The pandemic has seen an uptick in pet rescue and pet ownership. Sharing your living space with a dog can be a wonderful experience for both you and Fluffy. There are a few things that you need to consider before you sign those papers though.
Is your apartment pet friendly? Are there size or breed restrictions? You don’t want to get hit with cleaning fees or break a lease because you didn’t get all the information before you fell in love with your four-legged friend.
The next thing you want to look for is outdoor space. Does your apartment or neighborhood have lots of outdoor space to walk and play for a dog? Parks, dog parks, and boardwalks are all wonderful places to get exercise and socialize for your new friend.
After all of that time outsides, make sure you have a designated toy storage area in your apartment so Fluffy can stay busy while you work or relax. Stepping on a chew toy in the middle of the night is an unpleasant wake up. If you get bored, you can even train your dog to put away their own toys!
You will need to leave your dog home at some point, so think about crate training or having a designated closed off space for your pet while you are away. Not only will a smaller space limit the amount of trouble they can get into, but many dogs like a smaller space to call their own and feel more comfortable there.
Last but not least, think about training your dog not to bark. Apartments can have a more communal feel then traditional housing and having a quiet dog is a great way to be a good neighbor. If you are not sure where to start, look for positive dog training classes online or ask your other dog owning neighbors. They may have some great suggestions for you!