Raising a Dog in an Apartment

When thinking of raising a cute, wriggly, naughty puppy, most normal people wouldn’t even consider having a puppy in an apartment. For one, there’s the potential noise. Puppies aren’t exactly quiet. There’re also the potential damages, potty training, neighbors…the list goes on and on. It’s not like it’s impossible to raise a dog in an apartment. In fact, with the correct preparations, it can be quite manageable.

PLANNING AHEAD

The biggest and most important thing that will help you manage living with a dog in an apartment is planning ahead. Before you get your puppy, you’re going to want to make sure you have all of the little details ironed out. Make sure you know your apartment’s rules regarding dogs. Some apartments only allow dogs up to a certain weight limit and others have strict rules about the breeds that are allowed. Knowing this ahead of time can save you some heartbreak.

You’ll also want to buy all of the things you’ll need before the puppy arrives. Here’s a very basic list:

• Collar, leash, name tag
• Kennel (depending on how big your puppy will get, you might need more than one)
• Food
• Toys
• Water and food dishes

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you have a puppy class lined up for after you get your dog! This is important because your puppy will need the socialization and the mental stimulation. It’s also a great way of tiring them out!

One more thing to do before you bring home your new family member is to make sure you locate a vet near you. Once you get your puppy, there will be vaccinations and check-ups to get, so doing this before-hand just makes things a little easier.

Another thing that I thought was very helpful was to have a plan for when things go wrong. For example, say you have to work late or there’s an emergency or something else happens and you can’t get home when you planned. For me, it was my roommate. Living with someone who also wants to take care of your squirming bundle of joy makes things a lot smoother. She was able to let out and play with my dog on days that I had a full schedule.

EXERCISE AND MENTAL STIMULATION

Dogs can easily get bored, especially when they are puppies. In order to combat that, and the bad behavior that boredom can bring (like chewing the furniture or screaming), make sure that your dog is getting enough exercise! Going for a walk, run, or even finding fun places to hike are awesome ways to exercise both you and your dog. However, it doesn’t always need to be physical. For one, teaching a new trick can be mentally exhausting to a puppy. Other than the basic commands, there are some really cool tricks you can teach your dog! Ideally, you should be able to exercise your pup every day (to avoid chewed drywall or angry neighbors.)

The initial training will be the hardest part of the journey. Once you get into a routine, both you and your dog will form habits and they’ll become a part of your daily life. Living with a dog is both special and rewarding.

How many of you have lived with a dog in an apartment? If you haven’t, but you want to, what’s the thing you’re the most nervous about? Let us know in the comments down below!

*All photo credit goes to @endeavorsofego

Erika

Erika Newcomb is a full-time college student with a passion for pooches! She’s been training dogs for over 13 years and has been teaching agility classes for the last 3 years. As part of the behind-the-scenes support for @endeavorsofego, she can often be found brainstorming photo ideas and playing with Ego.