Owning a dog can lead to some magical adventures for you and your pup! Living in an apartment, however, could introduce some unique challenges for you and your canine companion. If you live in a flat and are thinking of getting a dog, or you’re a dog owner looking to move into a flat, here are some tips to ease into apartment living with your pet!
Size (Sometimes) Matters
Before choosing your dog or moving to an apartment, consider your breed of dog. High-energy breeds like Border Collies, Beagles and German Shepherds might not be suitable for flat life! That doesn’t always mean you have to get a small dog. Lots of dog breeds of all shapes and sizes can be suited to apartment living! Look for a lower energy, calmer breed to share your flat with.
The Right Space
As well as the right breed, you’ll want to choose an apartment with the right conditions for your furry friend. Especially important for larger dogs, ensure there is enough room in your flat. If the place is cluttered with furniture, they might not have enough room to move around, and bigger dogs could be prone to knocking into things. Living close to a local park is also ideal for daily walks. If you’re renting, don’t forget to check with your landlord before introducing your canine!
Training
The last thing your neighbours will want is a loud, barking dog living next door. And the last thing you’ll want is for your flat to be torn up by a bored, anxious or stressed dog!* If you’re worried about your dog misbehaving while you’re gone, there are a few things you can do to help. Shutting curtains could mean your dog is less likely to bark at people or animals walking past, and you could mask outside noises with a radio. You can find out about crate training your dog here, which could help them feel more secure while you’re gone. Keep them interested with toys, too. You can find plenty of puzzle toys to treat your pooch and keep them entertained throughout the day!
Routine
Establishing a solid daily routine could help your dog adjust to apartment living more quickly. Feeding and walking your furry friend at the same time every day can make them feel more comfortable when left alone. It can also help with toilet training, if they have a regular time of day to relieve themselves! Indoor pet toilets are available to help prevent accidents, which look and feel like grass. If you’re out for long periods of time during the day, you could also hire a dog walker to get your pooch out of the flat.
Exercise
We’ve mentioned exercise plenty on this list already, but it’s really important to give your dog enough exercise and stimulation every day. Think about this when choosing where to live or when thinking about getting a dog. Giving your pup two walks a day can be a large time investment, so living near parks or open spaces where they can be off the lead is ideal. This is more important for some breeds than others, but most dogs will need space to run, explore and socialise with other pups to keep them happy and healthy.
We hope these tips have helped start your journey into apartment living with your pooch! If you’re looking into getting a dog, or already share your adventures with a canine companion, you might want to think about insurance for your four-legged friend. At The Insurance Emporium, our Dog Insurance comes with Standard Benefits like Vet’s Fees cover up to £8,000^ and can be tailored to suit your needs with a range of Optional Benefits. You could even get up to 30% discount!† Head on down to The Insurance Emporium to find out more.
^ Cover up to £8,000 available on lunar and calendar monthly Lifetime Gold policies.
† The 30% discount is made up of 20% Introductory Discount plus 10% Multi-Pet Discount (if appropriate). The Introductory Discount is available for the first 12 premium payments on lunar and calendar monthly policies, or one premium payment on annual policies.
* Pet Insurance from The Insurance Emporium excludes damage occurring whilst your pet is left attended.
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