Apartment living with a dog

Aussies love their pets, and it’ll come as no surprise that our beloved canine companions make it to the top of the list when it comes to pet popularity, nowadays almost 65% of homes will have a pet pooch residing front and centre by the fireplace, or on the couch, or the verandah or the front yard....

If you find you are currently tossing up between becoming a pet owner and or an apartment-dweller, you needn't be losing any sleep over it, thesedays, there’s no reason you (and your soon to be new canine companion) can’t be both. However, there are some things to consider when it comes to taking the plunge and adding a furry friend to your pack, it is a serious commitment and one that needs to be made in consideration of your lifestyle and living arrangements. Here, we take a look at some of the important factors to consider and provide a few helpful tips:

Provision of exercise and stimulation

While some dogs are more than content to laze about in an apartment all day, others may become anxious, bored or destructive - chances are, if you’re still reading this blog, you may have the latter on your hands.

Most dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation, though how much your dog needs will depend on the breed and individual personality. If you’re an apartment dweller, when leaving your dog home alone, it's a great idea to consider providing them with some stimulating dog puzzles or long lasting treats to keep them entertained, and of course, a comfy spot to snooze the day away once they have worn themselves out.

Maintain good relationships with neighbours

Whilst we can safely say that 65% of the population are like-minded dog lovers, you will undoubtedly encounter the odd neighbour that isn't too keen on the idea of sharing a building with your pet pooch. This may be as a result of several reasons, and who are we to judge (CAT LOVER!) they may be allergic, fearful or simply dislike the idea of animals and humans sharing spaces. Perhaps the most important thing we can all do to ensure man and best-friend continue to live side by side is this, ALWAYS CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG. Simple really. It is no doubt the one thing that will unite neighbours in opposition to your pooches presence. The mess dogs, or it could be said dog owners leave behind has always been an easy point to pick. Keep the peace by always having your dog under control in common areas and ensuring you carry supplies to clean up any mess when nature (as it always does) unfortunately calls in those public places.

Pet-proof your apartment

Dogs are curious creatures, so ensuring you have boundaries and designated spaces is an important step you can take to reduce the risk of unwanted mess or damage to your belongings. Training your pooch to respect no-go areas is the gold standard, but you may find that permanent dividing structures are an eyesore, or simply don't suit your space. Luckily these gates / barriers are becoming more and more creative and stylish and you will no doubt be able to acquire one that ties in nicely with your decor, and does not take away from the beauty of your apartment. If you are bringing a new dog home, consider leaving them in a smaller area of the apartment to begin with, such as a laundry or bathroom, gradually giving them more freedom as they adapt to their new inner-city or suburban living space.