A happy dog is a happy owner. He or she is a member of your family that depends on you to fulfill his or her needs. If you live in an apartment, you’ll need to set up your lifestyle and spaces to work well with your dog. Take time to learn the behaviors of your dog, choose and organize your furniture to function best with a dog, clearly and consistently define your dog’s territory in your apartment, potty train them and have the proper cleaning supplies, and create a routine that suits your dog. If you do these things, your dog will be healthy and happy.
Understanding the behavior of dogs
To curate a space fit for a dog, you must understand how dogs behave. Dogs can often learn and understand human languages well, but obviously, they cannot talk back. However, they have their own way of communicating with us humans. To coexist with and care for your dog, you’ll have to learn his or her unique communication style and behaviors.
Typical behaviors vary by breed, but all dogs have a few things in common. Dogs use facial expressions, body language, eyes, posture, and their tail to communicate cues to you. It can take some time to learn about your dog’s body language but be patient and keep trying. Keep track of the following behaviors and learn how to best respond to keep your dog healthy and happy in your apartment:
- Hunger cues: Watch for behaviors that indicate your dog is hungry. This can include licking his chops, begging for your food, or wandering around their food bowl.
- Potty cues: It’s important to watch for indicators that your dog needs to go pee or poop, especially in an apartment where you may not have a yard for them to go in. If your dog is sniffing in circles, pacing, or getting into squatting positions, it likely needs to go outside.
- Thirst cues: Hydration is so important for dogs, just like humans. They should always have water available. Signs of thirst and dehydration in dogs include panting, dry nose, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
- Play cues: Playtime and affection are what most dogs live for. Dogs lacking in these two things may follow their owners closely, try to incite play by bringing toys or jumping around, and whine. Taking a few minutes to play with your dog will make their day.
Making the right choice of furniture
Your furniture must live with your dog too. It may be at risk of damage if you let your dog onto your furniture. If you can, choose materials and designs that are conducive to a dog living around them. Removable upholstery is a good idea so that you can wash them if needed. Sealed wooden and metal furniture is more resistant to dogs than furs, woven fabrics, and leathers. You always have the option to train your dog to stay off your furniture.
Most importantly, get a dog bed for your pup to comfortably enjoy sleeping and lounging around your apartment. It can be a good idea to have a bed in a couple of rooms that they like to hang out in, like the bedroom and living room, depending on the size of your apartment.
Defining your dog’s territory
Dogs are territorial animals, especially males. You are their pack, and your apartment is their home. Within their home, they like to have personal spaces where they know they can always go to rest, play, go potty, sleep, and eat. Define these spaces as early in his or her life as possible to create a sense of security for your dog. Try to keep their food and water, bed, and toys in the same places around your apartment.
Potty training tools and cleaning tools
Potty training is crucial when raising a dog in an apartment. Teach your dog where he or she is to go potty and get very familiar with their cues and schedule. Fecal and urinary incontinence can be a burden to both the dog and owner. Senior dogs or dogs in heat are more likely to
suffer from this condition. Dog diapers may be necessary to keep your apartment clean and your dog comfortable. Always keep rug cleaner and floor cleaner on hand for those puppy accidents.
Organize your daily activities
It’s important for owners to spend some time during the day walking their dogs, playing with them, and showing them affection. These are some of the things that make owning a dog the most enjoyable. Not only this, but they are essential for maintaining the health of your dog. Get into a routine with your fur baby to give him or her the longest and happiest life possible.
The bottom line
Owning a dog is so sweet, fun, and rewarding. It comes with a lot of responsibility. Be attentive to your dog and follow these 5 tips to create the best environment for your dog to thrive. Dogs are man’s best friend, and they deserve to be taken care of excellently.