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The High Rise Dog

For the longest time, I thought I couldn’t – or shouldn’t – have a dog. As an apartment dweller, I wasn’t convinced it was fair to confine a furry little friend of the canine persuasion to high rise life. I finally, and thankfully, came to my senses when I welcomed a little Bichon into my heart.

Living in a high rise or condo presents unique challenges to a dog owner that homeowners with large yards don’t face. Living in a building with several floors and elevators make you think twice.
 
There’s no back door you can open to let him go outside – you’ll always have to strap on your dog’s leash to go outside to the ground floor. You’ll have to get used to dealing with elevators, tight hallways, and lobbies. However, if you take the proper steps, you and your dog can easily adapt to life without a backyard. Here are few tips.
 
Do your homework
 
Some breeds are more adaptable to small spaces, but often it’s more about how you train and exercise your dog. Most dogs, regardless of breed or size, can do well in an apartment if they’re given adequate exercise, training and attention to meet their needs.
 
  • Take a critical look at your lifestyle. It’s a huge time commitment – are you able to devote the required time to a dog?
  • Can you provide the time as well as the financial resources required for food and care?
  • Assess a dog’s energy needs – it’s more accurate than specific breed selection for addressing concerns about providing appropriate space, care and exercise
  • Consider where you live – are you close to dog-friendly parks? 
  • If you don’t have a car, how will you transport your dog in the event of an emergency?
  • Are you willing to make a commitment to training?
 Couch potatoes and dogs don’t mix
 
  • Exercise for each dog differs, but one or two brisk walks a day, plus some off-leash play in a safely contained area is recommended.
 
At the end of your leash
 
  • Never leave your dog unleashed. Your dog should always be tied up on their leash especially when you intend to go to common areas of your apartment.
  • Maintain control in any given situation. If you meet a neighbour inside your building, make the dog’s leash short and close to you.
     
  • Use a short leash on your dog. Keep him close to you when you travel the hallways of your building.
     
  • Don’t allow your dog to run up to anyone. As hard as it is to believe, not every one likes dogs. By having a short leash, you can easily control your dog’s actions.
     
  • Never let your dog jump on people, no matter how small the dog is. Teach your dog to sit for praise and petting. Dogs that jump on people can cause a person to be knocked over or scratched.  This is especially important for children and older people.
     
  • When waiting for an elevator, stand back so that you can get a good look at who’s in the elevator or coming off. People on elevators have a tendency to stand in front of the door and exit as soon as the door opens. Have your dog walk next to you when you enter the elevator. Don’t let him enter ahead of you, especially if someone is on the elevator.

With a little research, training, and a lot of patience, apartment dogs can enjoy the high life. Do I have any regrets? Only one. That I didn’t invite my canine roommate to move in sooner!