A new house constitutes a new life, a new journey, and new excitement.
What it doesn’t constitute, however, is the guarantee of being a big, beautiful, and spacious house with a rent that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Most cities are congested with people from all walks of life, fighting to make a living. Their lives revolve around work and work only.
Joint families have broken down into nuclear families, and houses have broken down into apartments.
As sad as it sounds, it is, in fact, a reality. Having said that, we as humans are still accustomed to making peace with this lifestyle. Because we chose it, we fought for this independence.
But what about our dogs or emotional support animals? How do we make them adjust to apartment living? Lucky for you, we discuss exactly this in this article.
1. Adjust Your Dog to a New Routine
One thing both you and your dog have to get used to is limited space. Gone are the days of living in big, spacious houses with attached gardens and yards.
Adjusting your dog to your new apartment can be quite a nightmare at first. It is actually, but you have to work smart.
First and foremost, don’t make sudden changes. Don’t completely stop walking your dog and taking him outside. Don’t do it as much as you did earlier, either.
Instead, make gradual changes. Rather than walking your dog for 2 hours straight, take him outside twice/thrice a day for 20-30 minutes each.
This new routine will prepare him to get used to not having a lawn to walk or run around and help him get the daily exercise he needs.
2. Try to Stay Indoors
Both you and the dog have to get used to the idea that there won’t be an additional lawn for you guys to chill at.
So, to make things easier try spending more and more time indoors. Play indoor games like Search and Sniff, Kong Ball, or some interactive dog puzzles.
You can even teach your precious pup some new tricks. Pretend it’s a rainy day and keep him busy!
However, whatever you do make sure you use soft toys only. This will ensure zero breakage of your valuable household items.
Additionally, acquaint your dogs with training pads. They’ll be both comfortable and convenient as they’ll make cleanup easy and thwart minor doggie accidents.
It’ll also come in handy for potty training and act as a replacement for your pup as opposed to going outside and playing on the lawn.
3. Keep Someone in In-charge
During your initial apartment days, make sure there’s always someone to guard your dog. If you live alone, hire a professional dog sitter or ask one of your dog-loving friends.
If you live with your parents, spouses, or partners, you’re in for relief. At first, dogs tend to get anxious and start barking and howling when left alone.
This can annoy your neighbors, in turn, making your pup more and more frantic. So, whoever you live with, alternate your schedules so that at least one of you gets to stay in the house all day with Mr.Furball.
Also, if anyone in charge has to go out, it shouldn’t be for a long time. It’s okay to stay out for a short period of time like going to the bathroom, checking the mail, and so on.
This will reduce your dog’s anxiety and get him used to staying alone for some time. Gradually increase the time frame and at one point, your dog will be perfectly comfortable on being on his own.
4. Invest In a Good Dog Crate
We all have our favorite corners to chill. They make us feel cozy and safe. Well, dogs are no different. They love being on their own and chilling in a comfortable spot.
This is why it’s wise you invest in a good dog crate. This can be your dog’s much-needed chill corner where he can just be.
Crate training your dog will be convenient if you want to leave him there when you’re busy working on something or have to go out somewhere.
Don’t forget to include a comfy blanket, a few soft toys, and some yummy treats to spice up your pup’s humble abode. This will further attract you to stay in there.
Crates are excellent to discipline dogs, reduce their separation anxiety and prepare them for travel. So, get one as soon as possible.
5. Form a Friendship with the Neighbors
The transition from a big house to an apartment can be quite a cultural shock for dogs. With the sudden noises here and there, and too many people everywhere, it’s only normal if your dog is one frantic piece of mess.
Therefore, prepare him for the better. Before moving, try to walk your dog in crowded parks and keep him in rooms with loud music on.
This will prepare him for the apartment lifestyle. Having said that, instead of being annoyed at your neighbors, try and be friends with them.
If they have similarly aged pooches as you do, arrange a playdate. You can walk your dogs together in the local park or play indoor dog games.
This will familiarize your dog with other people and train them to not bark and howl every time they see a stranger. Plus, it’ll make them new friends and enhance their social skills. A win-win isn’t it?
6. Make Them Happy
Finally, don’t forget to give your dog treats when they are obedient. A happy dog is always friendly, and will not cause any ruckus.
However, treats aren’t everything. It means that you need to take care of their health, vaccinations, nutrition, exercise, and general well-being.
Being cooped up all day can also turn your precious into insatiable eaters. In such cases, a handy accessory such as a slow-feed dog bowl can help you out greatly.
Other than that, lots of cuddles and snuggles are a must!
Final Thoughts
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. So, this whole process wouldn’t reach its zenith in a day, or a week or even a month.
But don’t lose patience! Stay optimistic and determined about making your dog more apartment-friendly and practice every day to get better.
Don’t forget to be generous and treat your furry best friend every time he does something to make your apartment shift easier.
Author Bio:
Kaylie is all about hearts and hugs. Content creator at Dogviously. Prefers a simple life and believes in sharing. Can sync-dance with Sera – her Golden Retriever.