Whether you have a big Pitbull or a miniature Yorkie, moving your dog into your apartment from a larger home can be a challenge with both space and your schedule. Here are tips for adjusting your dog to apartment life:
Don’t Leave Them Alone
For at least the first week, try not to leave your dog alone for long periods at a time. The loneliness mixed with the uncertainty of the new place can potentially stress out your pooch and cause separation anxiety.
Noise Control
If you are moving into an apartment from a house the first thing both you and your pet are going to have to get accustomed to is having next-door neighbors, and by next-door we are referring that person who you are sharing a wall with. To avoid noise complaints or getting your pet thrown out of the apartment complex, you will need to train your dog not to bark at just any noise they here. Practice with a friend; ask them to pass by the door. If your dog barks put it in its kennel and remember to reward good behavior. It doesn’t matter if it is a yipping chihuahua or a bellowing Labrador, incessant barking will annoy your neighbors.
Create a Routine
To help re-potty train your dog and break down its anxiety, setting a regular routine will help. Be consistent with feeding times as well as exercise. For example, try to always walk them before you go to work and after dinner.
Put Your Dog to Work
Because they have to adapt to smaller space, you must find new ways to keep them entertained. Buy them chew toys and bones or even make a maze out of your old moving boxes for your pooch. Bored puppies can end up ripping out your carpet and chewing up your furniture.
Re-Potty Training
If your dog had a yard and a doggie door before, re-potty training might be the biggest challenge you face. Along with creating a routine to take them out to the bathroom, also train them to pee on pee pads. If you do try this method make sure to be consistent with the location in which you put the pee pad so that way your dog always knows where to look for it. It is recommended that adult dogs be allowed to relieve themselves at least 3-5 times a day.
Adventure Time
Make time on the weekends to take your pooch out on a hike or at least to the nearest park. Teach your dog to fetch so that way they can run free for a little. If you don’t feel comfortable letting your dog off its leash, take it for a run.
Other Tips in adjusting your dog to apartment life:
- Make sure to pet-proof your new apartment!
- If your busy work schedule doesn’t allow enough outdoor time for your dog, consider hiring a dog walker.
Do you have tips on how to adjust your dog to apartment life? Let us know in the comments below!
