Dogs make excellent friends and have a lot of personalities, so being a \”dog owner\” makes sense. When choosing a new dog for an apartment, there are few things to keep in mind, please read through the guide below before making a decision.
Which Dog Breeds Work Well in a Small Space?
Stop Big Dog Breeds And Adhere To Small To Medium-sized Breeds As A General Rule
You should search for a dog that does not need a lot of physical exercises so you do not want to take your dog outdoors every hour by climbing three flights of stairs. You don\’t want a dog that barks a lot because it will annoy your neighbors and could result in you being evicted from your apartment.
Several dog breeds meet these criteria:
- English Bulldogs – English Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs who never get too tall. English bulldogs only need a moderate amount of physical exercise daily, so a daily stroll and even an occasional play session in your apartment will be ideal for this breed. English bulldogs are excellent guard dogs because they do not make excessive noise. English bulldogs are recognized for their loyalty and friendliness.
- Pugs – Since pugs are tiny pets, they will not feel cramped or uneasy in an apartment. Pugs are pretty competitive, but you won\’t crack a sweat keeping up with them due to their limited scale. A pug will be very content with a regular stroll and an adventure in the forest. Pugs even shed very little, so your furniture will be healthy!
- Maltese – The Maltese dog breed is very common, and you\’ve probably seen a lot of them at dog shows. Despite their small size, Maltese dogs need regular grooming due to their long fur. However, another maintenance is minimal: they\’re often referred to as lapdogs, and they only require a very short stroll.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Another famous apartment dog is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are diminutive in size and make very little noise. These dogs are also perfect for playing with kids. A Cavalier only has to be walked once a day, but they can be played with and groomed several days a week.
There are several other dog breeds that will make excellent apartment pets, but these are the most common.
How Should I Prepare My Dog For Life In An Apartment?
While training a dog for apartment life isn\’t all that different from training a dog for any other living environment, there are a few instances where extra reinforcement is recommended.
- Barking – Since each floor of the apartment houses numerous homes, the dog is likely to hear people walking by the door several times a day. This means that the dog would be more likely to bark at strangers. Practice going past the outside of your door with your dog to help him understand that this is a natural part of his life. You should reward your dog with a treat any time he or she is still. When you reward positive behavior, the dog will learn to save his barking only when people pass by.
- Ignoring other dogs – There are almost certainly other dogs staying in other apartments in your house, and you would undoubtedly come across them when walking your dog. It\’s crucial to teach the dog to be polite and quiet while he\’s with other dogs. Introduce the dog to other dogs in an outdoor setting, such as a park, to practice this. Treats should be used to promote positive reinforcement once more. Your dog will gradually understand that being with other dogs of any breed or size is appropriate. It\’s possible that your dog would become friends with the other dogs in your house!
- Potty training – One of the most valuable skills to teach your dog, particularly when they are a puppy, is potty training. When you move into an apartment, you face a few additional challenges. Since your dog won\’t have access to an outside space during the day, you\’ll need to set up a pee pad in a secluded corner for him to use when you\’re at work or training. Treats should be given to your dog any time they go potty in that field. Also, anytime the dog gets to their outdoor potty area before heading to the toilet, give them a treat.
Are There Any Concerns About My Dog\’s Safety in an Apartment?
There aren\’t many safety risks that arise as a result of opting to live in an apartment with a dog, but there are a few things to bear in mind.
- Allergies – Not everybody in your apartment complex would own or want a puppy. Be aware that your dog can cause allergies in other apartment residents. Be sure the dog understands not to approach people. Every happy puppy enjoys playing, but talk with someone before encouraging the dog to greet them. Enable your dog to avoid rubbing up against or touching any communal places in your house, such as lobby chairs, doors, or trim. Your dog should be at ease in your apartment, but he or she must be courteous in all other places.
- Damage to Apartments – Dogs, especially puppies, are naturally curious creatures. Your dog may continue to explore and play with things around the apartment when you\’re at work. Be sure you keep any useful objects out of reach, as well as any breakable items that might harm your puppy. You don\’t want your dog to get injured and be left in agony for hours, but you don\’t want to harm your apartment. Protect your apartment so that you can get your security deposit back after you move out.
This guide should have assisted you in determining what kind of dog you want in your apartment. Check the apartment\’s rules to ensure that having a dog is permitted and that there are no breed limits. And, before purchasing a new dog breed, please visit the nearest adoption centers.
