How to Help Your Dog Adjust to Living in an Apartment

Dogs have many great traits. They are incredibly loyal to their owners and would never leave their homes. Dogs are also extremely warm and loving creatures, always wanting to cuddle. They can also be very protective of their home and their loved ones. And as a bonus, they are incredibly cute and fluffy. But one thing dogs are not is adaptable. Dogs can be pretty stubborn and set in their ways. It’s hard to get them to adapt to new environments and changes in their lifestyle. And after all, they are animals, and they like their freedom. So, you can imagine that putting a dog in a closed space with no backyard to play in can be a challenge. Find out how you can help your dog adjust to living in an apartment with some simple tips and tricks.

Patience is a must in this situation

The first piece of advice we will give you is that you will have to be very patient. This process will not be easy. Your dog will need time to get used to living in an apartment, and expect that everything will not always go smoothly. The most important thing is not to be discouraged. These things are normal. You just need to be persistent and follow the instructions we will give you. Also, remember that not all dogs are the same. Some need a little more time to get used to it, and some a little less. So if you hear from someone that their dog mastered everything in a couple of weeks, don't despair if your dog hasn't succeeded in a month. Your dog probably just needs a little more time. Just be persistent, and the results will come.

Caption: A dog needs to have a routine to feel safe and have a sense of normalcy

Stick to a routine

Dogs need a routine. And living in the apartment will be a big change. Therefore, the best thing you can do to help your dog adjust to living in an apartment is that you establish a clear routine for your dog as soon as possible and stick to it. Determine the time when you will take the dog for a walk. Dogs are energetic animals, and I need regular physical activity. Given that in the apartment, they will not have the same opportunities for running and playing as they would have in a house with a yard, regular walks and running outside are paramount. Also, set a time when he will get food and stick to it. This will give the dog a much-needed sense of stability. A big change, such as living in an apartment, can make your dog nervous and anxious, so you should do everything to make the dog feel safe again.

Caption: If you want to help your dog adjust to living in an apartment, you have to work on socializing him properly

Socialize your dog

If you want your dog to get used to living in an apartment, you will have to make an effort to socialize it. Living in an apartment means constantly bumping into neighbors and other people. For a dog that is not used to it, it can create a big problem. If your dog reacts violently to unknown people, it is a sign that you need to socialize with him better. But the good thing is that it can be fixed with regular exercise. Take your dog to the dog park every day. There, try to introduce your dog to other dogs and their owners. Of course, don't force it. Let the dog take his time. On the first day, let him just observe. Slowly, over time, the dog will want to meet other dogs. Always have your dog's favorite snacks with you. If his first meeting with another dog goes well, reward him. That way, you will encourage good behavior in him.

A dog needs his space

The next thing you need to do is to set up the space for your dog in the apartment. It should be a place where he will sleep, eat and play. Many people do not have enough space in their apartments for this and have to turn to other options. The best thing you can do in this case is to rent a storage unit. And don't worry, it won't cost you too much. If you are asking yourself how to save money when renting storage and despair because of the expenses on your finances, know there is no need for that. If you just do a little research, you will be able to find an affordable unit. And it will pay off in the long run and save you money. When you set up a space for him, be strict about those boundaries. Make it clear that the dog needs to respect those boundaries, and of course, when he is obedient, reward him with a treat.

Caption: If your dog gets anxious from all the new sounds in your apartment, wrap him in his favorite blanket

Help your dog adjust to living in an apartment by sound training him

Living in an apartment brings with it various sounds that come from the building and the outside world. The sounds of people in the apartments above or below you, the sounds of cars and sirens from outside. All this can be very stressful for a dog that is not used to it. And this may be the hardest lesson you will have to teach him. What you can do is start preparing your dog for this even before you move into the apartment. You can find sounds on the Internet that make your dog upset and anxious. Then start playing those sounds very quietly to him, wrap him in his favorite blanket and pay attention to his behavior. When you see that he is upset, stop the sounds. After some time, start again. After a certain period, you will notice that your dog has stopped reacting to these sounds and is not afraid. When he doesn’t react nervously to those sounds anymore, reward him with a treat.

In conclusion

These were just some of the ways to help your dog adjust to living in an apartment. While all of them are significant, if you are not patient, the chances that you will succeed are very low. Dogs need to feel safe while going through this big adjustment. And if you are impatient with them and yelling constantly, you will only make them more anxious. So, before you start, prepare yourself and accept that this could be a very long process. But just know that if you are persistent in the end, you will succeed.

Meta Description: If you are moving into a new apartment, check out our helpful advice and learn how to help your dog adjust to living in an apartment!

✍🏼 Natalie Taylor