After searching with Rentable, you’ve finally found your perfect pet-friendly apartment. There’s just one problem: It’s tiny. Will you have enough space to raise the puppy you’ve been eyeing, or will you have to settle for a goldfish instead?
Raising a puppy in a small apartment can be challenging, but it’s far from impossible. With the right tips and tricks, you can be the dog owner your four-legged friend deserves.
Choose the right breed
Forget huskies, shepherds and other large dog breeds when living in a tiny apartment. Small breeds like the Bichon Frise are best suited to apartment living. Many apartments also put size and breed limits on dogs.
And choose the right place
What makes an apartment dog-friendly? In addition to pet-friendly policies, look for outdoor green space and pet-proof floorings like hardwood, vinyl, or tile. The best apartments for dogs have patio access for convenient bathroom breaks.
Puppy-proof your apartment
Puppies are curious ‑ and destructive. Keep your dog safe and prevent damage by puppy-proofing room by room. Install childproof latches on cabinets, keep wires and clutter tucked away, and make sure there’s nothing dangerous for your puppy to eat.
Keep an eye on separation anxiety
Try to spend the first few days at home with your new puppy to avoid separation anxiety. If your puppy chews or scratches inappropriately when left alone, try giving calming CBD treats before you leave. Just be sure to research strength and dosage to give your pet the right amount for its weight.
Put your puppy on a schedule
It’s hard to rush your puppy outside when living in an upstairs apartment. Avoid house training accidents by sticking to a bathroom schedule. Puppies need to go outside frequently ‑ as a general rule, puppies can hold it one hour per month of age. Don’t forget dog waste bags to keep you in the neighbors’ good graces!
Control barking
Speaking of the neighbors: There’s no faster way to drive your neighbors nuts than to let a dog bark all day. In addition to choosing a quiet dog breed, dog owners should train puppies not to bark from an early age. There are a few strategies to stop barking, including desensitization and redirection.
Take a lot of walks
Without room to play indoors, apartment dwellers have to look outside for their pet’s exercise needs. Take at least two long walks per day to keep your dog active and hire a dog walker if you’re away from home for long hours.
Invest in doggy daycare
Dogs also need a chance to run and play. If you don’t have a dog park nearby, send your pup to doggy daycare for socialization and exercise. When choosing dog daycare, pay attention to the staff-to-dog ratio and daycare style to select the best center for your pet.
You don’t need a white picket fence and a big backyard to be a great dog owner. Even in a small apartment, you can raise an obedient, active, and loyal pet. Use these tips when bringing your puppy home and you’ll have a happy dog, happy neighbors, and a happy you.
