Do you live in a small apartment and wondering if it is the right space to adopt a furry little best friend? Well, raising a dog in a small apartment is not an easy task, but it is definitely doable if you follow the few tips listed below.
- Get an Apartment Friendly Breed:
This should be the first thing to consider. Not all breeds are apartment-friendly, especially medium to large-sized dogs should not be kept in a small apartment. The reason being they need more physical activity than the small dogs to burn their pent-up energy, which is not possible when you do not give them much space to move around. You may take the dog out for a walk, but that may not be enough, especially with breeds like Golden Retriever, which need open space to play most of the day. It is cruel to actually force a canine to live in a small home, and it will be a nightmare for you when the dog showcases destructive nature; hence find smaller breeds based on your apartment size.
- Learn About the Breed’s Temperament:
A few dog breeds are more friendly than others. This only means you have to figure out which one you should pick. For example, labradors have an amazing temperament, but they are sized big. Hence, they should not be kept in a small apartment. Go for small dog breeds that are playful in nature so that they can survive living in an apartment without throwing tantrums.
- Train Your Pet Well:
Honestly, selecting the right breed is one thing, but you should also patiently train the dog from the very beginning. Even the breeds with the best temperaments can become a nightmare if you do not train the dog properly. Training should begin from the time you bring your puppy home, as they tend to learn faster when they are younger.
- Socialize the Dog from Early Months:
When you live in an apartment, your dog is prone to coming in contact with many people. A dog that is not socially trained can become a nightmare for an apartment dweller. As a puppy, you should start taking the dog outside and let the dog meet people so that it learns to remain calm in the presence of people.
- Find a Solution to Your Dog’s Barking:
The most prominent issue of keeping a dog in an apartment is that if they constantly bark, your neighbors may start complaining, and if it persists, you may get a notice to vacate the place. There is an easy fix to this issue. Just get a small dog bark collar around your furry friend’s neck, which is the best solution to control their barking and is safe, gentle, and humane.
The Bottom Line:
While it is completely doable to raise a dog in a small apartment, especially if you have adopted a small dog, you must always maintain a few precautions. If you do it right, living with a dog in a small space will not be stressful at all.