4 Ways to Keep Your Dog Happy in Your Apartment

National Pet Month is fast coming to a close, though pet appreciation at Villa Del Sur is a year-round commitment. We want our residents and their furry friends to be as happy as possible while living with us. That’s why we’ve assembled this list of four ways to keep your dog happy in your apartment. With attention paid to breed selection, building a routine, creating space, and training, you can be sure your dog is happy to call your apartment “home.”

Get the right dog.

Probably the most important thing you can do for your dog’s happiness comes before you even buy it. Living in an apartment, you’ll need to consider what breed of dog you’ll be bringing into your home. The fact is that not all breeds are cut out for apartment living. For example, huskies are high-energy and shed profusely, and a small space won’t give them the room they need to burn off that steam. Pugs, however, are low-energy and love to be near you as much as possible. Consult lists of breeds to find the one right for you and your home, and consult with management to make sure the breed isn’t on the “not-allowed” list.

Establish a routine.

When you don’t have your own yard, establishing an outdoor routine is crucial to preventing indoor accidents. After all, your dog doesn’t have the option to just step outside whenever the need to go arises. Start by setting a specific feeding time, followed by times for walks. If your dog can start to expect a regular trip outside, it will be more likely to wait before making waste.

Give your dog its own space.

With owners everywhere spending more time at home than before due to COVID-19, dogs are both loving the attention and chafing at the lack of privacy . However your dog may be reacting, you can’t go wrong by setting some space apart that is just for your four-legged friend. Dogs have an easier time relaxing when they have a space they can retreat to and not be bothered, especially when they’re tired or overstimulated. Be it a crate, a corner, or a patio/balcony, set this space aside for your dog with a bed, some toys, and food and water bowls.

Train your dog.

All dogs need some level of training . In an apartment complex, though, you need to be especially mindful of noise levels—both coming into your apartment and out. On the one hand, your dog needs to be able to deal with the sounds of people—and other pets—coming and going. On the other hand, you need to keep your dog under control, lest you get a noise complaint from a neighbor who’s been woken up at 3 a.m. for the last time.

Dogs bring us happiness in more ways than we can count. It’s only right that we do all we can to keep them happy. By selecting the right breed, establishing a routine, setting apart space, and investing in training, you’ll give your dog the advantages it needs to thrive and be happy in your apartment.