It’s a common expectation that dogs need to live in a single-family home with a private yard, but that isn’t necessarily true. While dogs do need space of their own and the ability to get regular exercise, there are many ways to achieve that. Like people, dogs need certain elements in their home in order to thrive: consistent routines, a comfortable place to rest, regular movement, and mental stimulation. You can provide all of these things for your dog, even if you live in a small downtown apartment. Here’s how.
Keep a Consistent Routine
Your dog’s health and behavior depend on routine. The American Kennel Club notes that keeping a consistent routine can help dogs stick to their training and minimize stress or anxiety. Pick times for feeding, walking, play, potty breaks, and sleep that generally work for your schedule. You should try to follow them as much as possible, even when you’re busy, traveling, or getting ready to move. If you work an unpredictable schedule and may not be available for the designated feeding or walking times, consider hiring a service or asking a friend to step in when you can’t be there.
Create a Comfortable Indoor Environment
Like you, your dog needs a place to stretch out, play, relax, and sleep. The RSPCA recommends these elements in home prep:
- A safe, dry place to sleep
- A place to hide during frightening moments
- An area to go toilet
- Beds that are sufficiently large enough for your dog
- Home free of common hazards, such as small items that could become a choking hazard
- Entertaining toys that do not require much space
Owners living in luxury apartments may be able to dedicate an entire room for your dog. Otherwise, see if you can set aside a specific part of a bedroom or the main living area.
Ensure Regular Exercise
In general, your dog needs half an hour to two hours of exercise per day. The right kind of exercise depends on the breed, according to PetMD. Hunting, herding, and working dogs may need a couple hours of exercise, including 30 minutes of rigorous activity. Two walks a day should be sufficient for most breeds, especially if you can do longer adventures and activities on your days off. Be sure to ask your vet about your dog’s exercise needs, especially as they get older or if they have conditions like arthritis.
Utilize Nearby Dog Parks for Exercise and Socialization
When dogs spend a lot of time at home with just one or two people, they can get bored. Sometimes, they can even lose some of their social skills. Although regular walking can help, if you have access to a nearby dog park, you may find additional opportunities for exercise and socialization. Dog parks often allow your dog critical off-leash time, along with opportunities to play and engage with other dogs. Dog parks can provide a great opportunity for you to reinforce training and continue to socialize younger or anxious dogs.
Provide Mental Stimulation
If your home seems boring, you may get anxious, restless, or irritated spending time there. Your dog feels the same way. A home without toys or intellectual challenges can give your dog too much energy and nowhere to put it. Place a snuffle mat or stuff a toy with food for your dog to get at during meals and snacks. Take your dog on a treasure hunt inside the home to find their favorite toys. Consider stocking up when toys are on sale, so you can periodically introduce a new one for a change of pace.
Keeping your dog healthy and happy can happen almost anywhere, even in a downtown apartment. Dogs need exercise, comfort, socialization, and mental stimulation. Apply these practices and your pet’s specific requirements, and you’ll have the foundation for a great life with your dog in any space.
Author bio: Business leader Ben Creamer received his B.A. from Saint Norbert College and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School. After law school, he worked as an attorney and counseled sophisticated real estate clients with law firm Mayer Brown LLP. Creamer’s passion is real estate business, as his father was a real estate developer and broker for more than 50 years. In 2009, this family tradition sparked Creamer to co-found Downtown Apartment Collective (DAC), a provider of Chicago rental apartments. DAC’s mission is to help clients find downtown Chicago apartments in the Loop and surrounding neighborhoods.
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