Life is more fun when you have pets, and living in a small apartment shouldn’t stop you from getting a furry friend.
With careful planning and consideration, you can have a dog in a small apartment with no problems.
Any pet requires a commitment from you, a dog in a small apartment is no exception. Maybe even a bit more of a commitment since you will need to take it for walks every day without fail and be considerate of your neighbours when it comes to ensuring your pet is well-behaved and friendly.
If you are able to put in the time and effort, you will have the sweetest, most adorable roommate you could ever ask for.
In this article, we break down 5 five tips to prepare your small apartment and yourself for a pet.
Choose a breed that is suitable for a small space
Preparing your apartment for a pet is a great idea, but first, you must figure out a suitable dog breed for an apartment.
Some things to consider are obvious, like the size of the dog. While some dogs like Great Danes are great for apartment life, your landlord may not be too pleased with a large breed.
With that said, not all small dogs are suitable for apartment living. A dog that is high energy and barks a lot may not be a good fit for your small space. While barking can be corrected through training and a lot of exercises can help to wear out a high-energy dog, you need to be honest with yourself about actually following through on those commitments.
It’s perfectly fine if you decide that several walks a day and training are not something you can fit into your schedule, but it’s better to know that before you set your sights on a specific breed.
Some things to look for in a dog for a small apartment are:
- It is not a nervous breed. You will interact with neighbours, and you don’t want your dog to bite, growl, or bark at them all the time.
- Is easy to leash train. It’s not likely that you are allowed to let your dog off a leash while walking in your apartment building.
- Doesn’t bark excessively.
- Will do well in an elevator with others.
- Doesn’t mind living in a small space.
If you’re unsure about what breeds would suit your lifestyle, reach out to a rescue for some direction or a pet store for some help to learn about different breeds and what they would recommend for someone who lives in a small apartment.
Rearrange the furniture to suit your pet’s needs
If you are bringing a puppy into your home, you may need to move furniture around to make space for it to play and run around. An older dog may not be as active, but if you can set your furniture up in a way that allows for easier movement, that would be ideal.
You will want to get down on your hands and knees to get a look at your apartment from a dog’s perspective. This will allow you to see hazards you may not have noticed. You may notice that there is a small space between your couch and wall that your new pup may get trapped in or that your plants are much more accessible than you had thought.
Something else you will want to consider is giving your new friend a corner or a small space for their bed and toys. This will give your dog its own personal space and its toys somewhere to be when they are not being used.
Have a very good pet training program
Setting up a good training program for your new pet is an excellent way to ensure a happy life for you both. Your new pet may have a problem with excitement urination, dog spot marking, or any other number of undesirable behaviours. Having a reliable training program to help work through any behaviours that may arise and will make the transition for you and your new pet much more successful and enjoyable.
Educating yourself on products like male dog wraps may also be beneficial with a new dog.
Having a well-trained dog will significantly impact how you bond with your dog. You will learn to trust them and enjoy their company instead of always trying to dodge them jumping on you or peeing on your floors.
Maintain a clean and tidy space with the essentials
Maintaining a clean and tidy space when you have pets is important. You don’t want them hurting themselves if you have too much clutter. You also don’t want your apartment to smell if your new pup has a problem with excitement urination or dog spot marking.
You will need to be aware of what you are cleaning your home with. A simple solution of water and vinegar will take care of any smells and is safe for your pet.
There are also many products on the market aimed at pet owners to help eradicate smells and keep your pet safe at the same time.
Some essentials you will need before bringing a new pet home are:
- Healthy food and food bowls
- Somewhere safe and cozy to sleep, possibly a crate
- Appropriate collar, leash, and ID tags
- Male dog wraps or diapers
- Suitable toys
- Baby gates
- Poop bags
- Brush and shampoo
Maintaining a balance between dog ownership and apartment living
It would be best if you established a routine with your new pet as soon as possible. Dogs love routines. Having a solid routine right from the start will ensure a happy dog.
When establishing your routine, be diligent in taking your dog for walks and bathroom breaks at the same time every day. You may have to tweak the routine if you notice your new pooch isn’t making it outside, but they will adapt to a new routine fairly quickly. Making being a dog owner and living in an apartment a wonderful experience.