Owning a dog in an apartment can still have its advantages. It is true that things can be a little more complicated if you have a dog living in an apartment rather than house. The first thing most people think is that the dog will not be able to exercise and play in wide spaces. That is mostly true, but I believe that with proper care and training a dog can live a very happy life indoors as well. If you do live in an apartment now, but you would like to be able to own a dog there are some steps you must follow before even going out and choosing a dog.
You must check with the property management and make sure dogs are not banned. Luckily if they are not banned, you should evaluate your daily schedules and make sure that you will be able to provide proper care and attention as needed. If they are banned you might have an opportunity to change the landlord's mind by providing well collected information such as a pet resume, immunization record, references, and your pet care schedule. All these things will show responsibility and be able to convince the landlord that even if the dog causes damages (stains in carpet, torn or pulled carpet, scratches, etc.) you will take care of expenses for repair. Most landlords may be a little more reluctant to allow tenants allow dogs if it means more stable tenants.
Crate Training
Will you be able to take the dog out to go to the bathroom when it needs to? Some dogs are able to adapt to a daily schedule on this type of situation. Let's say you feed your dog and take it out before you go to work or school, you get home from work at 5:30 everyday and you feed the dog and then take it out for a walk to pee. The dog can get used to this and will even wait for you to get home if properly trained, crate training can be a solution. It is not advised at all to expect the dog to suddenly be able to "hold it." If you are not willing to give the dog this type of proper attention, the dog will not be well educated and situation will result with feces and urine inside your home. This can be very frustrating after dealing with it on a daily basis. It can also be very confusing and frustrating for the dog if it is not able to understand when and where it is ok to "go." Some people think that crate training can be cruel but it can actually be a good outcome. As long as you relate all good behavior and rewards during the introduction of the crate to your dog, your dog will accept the crate as a safe home.
Choose a crate that suits your dog's size. Your dog should be able to stand up and turn around for comfort in the crate. When you first bring the crate home don't automatically force your dog into the crate and lock her up and leave for 6 hours. You should leave the door open and maybe leave a couple of treats inside and a blanket and let her investigate on her own. Maybe even try to crawl in yourself for a bit with your dog so that she can assume it's a good place to be and not a punishment cage. When she does decide to sit inside comfortable and patiently you can leave the cage door open and walk away for a moment. Leave her food and water inside and sit back and wait for her behavior. When it seems like she is ok with hanging out in the cage you can close the cage door and stand there for a moment and walk away. She may start whining but don't open the door for her right away. Stand by the cage and wait for her to calm down then open the cage door and let her get out on her own. No this will not be solved in one day, you will have to do this repeatedly for a few days until your dog gets used to the schedule. Dogs don't like to lay in their own urine and feces so they will get used to having to hold it until you come back home and take her out.
When you do take your dog out for a walk remember you will have to pick up after the dog. Not only for respect for pedestrians but it is the law! You can be fined for not picking up the feces and disposing of them properly.
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