Living in an apartment with your four-legged friend can be a real challenge sometimes! An apartment lifestyle requires you and your best friend to have good manners.
Taking some proactive steps will ensure the best lifestyle and relationship for you and your pet!
4. Establish an exercise plan
Exercise is the foundation to any happy and well balanced dog. There are many factors that determine the type and amount of exercise they need.
First thing to do is become educated on your breed, mixed or pure bread. It’s great to have an understanding of what activities they like and what they can do safely. A simple walk may be a great place to start, it’s good exercise and it establishes you as the leader when done correctly.
The second step on the road to an exemplary exercise plan is simply to be creative. Change it up and keep it fun for everyone. If you’re sick of looking at the same thing on your walk everyday then go for a hike maybe or find a local dog park.
There are a lot of options and lots of ways for you to get involved. So set a reminder and do your best to make this a priority in your dogs life.
3. Don’t forget to wash those paws
Washing your hands after using the bathroom isn’t’t just for humans anymore. Think about it, your dog is using a “public restroom” in a sense.
They sniff and walk where other dogs have “eliminated”, bringing very dirty paws and noses into your apartment. It’s a great idea to keep baby wipes or doggy bathing wipes at your front door.
Before you release your beast… clean their feet… and don’t forget those noses.
2. Pick up the poop!
Everyone knows that there is no getting around it. Picking up after your dog is part of being a good pet owner and a good neighbor.
Leaving it can quickly spread ugly unhealthy parasites and diseases to the apartment doggy community….which can easily come back to your little friend. A lot of apartment complexes have bags available on site, but if yours doesn’t, head down to any local pet store and pick up a pack.
Make it convenient for yourself and have them right by the front door or hooked onto your leash.
1. Establish your apartment doggy routine
Unfortunately there are no doggy doors in an apartment, and allowing your dog to relieve himself requires a lot more than just putting him in the yard. Having him on a schedule is vital! Truly it’s for your sanity more than anything else, but also helps your dog relax and know what to expect and when to expect it.
Start by feeding him at the same time everyday. Consider your schedule when making this decision. For example, if you are going to be gone all day then feeding him in the morning may not be the best idea. If you feed him too late at night he might not want to hold it till morning.
The next step to establishing a good routine is by taking him out at the same time each day, to the same spot each time. He should quickly get your message, “This is where I go and this is when I go”.
Most adult dogs may only need to go potty 3 to 4 times a day. Eventually they will settle into it, enjoying the predictability and structure, and you will enjoy your dog remaining calm and not spinning in circles every time you get up off the couch. A crate may assist in creating your perfect schedule and can be very useful in helping them get used to the gaps in between potty times as well.
Lastly, lessen the excitement by staying calm and using the same language each time. You don’t want potty time to be a hassle and a circus, especially in the closer quarters of an apartment. By staying calm and having familiar commands and gestures you are simplifying the process and making it a quick and easy experience for you and your dog.
