If you’re a dog lover, living in an apartment is no reason for you not to adopt a dog. There are, however, a number of things you may have to be careful about when thinking of adopting a pet while living in an apartment.
Here are some steps you need to take when picking the best apartment dog for yourself.
Perhaps the most important consideration when picking out an apartment dog is the breed of the dog. Certain dog breeds tend to be smaller than others and are therefore a better choice for you if you live in an apartment.
Even if you opt for a puppy, some puppies can grow up to be very large and, therefore, unsuitable for apartments.
When you contact the dog shelter or the agency that you are adopting from, make sure to do your research on the dog breeds that are small and remain small throughout. Examples of smaller sized dog breeds include Pugs, Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Bulldogs.
The dog’s breed isn’t only important because it determines his size. The breed of the dog also has an impact on his overall temperament. Certain dog breeds tend to be of a quieter, calmer temperament.
If your dog has a calmer temperament, he will most likely not be packed with too much energy and will require fewer walks. Examples of lower-energy dogs include Beagles, Spaniels, Corgi, and Bulldogs.
Before you decide to adopt a dog and keep it in your apartment, make sure that your landlord is aware of your decision.
Some apartment buildings have strict policies with regards to pets. You will, in most cases, be asked to provide your landlord with your pet’s registration details and records of how often he goes for vet visits, vaccinations, etc.
It’s also possible that your landlord may have set specific restrictions on adopting certain pets or certain breeds of dogs, or on the number of pets you can keep. You may even have to pay a security deposit before you can keep a pet inside the apartment building. So before you go to the shelter to get your pet, it only makes sense that you first find out all of these things. Remember, you want to avoid any such problems later on!
Before welcoming any pet into your home, it is crucial that you dog-proof the apartment carefully. So once you do your research on which dog breeds would be most appropriate for an apartment, and once you consult your landlord about the pet policies for the apartment, it’s time to bring in the pup.
It is your responsibility to care for your pet, whether in a mansion or in an apartment. You will have to make sure that the interior of your home is completely safe for any dog and that the environment is friendly for him.
Any new pup that you adopt needs to feel perfectly comfortable in his new home. There are many steps you can take to properly dog-proof your apartment before your new pet arrives.
For example, make sure that there are no loose hanging wires or any electric sockets that your pup can touch and hurt himself with because these can prove fatal for your dog.
Make sure that all drawers and cabinets that are on lower shelves are tightly secured so that your dog can’t open them.
Make sure that all cleaning equipment etc. is far away from the reach of your dog so that he doesn’t swallow any such material.
Dogs are active creatures that are full of energy. As such, being an apartment dog may not be easy for your pup, at least not at first.
There are ways that you can ease your dog into being comfortable, even in an apartment. For starters, make sure to allot space in the apartment – space that’s meant just for your dog. You can use a dog crate as a way of indicating to your pup that this space is his alone. The corner of the living room or bedroom is a great place to allot to your pup.
When deciding which breed of dog is ideal for you if you live in an apartment, it’s also important to research the entertainment options available for your dog near your apartment building or complex.
Certain dog breeds have a lot of energy, and it becomes more important than ever to have a dog park nearby or a walking trail where you can walk your dog at least twice every day.
Some dogs are okay with being indoors and in confined spaces, for the most part. Examples of such dogs include American Eskimos (Eskies), Shih Tzus, and terriers.
These breeds are happy anywhere, as long as they get adequate attention from their owner. Chihuahuas, Poodles, and Pomeranians are other breeds of dogs that would be okay with staying indoors and don’t require too many walks or exercise.
So before you finally decide on a dog, you will have to take into account the facilities available in and near your apartment building.
Picking the best apartment dog may take a whole lot of your time and effort, but using the steps provided here, you’ll surely make the right decision!
by Bobby J Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
Facts About Animal Homelessness:
Here are a some adoptions for consideration: puccicafe.com/adoptions