How to Handle Dog Ownership in an Apartment Building

The balancing act between pets and landlords can be tricky, but if you want a dog and are lucky enough to live in an apartment that allows pets, don't hesitate to bring that furry companion into your family. Apartment life and dog ownership presents challenges that homeowners may not have to face, such as weight regulations and shared walls, floors and ceilings. If you are a responsible owner, however, there is no reason that you and your dog can't live in harmony with your landlord and neighbors.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Collar
  • Dog treats
  • Dog toys
  • Bones or chews
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check with your landlord to see if dogs are allowed. If they are, ask about weight or size regulations. Ask your landlord to give you a list of all pet-related rules that you will have to follow.

    • 2

      Consider purchasing or adopting a dog that is suited for apartment life. This has less to do with size than you might think, and more to do with energy level. Some dogs that do well in apartments include bulldogs, dachshunds, beagles, basset hounds and corgis. Even large dogs such as Great Danes and Saint Bernards are laid back enough for apartment life if you can stand sharing your limited space.

    • 3

      Take your dog outside for walks frequently to avoid accidents in the apartment. Your landlord will appreciate not having to replace the carpet after you move. Always walk your dog to an acceptable (and not so public) area to do its business. Take bags along and clean up any mess your dog makes.

    • 4

      Enroll your dog in basic obedience classes. A dog that knows how to follow basic commands will be much more acceptable to a landlord and to your neighbors. It will help eliminate fears that your dog will attack someone or destroy something.

    • 5

      Teach your dog to be quiet on command. Fill a tin can with coins and shake it whenever your dog starts to bark. Speak the command "quiet" as you do this. When your dog stops barking, instantly reward it with praise and a treat. Require your dog to be quiet for longer and longer periods before rewarding it. The ability to quiet your dog on command will help prevent it from annoying your neighbors with excessive barking.

    • 6

      Exercise with your dog every day. Take it for multiple walks (which is easy in an apartment, as you have to take it outside to potty anyway). Play games with it. Take it to the dog park if you need to so that you can let it off leash to play Frisbee or fetch. Burning extra energy will keep your dog from destroying things in your apartment. You will save yourself money and an argument with your landlord if the walls and carpets aren't damaged.

    • 7

      Provide your dog with toys and bones to keep it occupied. If it tries to chew on something unacceptable, replace with a toy of its own. Keep several different types of chews and toys on hand at all times to keep your dog from getting bored.

    • 8

      Bathe your dog frequently to keep it from smelling up the apartment. Brush its fur as needed. Keeping your dog well groomed will help it make a better impression on your landlord and neighbors. Use a flea collar to keep fleas off your dog and out of your apartment.