Is it easy owning a dog in an apartment? Believe it or not, it is. However, to make life easier for both you and your furry friend, you’ll want to consider a few factors before adopting a dog if you live in an apartment.
Owning A Dog In An Apartment
Some people say that you shouldn’t get a dog if you live in an apartment. Instead, you’re better off getting a cat or a small animal such as a guinea pig or a fish tank.
This is because apartments are smaller, and it’s best to have a quieter animal for your neighbors. But unfortunately, dogs can be loud, and they also require a lot of physical activity.
However, owning a dog in an apartment doesn’t have to be hard. If you research the dog breed and prepare your home for a dog, then they can live comfortably in the apartment with you.
Choose A Pet-Friendly Apartment And Neighborhood
First, whether you already have a dog or not, you’ll want to ensure that your apartment allows pets. If they do, make sure that there’s ample space for your dog and that the neighbors won’t mind.
For example, do your neighbors have dogs too? Is there enough outdoor space for your dog to wander around with their leash on?
In some cases, apartments will have indoor areas for the dogs to go to the bathroom or hang out with the other dogs, similar to an indoor dog park.
Keep Your Apartment Clean And Give Your Pup Its Own Space
Whether you have a one-bedroom apartment or a three-bedroom apartment, you’ll want to make sure that you and your furry friend can be comfortable.
Always make sure that your apartment is clean. Otherwise, your doggo might have a hard time navigating the space, depending on how big or small it is.
Also, you can give your dog its own space in the apartment. For example, it could be a spot in your bedroom or a living room. Then, your dog will always know where to go if they need to rest, relax, or have some space.
Properly Train Your Dog
No matter where you live, you should always properly train your doggo. However, apartments can be tricky.
If you own a house, you can let your dog wander anywhere, and if they have an accident, it’s no big deal. You can pick it up and clean the floor.
In an apartment, you don’t want your dog to ruin anything that doesn’t belong to you. So they can go on the couch, if you want and if it’s yours. Otherwise, you need to ensure your dog doesn’t make a mess of the apartment.
For example, if you have a carpet in the apartment, some dogs might dig it up. As a result, they could tear up the carpet, and you’ll need to pay for it. On the other hand, if they have too many accidents, the floor may smell or get stained.
Research The Dog Breed You Have
You can prepare your apartment for a dog as much as you want. However, you also need to ensure that your dog is suitable for apartment living.
For example, large dog breeds such as a Great Dane or a Mastiff won’t do well in an apartment. This is because they’re too big and may have a hard time navigating the space.
Toy and small dog breeds are best for apartments, such as Chihuahuas. However, they may bark a lot. This is another reason why it’s essential to train your dog properly. You don’t want them howling in the night, waking the neighbors.
On the other hand, medium-sized dogs can live well in an apartment, depending on their personality and physical activity needs.
For instance, Beagles are medium dogs, but they’re highly energetic. So if they get the zoomies in a cramped apartment, you can bet that some furniture will get knocked over.
Overall, make sure that you find a dog breed that’s an appropriate size and temperament for living in an apartment.
If you have an energetic dog, be sure to bring them to the dog park or doggy daycare often enough to tire them out. You can also take them for long walks if you’re home.
Is It Hard Owning A Dog In An Apartment?
As long as you prepare yourself, the dog, and the apartment, then you can easily own a pup in the apartment. It might be cramped at first, but your dog can be comfortable in an apartment with the right tools and proper training.
