6 Ways to Keep Your Pup Happy and Healthy in a Small Apartment
While any pooch would love a spacious house with a big, fenced in backyard, there should be no stopping pet owners from enjoying apartment living with dogs. A smaller space doesn’t mean your pup can’t live its best life, and for aspiring owners, it definitely should not discourage you from adopting a canine companion.
Your responsibilities as a fur parent don’t change no matter where you live. Whether you live in a small apartment or a big house, one of your most crucial tasks is to provide an enriching and fun environment for your dog. This starts with understanding their unique personality and finding the tools to meet their needs.
Apartment Living with Dogs
If you already have a dog but are downsizing to an apartment or you’re an apartment dweller thinking of adopting a pet, here are some important tips to remember so you and your beloved pooch can thrive in your home.
Get to know your dog and fulfil their needs.
Understanding your dog’s breed and personality is essential when setting up their living space, lifestyle and routine. Familiarise yourself with their energy levels, temperament and likes and dislikes.
Don’t restrict yourself and think only small fur babies belong in apartments—there are big, laidback dogs that can be content with lazing around the home. What’s essential is meeting their needs so they don’t become bored or frustrated, which can lead to unwanted behaviour like excessive barking, digging, or chewing.
Meet their exercise requirements.
Whatever your dog’s size, they still require regular exercise. Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t provide physical activities for your pooch. Take them out on daily walks outside – some dogs already enjoy a leisurely stroll with plenty of sniffs while others enjoy a more active lifestyle, including conquering local trails or playing in nearby parks.
Keep them mentally stimulated.
Apart from exercise, mentally stimulating activities can keep your dog entertained inside your apartment. Puzzle, chew and treat dispensing toys help them become focused and engaged even if you’re not around. You can also make things interactive by playing hidden treasure games, where you hide treats inside your home and encourage your pup to search for the treats. Obedience training is also a great way to release pent up energy. Try to rotate these activities regularly to prevent boredom and keep your dog happy!
Create a special corner for your dog.
Even if you live in an apartment, it’s important to set up a peaceful and comfortable corner your dog can retreat to when they need quiet time. You can place the items they love here, including their favourite blanket, toys and a comfy bed. You can also include a dog toilet like Nature’s Loo Real Grass Dog Toilet so they can do their business indoors in private without the mess.
Desensitise them to noise and sights.
Some dogs might need time to adjust to apartment living, what with the shared spaces and hearing different noises. The various sights and sounds can constantly stimulate your pup, so it’s crucial to desensitise them from their surroundings slowly. You can start by playing gentle music or using a white noise machine to stifle unfamiliar noises, then gradually expose them to the different sounds – door knocks, car honks, talking neighbours, etc.
You can also visit shared spaces in your apartment complex so they can sniff around and get used to the surroundings, and even meet friendly neighbours and fellow dogs! Offer treats whenever you’re visiting unfamiliar places or passing by people so they can build positive associations with these sights and sounds. If things get overwhelming, their quiet corner inside the apartment will allow them to decompress and relax.
Schedule regular potty breaks.
Living with dogs inside an apartment can pose challenges when taking your pup out to potty. You’ll possibly need to conquer elevators or stairs, which can be a hassle in the early mornings or late evenings. For this reason, having a dog toilet inside your home can save you (and your pup) from long trips up and down your apartment complex.
One of the cleanest and most hygienic potty solutions for your fur baby is Nature’s Loo Real Grass Dog Toilet. Because it’s made with real grass, dogs are naturally drawn to the fresh scent and instinctively want to relieve themselves. This makes it perfect for puppies still undergoing their potty training and adult dogs who already have an established bathroom routine. Real grass also absorbs liquids and has odour neutralising properties, which makes this dog toilet easy to maintain – just remove your dog’s solid waste when required, lightly spray 2 to 3 times a week and expose the grass to sunlight for 1 to 2 hours daily.
If your apartment has a safe balcony, you can easily place it in one corner, and your furry friend can have their little outdoor patch! Living grass also remains cool even in the summer, so dogs can safely go potty even during hotter days. The best part is that it’s available on subscription, so you can conveniently have the dog toilets delivered to your door!
Dogs, big or small, can live happily and healthily in an apartment so long as their owners take the proper measures and ensure their needs are met. It’s even an opportunity to make new friends for both you and your dog. This can lead to positive social interactions and might even help pups deal with reactivity and anxiety. With love, patience and care, plus the right tools, apartment living with dogs can be a success!
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