3 How to Prepare Small Dog for Apartment Living

How to Prepare Small Dog for Apartment Living - Just because your dog is small doesn't mean he will enjoy living in a small space. If you have a small dog and are about to move from a house with a yard to an apartment, there are several steps you can take to prepare your pooch for apartment living. Even if you've already moved into an apartment, there are many things you can do to help your dog adjust to and feel comfortable in their new home.

• Prepare your dog for life in an apartment

Limit time in the garden in the last two to three weeks before moving. Outdoor space will be limited in the new apartment. Taking your small dog for a walk in the yard less often before you move can help him get used to not having a yard to run around in anymore.

Try not to abruptly stop walking your dog in the yard. Make the transition gradually. This gives your dog time to adjust.

Try cutting the time outside a little more every few days. If your dog is used to being outside for a total of two hours each day, try reducing the time to one hour and 45 minutes. After three to four days, reduce the time to an hour and a half. Further reduce the total time to move.

You can start cutting the time out in the yard every time you take the dog to the bathroom. Instead of letting the dog run around, bring him back as soon as he's done.

For the last week before moving, walk your dog twice a day. Small dogs need exercise just like larger ones, but the opportunity to be outdoors will be limited indoors. A walk in the morning and one in the afternoon or evening will give your dog the daily exercise they need. In addition, starting the walks before the move will help your dog adjust to his new routine after the move.

Spend time every day playing with your dog indoors. Once you move, you can no longer play with your dog outside in the yard whenever you want. Introducing your dog to indoor playtime before you move will help your dog adjust to the new apartment more easily. After the move, your dog is probably looking forward to some indoor playtime together.

Play fetch with a stuffed animal that won't knock over any fragile items in your home.

Play hide and seek with a bone, ball, or dog toy. Show your dog the item, then hide it somewhere and let your pooch find it.

Practice old and new tricks like sitting and rolling over. Let your dog proudly show you he's still good at tricks he's already learned. Then challenge him by teaching him a new trick.

Create a small obstacle course for your dog to navigate. Choose an area with the most open floor space, such as a B. the living room. Then set up some objects for the dog to climb or jump over, or run around or crawl through. You can use boxes, crates, chairs, baskets or anything you have on hand.

Familiarize your dog with training materials. Training pads are great for small dogs. The pads can absorb any accidents your dog may have in the new apartment. You can also train your dog to intentionally walk on the exercise pads all the time since you don't have a yard for the dog to go into.

Place the exercise pads in areas of your home that are similar to where you would like them in the apartment. For example, keep one in or near the bathroom and do the same when you move around. This will help your dog find the pads more easily after moving to the new location.

Buy exercise pads and other supplies before you move into the apartment. If you put together a lot of the things you need for your dog in the new apartment in advance, it will be easier for you after the move. This way you and your dog are better prepared for life in the apartment.

Items you will need for your small dog around the apartment include exercise pads, a leash for walks, and toys for indoor playtime.

• Adaptation to the new apartment

Develop a routine in the new apartment right away. Your dog will feel comfortable in his new home faster if he knows what to expect. Develop a schedule for everything from feeding and walking the dog to outdoor bathroom breaks and playtime. Try to get everything done around the same time each day.

If possible, have one person stay home while the other is outside until the dog gets used to it. If you live with a partner, roommate, or family member, your dog will be less afraid of his new home if someone is always around for the first few weeks. If one of you is out, the other can stay with the dog. This isn't always possible due to work schedules and other commitments, but doing it whenever you can will calm your dog down.

It shouldn't be necessary to leave someone at home indefinitely. Once your dog is comfortable in the apartment, try to leave him alone at home. You can tell your dog is comfortable with keeping his ears and tail in their natural, relaxed position as you get ready to go.

Skip this step if you live alone.

Experiment with leaving the house without your dog for a short time. Your dog might be nervous about being in a new home and anxious when you're not around. Even the smallest dog can become too loud and annoy the neighbors when it barks at its owner. To help your pup adjust to being in the new apartment without you, go outside for a moment. Check your email, chat with a neighbor down the hall, or run a quick errand. Once your dog gets used to you being away for short periods of time, he'll also be less anxious when you're gone longer.

Create a comfortable space with things your dog is familiar with. A space where your dog can curl up or take a break when needed will help your dog feel safe and comfortable in their new home.

Make the room cozy by placing familiar items like a favorite toy or blanket there. These should be items your dog had in the old home before moving.

You can use your dog's bed or crate to create a space exclusively for your dog.

• Keep your dog happy in the Apartment

Keep the dog in a crate while you leave the home. If your dog is extremely nervous every time you leave, he may be more comfortable in a crate while you're away. Depending on your dog, you may not necessarily need to lock him up in the crate. It can be comforting to just have the crate as a safe place for the dog to find shelter when you're out.

For more details on crate training, read Crate Train Your Dog or Puppy.

Walk your dog every day. Even the smallest dogs need daily exercise. Since your pup no longer has their own yard to run and play in every day, you need to schedule daily walks. A walk first thing in the morning and another late afternoon will keep your dog healthy and happy.

Walk your dog for at least 20-30 minutes each time.

Taking your dog outside daily will prevent your pet from being cooped up indoors for too long, which can lead to unwanted behaviors like chewing on furniture.

Take your dog outside for regular potty breaks when not using training pads. Your dog probably needs to go to the bathroom at least three times a day. If you don't plan on using indoor exercise pads, take your dog to the bathroom once in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Take your dog to a park at least once a week. In addition to daily walks, your pooch will benefit from more extensive exercise at least one day a week. A walk in any park is great, but parks designed specifically for dogs are excellent places for your pup to stretch their legs and roam freely.

Exercising your dog regularly will keep him happy in your new, smaller home, and your dog will look forward to weekly trips to the park.

Hire someone to look after your dog during the day. When you're at work all day, it can be comforting for your dog to have someone else drop by your apartment. Family members, friends or neighbors are all people you should ask. If they are unable to check on the dog, you can hire a pet sitter to come visit or walk your pup.

Maintain indoor playtime daily. Keep up with the indoor playtime you introduced to your dog before the move. The routine will help your dog feel comfortable in his new home. It's also a great time for both of you to bond, and the activity gives your dog some extra exercise.

Plan a doggy play date for your pooch. Your dog can benefit from playtime with other dogs. Find a neighbor in your apartment building who also has a dog, and make time to let the dogs play together.

Since your dog is small, it would be best to find another small dog to play with. A larger dog can quickly overwhelm your smaller one.

Find another dog owner and go for a walk with your dogs.

Get to know other small dog owners at your local park or dog park and plan to meet up at the same time each week.