Today, it is common to live in an apartment. Does that mean that you have to give up adopting a dog? Is a peaceful and fulfilling cohabitation possible without outdoor space? It all depends on your lifestyle and the character of the dog in question. Here are some tips for balancing apartment living with four-legged companions.

First of all, before considering adopting a dog, it is worth asking the right questions. Indeed, welcoming an animal into the home is never a trivial act. Also, to avoid increasing the number of abandoned pets, it is essential to assess the load that a dog represents, especially when living in an apartment. You must be prepared to take the dog out several times a day, whatever the weather conditions, for its needs. However, this is not enough and it is also necessary to provide relaxation outings, so that the dog can play, explore and exercise outdoors. In addition, depending on your schedule and that of your family, you should estimate the time spent alone for the dog. Sometimes it can be healthier and more reasonable to put off adopting an animal when the pace of our lives does not allow us to create a fulfilling environment. Indeed, in addition to the lack of stimulation for the dog, a significant frustration linked to an inadequate lifestyle can lead to undesirable and extremely annoying behavior, for oneself or the neighbors, which can lead to the dog abandoning (incessant barking, destruction, uncleanliness, aggressiveness, etc.). 

If, after weighing the pros and cons, you are ready to make concessions and adapt your daily life to include a four-legged companion, here are some tips to facilitate this major change in your life.

First of all, you have to keep in mind that everything depends on you in the first place. Indeed, living in an apartment does not have the same meaning if you want to play sports every day with your dog, if you are a family where at least one member is almost always present at home or if you live alone and work. fulltime.

Then, it is clear that some breeds, by their character, lend themselves more to apartment living than others. Thus, it is generally recommended to avoid very dynamic breeds, which require intense physical activity or stimulating intellectual work. This is particularly the case with most sheepdogs such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds or Belgian Shepherds or very lively dogs such as Huskys or Boxers, for example. To be balanced, these dogs require not only long walks in freedom or phases of play during which they can exert themselves but also to be stimulated in work or education. Otherwise, they often develop stereotypies, that is, repeated behaviors aimlessly, or obsessive disorders, with balls or games, for example.

On the contrary, some breeds adapt more easily to life in a confined space due to their calm nature. This is particularly the case with many mastiffs (Cane Corso, Dogue de Bordeaux, etc.) or many small dogs (Shih Tzu, Cotons de Tulear, Chihuahuas). However, the format of the dog should not be the only criterion of choice. Indeed, some small dogs require significant and regular physical activity which can sometimes be difficult to obtain in an apartment, such as Jack Russels, for example.

In order to offer the most satisfying possible life to your dog and, at the same time, to benefit from a balanced and well-educated companion, it is essential to give the dog the opportunity to let off steam. It is therefore necessary to walk it several times a day. However, walks on a leash, in town or in the countryside, are not sufficient. Indeed, during walks, the dog must be able to visually and olfactorily explore his environment. It is therefore necessary to leave him the leisure to feel the places which interest him, to follow tracks, etc. In addition, making him do physical exercise, either by letting him run or by stimulating him through play or even through a dog sport (agility, cani-cross, cani-VTT, etc.), is very important. to then have a calm and receptive dog indoors.

In addition, intellectual occupation is also very beneficial for improving the living conditions of a dog in an apartment. This can be based on learning and education phases, original food distributors (hollow games, puzzles, etc.), and any positive interaction with your dog.

Finally, if your schedule does not allow you to spend as much time with your dog as he deserves, services are being developed to help you on a daily basis. It is thus more and more frequent to call upon day care centers, dog-sitters or dog walking services in order to occupy the days of our companions. Although these services are more common in the city, nothing prevents you from offering a classified ad in the countryside to find a nanny for your dog.

What to remember

In conclusion, it is possible to lead a fulfilling life with your dog in an apartment. The main thing is that the adoption of the dog is well thought out and documented. We must learn about the dog’s character and be imaginative in the adaptations and activities that we can then offer him, throughout his life. It should also be remembered that breeds only give general information about a dog’s character and that there is no rule: each individual is different, and the ability of each dog to adapt to its environment depends. also strongly about his past and his upbringing. Finally, it is important to allow time for adaptation, following the adoption. A life for two is built step by step, patiently, and the use of professionals (educators, behaviorists, veterinarians) can help you improve the atmosphere of the home.