Are you debating whether or not to get a dog because your apartment has too little space for a pet?
Before committing to owning a dog, it is essential to consider your living conditions, especially if you live in a tiny apartment.
Not only can living in a small space be hazardous for a dog, but it can also challenge you by limiting your lifestyle. Fortunately, there are many life hacks for dog owners.
Follow these six tips to make life easier for you and your beloved pooch.
- Designate an Area for Exercise
Pick an area and make sure it is a safe space. A designated area signals to your dog when is an appropriate time for exercise.
Creating an area for exercise also functions as an appropriate spot for enrichment exercises, which can help with destructive behaviors. Furthermore, if your dog enjoys toys, providing an area to play with them is helpful for physical and mental stimulation.
- Make the Most of Vertical Space
One of the helpful dog lifehacks is to install wall-mounted shelves for them to use for play, display, and storage purposes. Depending on your interior design style, if you feel comfortable around drills and saws, you can even build your shelves with materials like wood and metal. Then, you can strategically place them near their bed area and dedicate two shelves to store their toys and treats!
- Reduce Stress With Activities
To reduce the stress of a dog in an apartment, provide enrichment activities like food puzzles, Kongs, toy hunts, and interactive play with your dog. Brushing and massage can help keep their coat looking shiny and their stress levels low. You can also provide plenty of positive reinforcement and use treats to provide mental stimulation.
- Feed the Mind and Body
Make sure to provide your pup with plenty of nutritious, calorie-dense food and lots of fresh water. Provide a warm, comfortable place to sleep and an area to relax. You can also put up a balcony grass for dogs for them to use as a toilet.
Lastly, ensure your pup is getting enough socialization. Spend quality time with your dog and take them on visits with friends or family with four-legged companions.
- Deodorize Without Using Chemicals
Baking soda is an effective natural deodorizer and can be sprinkled on your dog’s bedding or wherever they like to hang out. Additionally, a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water can be sprayed onto the affected area and works great for odors from urine or vomit.
Regular baths with a mild cleanser are also a good idea, as well as brushing your dog’s fur to evenly distribute their natural oils. Finally, placing a bowl of activated charcoal or a sachet of dried green tea, both of which absorb odors, in your pup’s hangout will keep your home smelling fresh.
- Utilize Natural Light and Playful Elements
Open up blinds or curtains and let the sunlight flood in during the day. Not only can this help improve your pup’s mental well-being, but it can also help you both get some extra Vitamin D. Additionally, playful elements like scratching posts, chew toys, and interactive toys can help keep your pup active.
Maximizing Your Dog’s Comfort in a Small Space
Small spaces don’t have to be a drawback when it comes to caring for your dog. Spend time with your dog, use training to help create a peaceful space and provide plenty of outlets for physical and mental stimulation. Happy Dog, Happy Home!
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