Living with a dog in an apartment can present some unique challenges, but it’s definitely possible with some careful planning and management. Your dog can thrive in an apartment setting with the right care and attention.

Managing a dog in an apartment can present unique challenges, but it’s possible with some careful planning and management. Some tips for managing your dog in an apartment include regular exercise, creating a routine, choosing appropriate toys, managing barking, practicing good hygiene, and being considerate of your neighbors. 

Tips on Managing Your Dog in an Apartment

Living with a dog in an apartment can be challenging, but with careful planning and management, it’s possible to create a happy and healthy environment for both you and your furry friend.

Don’t Skimp on Training

Training your dog is essential no matter where you live, but it is necessary for an apartment. Primarily because when you live in an apartment, it’s not just about you and your dog; it’s also about everyone else.

Make time for potty training and basic training, teaching your simple dog commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” and crate training is also a good idea. While it’s best to start training your pet when they are young, you can still teach an old dog new tricks. If you’re struggling, talk to your vet about recommended obedience classes in your area or see if she recommends any professional private trainers.

Create a Schedule for Your Training

Dogs thrive on routine, so if you don’t already have one, now is the time to put one in place. Begin the day with a brisk walk and some playtime with your dog so that he can rest while you get to work. This is especially true if you, like many others recently, work from home. A schedule can also help train your puppy’s bladder to take bathroom breaks at specific times, which is especially useful when you’re in bed for the night.

Be Organized

An organized home makes life easier, whether in a large house, a small apartment, or somewhere in between. You are calmer when you have an organized home, so your dog is more relaxed. Organize your dog’s belongings to fit your lifestyle so that tasks like grooming, feeding, and other necessities are simple.

Make Your Apartment Dog-Friendly

Of course, you always want your dog to be safe, and whether you rent or own a home, doggy proofing is essential. However, puppy-proofing your apartment becomes even more important because you want to avoid dealing with a lot of damage. As a result, take precautions to keep your dog and your apartment safe. Keep the trash can, for example, in a closed cabinet with a child safety latch, so you don’t come home to garbage all over the floor. Tie up long curtain cords, so they don’t endanger your dog. Also, keep breakables and potentially messy items out of your dog’s reach.

Potty Training is Paramount

Walking your dog twice a day is an excellent way for him to get some exercise and bond with you. You don’t want to have to snap on the leash every time your dog needs to go to the bathroom. You could train your dog to use an outdoor potty pad area if your apartment has a balcony or patio area. This could be a solution to avoiding late-night bathroom trips.

Highly Discourage Barking

Your dog may be the furry equivalent of your child, but their voice is not music to everyone’s ears. It’s no secret that living in an apartment means hearing sounds from above, below, and next door, which means your neighbors can hear you. Of course, training your dog is the most effective way to reduce excessive barking. Several gadgets, like the Furbo dog camera, enable you to communicate with your pup and even dispense treats remotely.