The world has changed, the lifestyle has changed. But if there is one thing that remains the same, it is the companionship between dogs and humans. It turns out that it’s not always easy to reconcile this friendship living in an apartment.
That’s because there are some obstacles that can make it difficult to raise a dog in an apartment. But calm down! You don’t need to stay away from your pussy.
Today there are many ways to make this adaptation and ensure a good and peaceful life for your dog and your neighbors. Just take a look at the tips below:
Dog in an apartment: can or can’t?
The Federal Constitution guarantees the right to private property, that is, anyone is free to raise their pussy wherever they want, including apartments, since the animal is considered the property of its owner.
Therefore, the condominium cannot restrict residents in this regard. But, on the other hand, it can establish norms and rules to guarantee the well-being and tranquility of everyone.
An example is the requirement to use a leash on the dog in the common areas of the condominium. Other condominiums may also require the owner, with the dog, to use only the service elevator.
All of these measures are important to protect and care for the well-being of all residents and you must respect them.
It is also important for the resident to adapt the apartment for the pet, which includes the installation of protective screens, the use of floors and carpets to muffle the sound of the animal’s paws, and also the hygiene and cleaning of the apartment.
Each condo has its own rules, so it’s critical to check what you can and can’t before you arrive with your furry friend at the apartment.
What better dog for an apartment?
First of all, remember that no puppy is (or at least shouldn’t be) on the shelf to be chosen as a product. Dogs, cats and other domestic animals are living beings with their own needs and not a knickknack.
So, face this choice as a way to ensure the best possible environment for the pet, after all, it is you who is making the decision to take him home and not the other way around.
In general, small animals are recommended for apartments, as it is easier for them to get used to small and limited environments.
But that’s not to say you can’t have a big dog in the house. In fact, all this will depend on your lifestyle, the time you spend at home, the time you have available to play and walk your dog, among other factors.
In other words, the more time you have to devote to your pussy, the better for him and for you, regardless of breed or size.
And remember: there is always a loving puppy to give at adoption centers.
How to raise a dog in an apartment? 6 basic tips to follow
1. Prepare the environment
It all starts with preparing the environment, in this case, your apartment. Here, you should plan the place where the pussy will sleep, where the pet’s food and bathroom will be.
These three fundamental spaces for the dog must be separated from each other. Also avoid moving these places so that the pet gets used to each one of them.
If you have plants at home, check to see if any of them are toxic and poisonous. Most animals, by instinct or curiosity, have the habit of eating leaves and it may be that in one of these he ends up ingesting what he shouldn’t and gets sick.
Therefore, potentially toxic plants should be kept out of reach of your pussy.
2. Walk soft and warm
Your dog needs a place to sleep and rest. Dogs are territorial and need their own space, even if they also lie with you in bed or on the couch.
Offer a soft bed with some kind of blanket or blanket on the coldest days of the year.
The ideal is for the dog’s bed to be somewhere in the house where the family also usually stays, since the animal enjoys the company of its owners. A good tip is the living room or home office for those who work at home.
Avoid leaving the bed in windy places, such as balconies and service areas. It is also not recommended to keep the pet’s walk in places with large circulation of people, so that it does not get stressed.
3. Security
It doesn’t matter if you live on the first or top floor of the building. It is essential to install protective screens on windows to prevent accidents with your furry.
Also be careful with open doors that can facilitate the dog’s escape. Remember that it is your responsibility to take care of and ensure the safety of the animal and other residents of the condominium.
4. Food and water
Your pet’s food and water corner should be in a clean and quiet place so that it feels comfortable at mealtime.
Some animals can become aggressive when eating, especially if strangers are around.
Therefore, avoid leaving the dishes in common areas such as the dining room or living room. Prefer the service area or the kitchen.
If you and your family are away most of the time, make sure your pet has plenty of water, especially in summer. Food should be offered according to the size and needs of the animal, but, in general, it is recommended to remove the pot when the animal has finished eating so that it does not eat more than necessary.
To keep the space clean, bet on mats that absorb water and crumbs that may fall out of the container.
5. Guaranteed needs
You need to teach your pet to pee and poop in the right place. For this, choose a place far from where the animal sleeps and eats.
Nowadays there are hygienic mats, similar to diapers, where the pee is absorbed, keeping the floor dry and clean.
But you can still opt for the good old newspaper. Another possibility is collection boxes, similar to cat litter boxes, but which have a compartment underneath where pee and poop are stored.
To make the process easier, you can also use educational sprays that teach the dog to pee in the right place. Just spray in the places where you want the dog to do his homework.
And one more important tip: keep the place where your pet needs always clean, changing the mat or newspaper. That’s because if the dogs notice dirt they’ll end up peeing on your couch.
6. Hygiene
Cleanliness never hurts when you have pets at home. In addition to keeping the place of needs always sanitized, you still need to ensure the cleanliness of the bed and the food and water containers. All this to ensure your pussy’s health.
The family’s health is also important. Therefore, do not neglect the vacuuming of the house to eliminate hair and sanitize the floor with a disinfectant.
7. One ride a day
Any dog that lives in an apartment, whether small or large, needs to go out for a walk every day.
Yea! You need to guarantee it to him. It is at this moment that the dog can spend energy, make needs (but don’t forget the bag to collect the poop, ok?) and interact with other animals.
This simple walk (which doesn’t need to last more than half an hour) is essential to relieve the dog’s anxiety and stress, even helping it to be less agitated in the apartment, barking and bothering the neighbors.
Some condominiums already have pet friendly spaces where residents can meet their pussies. But make sure you follow the rules and ensure a good relationship.
8. Activities and recreation
In addition to the tours, it is also important that you offer recreational activities for your pet indoors. Toys and games help the dog to de-stress, expend energy and also favors the relationship between you.
If you spend the whole day away from home, this interaction is even more important, as the pussy missed you and is full of energy to play, run and jump.
9. Dressage
Finally, if you notice that even with all the care your puppy doesn’t seem to adapt to apartment life, then you may need to take the pussy for some dressage classes.
This is an important process for the dog to learn to socialize without causing risks to him and others. It will also help you sleep and take care of your needs in the place you choose.
Did you write down all the tips? Now just enjoy the company of your four-legged friend!