' dogs has added benefits. By being aware of which dogs live where you also know who to be careful of. Some dogs are not friendly and you can take note of that when you take your dog out to potty. It's easier to avoid potential fights and danger if you know where the threatening dogs live.


Entertainment

Make sure your dog has plenty of toys and bones to occupy his time during the day. Without a dog door leading to a yard full of entertainment your dog is sure to turn elsewhere. So, if you don't want him chewing on the couch or trying to rearrange the apartment it's best to provide a few chew toys for enjoyment.

Enforce Rules 

In an apartment setting it is even more important  to enforce the rules of the home. It is easy to become relaxed sometimes and not worry so much about the scratch marks on the door or the stinky dog odor, but you will want to be a bit more strict about these things when living in an apartment. If you do not want to have a hefty chunk of your deposit deducted for cleaning and repairs it is best to solve the problems before they start. Make sure your dog knows that the apartment is not his to destroy. Barking is a habit that needs to be stopped immediately. In an apartment situation neighbors are quick to complain and you will find yourself with a notice to vacate or get rid of your dog in no time. As always, training and positive reinforcement are key.


Our dogs love us and they will live just about anywhere. This is evident by the vast number of dogs who take to living on the streets with their homeless owners. Just be sure to give your dog the proper care and discipline he needs and he should have no trouble adjusting to being an apartment dog.