There are many reasons a person might move from a home with a yard and into an apartment. Perhaps they’re relocating for work, or maybe they need to downsize for a while. Whatever the reason, it’s not only going to be an adjustment for the people in the home, but it’s going to be a shock for the dog. After all, he’s used to having a yard to roam, and spending the full day outside if he likes. At first, the apartment life might seem like a boring penitentiary, but there are some things the homeowner can do to ease the dog into apartment life. Soon, the dog will discover apartment life does have its advantages.
1. Control Barking Perhaps the most difficult change will be the inability to bark whenever the situation necessitates. Dogs in apartments can disturb neighbors who are trying to put the baby down for a nap, or who are trying to catch some sleep themselves. And if you aren’t home when the barking happens, it can go on for hours. If possible, even before making the transition into apartment life, start training your dog on when it’s okay to bark. Barx Buddy has several great suggestions to control barking, and all are humane.
2. Have a Potty Schedule Living in an apartment means your dog can no longer freely come and go from indoors to outdoors as he pleases. This also means he’s going to have to learn a potty routine. You should always take your dog out before you leave for work in the morning, when you get home in the evening, and before bed. This may be a difficult schedule for your dog to learn at first. After all, his bladder is accustomed to being relieved when the urge presents itself. Crate training your dog at first may be a good option so you don’t come home to accidents every day. There may be a few crate accidents at first, but these will quickly resolve as your dog doesn’t want to spend the day with his own waste.
3. Keep Them Amused Now that there are no squirrels to chase or neighbor’s cats to threaten, your dog could become bored when you’re not home to love him. Be sure to leave him with a basket of toys and hidden treats. Finding hidden treats will occupy part of his day. You might also consider leaving the television on in one room so he feels less alone.
4. Get Exercise The most important thing you can do for your dog in this new situation is to continue an exercise routine. Find a local park that’s dog-friendly and visit it a couple of times a week. Your dog naturally still wants to explore the amazing outdoors and this can be a time for him to look forward to on weekends. Apartment life, whether temporary or not, doesn’t have to zap the fun from your pet’s life. The new experiences and schedules are changes to which he can adjust; but, getting to go to the dog park? And finding hidden treats? Those small things will make it worth it.
