4 Must-Know Tips for Living in a Small Apartment with Dogs
November 06, 2023
Image source: Unsplash.com
Living in a small apartment can be rather challenging because of limited living space. This, of course, has its pros and cons: since you’re aware that your storage space is limited, you’ll be far less likely to accumulate a bunch of knick-knacks you simply don’t have room for; on the other hand, it is much easier to clean a small apartment than it is to maintain a large house.
This awakens creativity and makes people think and live more organized. Although there is less space for big parties, that doesn’t mean you can’t share your living space with a dog or two. Remember, if you are well organized, everything is possible.
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1. Choose a small breed
If you’ve already decided that you want to share your living space with a four-legged fur baby, it’s always best to go with a smaller breed. Since the space in your apartment is already limited, you don’t want to get a big dog, and limiting the space even further. This will only cause unnecessary stress for both you and your dog(s), and can easily make them become nervous and even aggressive, due to the lack of their own personal space.
That being said, consider adopting a toy poodle or a Maltese, and if you prefer a quieter lifestyle, you can choose a basset hound or a French bulldog. Whatever breed you decide on, you have to do some research to get familiar with your pet’s preferences, habits, possible diseases and special care they may require. If you decide on getting a Frenchie, you will find everything you need to know about them in a Frenchie bulldog store. This will help you prepare properly to welcome your new pet.
2. Ensure that your dog has a place of their own
Although dogs are social creatures, they still enjoy having a place of their own. So, make sure you train your dog from day one to use their designated area for relaxation and sleep. It might take some time and sleepless nights, but it won’t last forever.
Once they adapt to their spot, it will be their forever home, and there won’t be any confusion about it. No matter if you choose a dog bed or basket for this purpose, or you decide to go with a dog crate, just make sure that your dog is cozy and comfortable in their new living space. Put their favorite toys in their cozy haven for maximum comfort.
Image source: FrenchBulldog.store
3. Keep your dogs’ bowls clean
Even though you live in a small apartment, you need to make sure that your dogs’ food and water bowls have their own designated space. Ideally, you should place them near the kitchen, so that the food doesn’t get all over the apartment. What’s more, this way you can easily wash their bowls. Make sure you do this regularly – at least once a day, and use a mat under the bowls so it will be much easier to clean. Change water several times a day, and feed them only with as much food as it is good for them to eat per meal.
4. Make some rules
If your dog has to stay alone in the apartment, provide them with enough food and water. Try not to leave them alone for a long period of time, and if it happens that you have to, ask someone your dog likes to visit them and take them out for a walk.
Pet-proof your home and keep all small objects out of reach of your puppy, as they will try to play with them and may accidentally swallow something that is not good for their digestion. Of course, this can cause unnecessary problems, and result in a very expensive – and stressful – vet visit that was easily preventable.
Do not leave your dogs unsupervised near open doors or windows to avoid any accidents. Since dogs are not aware that they can’t fly, you certainly don’t want them to learn it the hard way.
Finally, teach your dog who the boss is. They can be small and cute and funny, but they have to know manners and be obedient.
Image source: FrenchBulldog.store