Do you live in an apartment with your dog? While people sometimes associate dogs with large houses and yards, and plenty of outdoor space, dogs can be quite happy living in apartments.
However, there are things that you and your pup might find more challenging in an apartment than in a house with more floors or more outdoor space. This might be due to the noise from people in the lobby or the corridor or hallway, or simply due to there not being as much space.
Fortunately, any issues you might run into aren’t too difficult to address – a handful of the best dog treats are just one potential solution! And Juliana DeWillems, the owner and head trainer at JW Dog Training & Behavior, has explained how we make apartment living easier for our pups in a recent Instagram post. Let’s take a closer look at her tips here.
1. Use a white noise machine: A white noise machine by the front door can help drown out any sounds from the hallway. This can help your dog relax and get more rest. White noise sounds have been shown to reduce anxiety in both dogs and humans – sometimes, dogs prefer near silence to white noise, but if this isn’t possible due to things going on outside your front door, white noise is a great alternative!
2. Plenty of enrichment each day: Make enrichment part of your pup’s daily routine to provide them with the mental stimulation a dog needs. Why not try these 11 dog enrichment ideas that will keep your pooch entertained, and these 10 great brain games for dogs? If you’re busy, even just a puzzle feeder or Kong toy can help keep your dog entertained until you’re able to play with or walk them.
3. Always bring treats with you when leaving your apartment: It’s not always easy to leave the building with your dog when you live in an apartment. After all, there can be lots of exciting distractions for our pups, from the elevator to people or other dogs in the lobby. If you bring some treats with you, it’s easier for you to help your dog stay focused on you and the goal of getting outside without any issues.
If you don’t have a dog right now but you’re considering it, it’s worth keeping these tips in mind. In the meantime, however, why not take a look at the 16 best dogs for apartment living for some inspiration?
