Dogs have lived side by side with man (and woman) for thousands of years. There\u2019s a reason why they\u2019ve earned the title \u201cMan\u2019s Best Friend.\u201d But when it comes to having an apartment dog, it can either be a hit or miss. Here are some important things to consider when moving into an apartment with a canine companion:<\/p>\n
First and foremost, make sure that you talk with your landlord about getting a dog. There’s nothing worse than getting attached to pet and having to give them up, and it’s unfair to the pet you’ve promised to care for<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t already have a doggie friend to cater to, then consider your options wisely. You are in a good spot because you can select any breed that you want. However, be sure to select a breed that will respond well to apartment living. Dogs with a naturally high energy level that love wide open spaces \u2014 such as herding breeds like Border Collies \u2014\u00a0are definitely not the best option.<\/p>\n There are plenty of lazy and small dog breeds that will appreciate living in the more intimate apartment environment. Some of these breeds include Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, Spaniels, Corgis, and, surprisingly, Great Danes (they are very low energy). Of course, also use common sense when selecting the size of dog you want. A gargantuan beast in a very small space will lead to a lot of broken objects and an unhappy dog.<\/p>\n Dogs are social animals, but that doesn\u2019t mean that they don\u2019t require a room of their own. Placing a dog crate or bed in the area where people spend a lot of time will allow them to go off on their own, without entirely leaving the pack. It gives them an area to feel safe when you\u2019re not home as well. Try to tuck the majority of the dog\u2019s things into this area. Getting a basket or other open container to place dog toys in is a good idea as well. This will cut down on the mess, while still allowing your dog to easily access his playthings.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re new to dog ownership, then it\u2019s good to know this one simple fact: Some dogs get into things just as much as cats. Dogs are like awkward teenagers when it comes to their tails, so be conscious of your more precious items. Are they in the hazard zone? Could a swing of a tail or a curious nudge push an item off a table edge? Dogs can also be quite messy, so make sure you reserve a special area in the kitchen for their food and water bowls. The team at\u00a0Doggie Designer<\/a> recommends putting a mat under the bowls will make clean-up a lot easier as well. Also keep in mind that no matter how well-trained, most dogs have a difficult time resisting the appeal of an open trashcan. It might be worth investing in a covered waste bin, just to prevent any possible spills from occurring.<\/p>\n Though this might seem like a no-brainer, make sure you house-train your apartment dog properly. If you decide to get a puppy, take precautions and roll up any soft rugs until you feel that he\u2019s fully trained. Although it\u2019s important to go on frequent walks, most dogs should be able to stay home for about four hours without visiting a fire hydrant.<\/p>\n Your dog can never be over-trained, particularly if you\u2019re living in a small space. To prevent the most accidents, destruction, and general mayhem, make sure you invest the time and energy into training. Training doesn’t have to be limited to sit and stay. Most dogs relish the opportunity to learn intricate and mentally challenging tricks. This will keep you happy and carefree, which will make your dog happy by proxy. After all, all dogs want in the world is love, food and a daily run!<\/p>\n If you’re ready to take the plunge, read through our complete guide to pet-friendly apartment living<\/a>.<\/p>\nA Room of Their Own
\n<\/b><\/h2>\nCovering Your Bases
\n<\/b><\/h2>\nThe Bathroom Problem
\n<\/b><\/h2>\nTrain, Train, Train
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